Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation
Despite extensive assets, the Chicago Southland’s ability to compete effectively in economic development was hampered by a number of significant challenges. To address these challenges, DPI Group was engaged to review real estate identification, packaging, financing, and marketing in the context of a regional effort. The project involved analysis of real estate development activities and organizations in case study locations; research of tools and techniques used to finance, assemble and develop property; and recommend steps to capitalize on the study’s findings in the Chicago Southland.

Missouri’s Fort Leonard Wood Region
DPI Group was engaged as a subcontractor by Prager Company, which was engaged to uncover regional target marketing opportunities for the three-county (Laclede, Phelps, Pulaski) region along I-44 in south central Missouri. DPI Group’s role was to research economic trends and events in the region, identify growth sectors, analyze state economic development policies incentives, and tax/impact fee structures. The overall intent of the project was to identify inherent advantages and challenges, as well as opportunities that might benefit the entire region.

Heartland Partnership – Peoria, Illinois
DPI Group was engaged to conduct a six-week process of interviews, evaluation and analysis focused on improved processes and structure of the local economic development effort. Specifically, DPI Group was asked to examine funding options for the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois and to evaluate communications strategies and approaches for investor relations, internal board management, external deal flow and the new advisory and strategy groups in light of a recent Board reorganization.

Economic Development Courses
Since 2002, DPI Group Principal Mike Kirchhoff has been involved as an instructor for Basic Economic Development Courses in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri (location of the 5-state Heartland BEDC). Sessions taught included marketing, retention, strategic career management, basic principals of economic development, working with site selection consultants, and organizational development/funding. In addition, Kirchhoff led a team which developed and presented a basic economic development course for the staff of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in 2005. Kirchhoff has also presented sessions for the International Economic Development Council, Illinois Main Street, Mid-America Economic Development Council, USDA, Illinois Development Council, Professional Developers of Iowa, and numerous local and regional economic development organizations.