Silicon prairie Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich visited the UI Research Park on June 10 to unveil the Opportunity Returns program, an economic development plan that aims to foster job growth and attract high-tech businesses to East Central Illinois. Rep. Bill Black (R-104th, left rear) and Lawrence Eppley (right), chairman of the UI Board of Trustees, also attended. The plan will provide state support for several university initiatives, including $500,000 for the Information Trust Institute, which aims to enhance security and reliability of information systems used in aerospace, utilities, communications and other industries; funds for extending South Fourth Street through the South Farms; and the launch of a park-and-ride/day care center at the Research Park.
Photo by Kwame Ross