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Springer weighs in on businesses coming to Galesburg

The addition of chain retail stores or restaurants in Galesburg shouldn’t necessarily be characterized as “economic drivers” it still shows strong growth for a community this size. Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development President Ken Springer weighed in on Culver’s coming to town. He tells WGIL the amount of new stores and restaurants coming to Galesburg does, however, show economic health. He says with the amount of new businesses added in the past five years, does show an improved quality of life and quality of place. Culver’s plans to add another 100 local jobs. “Of course there’s going to be a management team,” Springer said. “There’s going to be some upper-level positions – just like any business. So it’s going to be a mix. (But) jobs are jobs. It’s good to see job growth. It’s good to see reinvestment in vacant properties. Anyone familiar with where this is going to go up on North Henderson Street, the building’s been vacant for a little while. So it’s going to be aesthetically very pleasing on North Henderson Street.” He added that he could, off the top of his head, list 40 new businesses that have opened shop in Galesburg in the past five years – saying it’s something to celebrate. KCAP had been working with Culver’s for the past six months on coming to town. Demolition of the former First Choice Medical Equipment building is expected to begin this week. Springer said when a new store comes – and builds a new building to tears down a vacant one – there’s ripple effects – creating jobs for more businesses.

 

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