MFN Meeting Notes 10-11-25
Janice Welsch
MFN Members.
Our October meeting notes are pasted below and attached. If you have additions, please let me know. Thank you. JRW
MFN Meeting Notes
October 11, 2025, 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
Community Room, Macomb City Hall
Chair: Penny Yunker
Program: After a quick review of her evolving role at MAEDCO, Executive Director Kim Pierce and Macomb Mayor Mike Inman focused on an overview of the history, purpose and process of bringing an economic development project (FFC Project) to Macomb that they and other members of the community are actively pursuing. The project is a sports complex that would make Macomb a sports and tourism destination city, primarily for sports tournaments (principally volleyball and basketball) and conferences, but accommodating a wide range of events because of its state-of-the-art construction and design. It would encompass the development of an entertainment center and provide a foundation for an increase in restaurants, motels, and other amenities to support overnight stays. Because it is conceived as an economic development project, marketing would focus on bringing people to Macomb, rather than serving Macomb residents, though there would be room for collaboration on use of the facility for a variety of events, including weddings and conferences. The complex itself would cover about 10 acres, with an additional adjacent 20 acres made available for retail expansion. Two viable sites have been identified by the planning committee but will not be named until the project planning has resolved all pending questions.
The planning committee has been researching the best possible design, uses, and financial backing options for this project, with Mayor Inman and Kim providing a summary of the actions it has taken to ensure due diligence at every step and built-in off-ramps at critical decision-making points. TIF district designation and bond options would be among revenue sources. A critical financial bottom line for the city: the project will not increase the property taxes of residents. The Sports Facilities Companies is the consulting firm that brought this project to the attention of the mayor and Kim and continues to guide ongoing research into its feasibility. Further information is available on the City of Macomb website.
Transportation to SRC: JoAnne Hooper asked about the lack of transportation to the College, pointing out safety and retention concerns, particularly for women. Until SRC can help support such an extension of transportation to the college, given present resources, it will not happen. Other projects that are at various stages of development: a proposed popcorn shop, the new restaurant at the southwest corner of Jackson and Ward (check the mural on the back of the building), and a Hibachi restaurant on E Jackson. The City continues its quest to have the former Holiday Inn on US 67 restored or demolished.
Treasurer & Membership Report (Becky Parker)
Current Treasury amount: $2494.16: Current Membership: 28.
Continuing Business
Writing Women into History 2026: Elisa Rasmussen announced the deadline for nominations of potential recipients of this recognition is Saturday, November 29. Nomination forms will be available within the next two weeks. Elisa asked members to start thinking about women they might nominate.
Proposed Programs for 2025-2026
Nov. 08 ?? Amy Crosby, Advance. & Develop. and Found./Ann Lefter, Ctr for Perf Arts
Jan. 24 Brunch: The Wine Sellers (Becky and Jan)
Feb. 14 Stacy Nimmo, Executive Director of WIRC (Ruth) Confirmed
Mar. 07 WWIH Awards Reception 9:30 – Noon, Wesley Community Center (Elisa)
Apr. 11 ?? Multiple-age Recreational Options: Tanya Schmidt, YMCA, and MPD staff
Announcements: Connie LaRue invited members to the Thursday, October 16, gathering of 21 Book Clubs at the Western Illinois Museum from 5:30-7:30 pm. Members of each book club will give a brief overview of their primary interests/purpose and the books they will be reading during 2025-2026. Light refreshments will be served.
Sound Off