Groundbreaking ceremony for sustainable midwestern resort planned

ARCOLA, IL – Dedicated to responsible tourism and sustainability, Green Mill Village (GMV), the Midwest’s first project of its kind, is currently under construction in Arcola, Illinois, approximat

ARCOLA, IL – Dedicated to responsible tourism and sustainability, Green Mill Village (GMV), the Midwest’s first project of its kind, is currently under construction in Arcola, Illinois, approximately two hours from Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis.

The official groundbreaking ceremony will take place at the site, which is located at the intersection of Illinois Rt. 133 and Egyptian Trail Road, approximately one-half mile east of Interstate 57 Exit 203, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 30.

The event is much more than turning dirt with shovels as much of the initial development work has been completed. Announcements about future development will come from four speakers.

The keynote speakers include Dr. Charles Page, project engineer and LEED planner; Bob McElwee, developer/owner; Arcola (Illinois) city officials, Larry Ferguson, Mayor and Bill Wagoner, City Administrator. Following the speakers, photo opportunities, media interviews and light refreshments will be available. The presentation is expected to last thirty minutes. The event is “invitation only.”

“This event will give our invited guests and the media a chance to hear from many of the people responsible for the development at Green Mill Village, said Bob McElwee, developer/owner. “It will provide a great deal of insight into the positive impact this project will have on the local communities as we proceed.”

GMV’s commitment to sustainability is already apparent on many levels. Planners and contractors are mindful of the environment and how it will be affected by the construction process and future developments. Construction contracts have been awarded to local companies.

A product line featuring locally made Amish furniture, household goods and food items is currently being created and will be sold in GMV’s future retail center, as well as online beginning later this year. The retail center will also house local, established area businesses, allowing them a new venue for their products.

Additionally, McElwee has put together a partnership of global and local companies, government entities and local entrepreneurs, not only to create new jobs in the tourism sector, but also in manufacturing.

“We will be introducing some of the local partners from the business and education areas,” McElwee said. “And explaining how the combined efforts of these groups will result in a model for success that can be used by any community.”

McElwee’s partner in the project is Agri-Fab Holding Company of Sullivan, Ill. Their holding company owns and manages manufacturing plants in east-central Illinois, along with production facilities in others parts of the US.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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