Facilitating. Educating. Networking.

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Locally, these IEZA activities include the determination of specific economic developement objectives, the selection of incentives, collaboration and coordination, drafting of applications, and carrying out the day-to-day local administration duties of the enterprise zones.

Developing Our Members

Enterprise zone administrators must possess a high level of knowledge and understanding of the legal and legislative aspects of Illinois' Enterprise Zone Program. As such, the IEZA regularly conducts an array of educational opportunities for its members with workshops, conferences, training sessions and panel discussions. These learning forums not only supply IEZA members with needed and insightful information, but also provide members with valuable networking and team-building benefits.

2008 Goals & Objectives

During the IEZA's 2007 Annual Board Retreat (October 30 –November 1, 2007), the Board approved the following Goals & Objectives for 2008:

GOAL I: Continue to improve communications and record keeping with all individuals, governments, organizations and businesses involved in the Illinois Enterprise Zone Program.

• Objective: Approve and publish revised IEZA By-Laws.
• Objective: Produce electronic IEZA Newsletters.
• Objective: Utilize ISBE resource assistance to continue the education of Zone Administrators, educators and school board members on the relationship between enterprise zone abatement and the general state aid formula.
• Objective: Maintain and update IEZA Web Site.
  
• Objective: Maintain centralized comprehensive mailing lists for membership information, conferences and newsletters. Integrate with online IEZA Web Site.
  
• Objective: Create web-based IEZA electronic information distribution system for rapid dissemination of critical zone related information.
  

GOAL II: Continue to broaden awareness of the Illinois Enterprise Zone Program through cooperative efforts with other Economic Development organizations.

• Objective: Link IEZA web site to web sites of IEZA members, DCEO, IDC, ITIA and other Enterprise Zone application-related sites (examples: AG Review, Gas Use Tax Exemption, etc.).

GOAL III: Continue to increase membership of Zone Administrators and other business categories.

• Objective: Maintain contact with each zone administrator by mail and electronic means.
• Objective: Conduct ongoing retention and recruitment efforts.
• Objective: Contact certified businesses and professional member candidates.
  

GOAL IV: Remain active in the enterprise zone legislative process.

• Objective: Monitor and inform members of legislation affecting zones.
• Objective: Analyze and track policies for impacts and effects on the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act and regulations.
• Objective: Poll IEZA members to assist in determining if positions should be taken on specific legislation.
  
• Objective: Contact legislators regarding IEZA's positions on legislation and encourage members to make individual contacts.

GOAL V: Educate zone administrators.

• Objective: Provide continuing education for members through workshops and conferences.
• Objective: Conduct feasibility study for future implementation of a Certified Zone Administrator professional designation through IEZA.
• Objective: Conduct survey(s) related to IEZA and member needs.
  

GOAL VI: Improve assessment of successful investment and job creation that utilizes Illinois Enterprise Zone incentives and programs.

• Objective: Examine data collection methods and devise reporting methodologies to better reflect Illinois Enterprise Zone economic impacts at the local, regional and statewide levels.