Mount Carmel Mayor Joe Judge says the city may consider joining a regional economic development organization following his recent attendance at a leadership conference in southern Illinois.
During the recent Mount Carmel City Council meeting, Judge reported attending the Southern Illinois NOW Leadership Conference on October 6th in Carbondale.
The conference brought together business representatives, municipal officials, and community leaders from throughout southern Illinois to discuss economic development and opportunities for regional growth.
Judge said he was invited to attend by the organization's executive director and came away impressed with the work being done to attract businesses and encourage investment across the region.
Southern Illinois NOW, also known as SI NOW, is an economic development organization focused on promoting business growth and economic opportunities throughout southern Illinois.
Judge told council members that Mount Carmel is not currently a member of the organization but said joining may be something the city considers in the near future.
The mayor described SI NOW as an active and progressive organization working to strengthen the southern Illinois economy.
He said he was particularly impressed by the amount of economic development activity taking place in the Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale areas.
Judge did not announce any formal plans to join the organization but indicated that its regional approach to economic development could be worth exploring for Mount Carmel.