As we conclude our series on the Top Local News Stories of 2016, our final selection focuses on local economic development. Vicki Haugen, President of Vermilion Advantage, says there are other project opportunities in the works that have not committed to the area yet. But she notes 2016 saw the expansion of Danville Metal Stamping into the former Ball facility….Autozone began construction on a 150,000 square foot expansion, and construction preparations began for the new Marriott Towne Place Suites in the Eastgate area. Construction on the new Marriott project is set to begin this spring.
Haugen says the Autozone expansion is the third major construction project for that company in the Danville area. ‘’They are one of our top employers and going to get even higher on that list once this expansion is completed,’’ says Haugen. ‘’They, like the other distribution centers, also provide incredible career opportunities.’’
It was also during 2016 that Applebees, Fujiyama Steak House and Popeye’s restaurants opened in Danville. And Slumberland and Citi Trends joined the lineup at Danville’s Village Mall Shopping Center. ‘’As was predicted when Kohl’s, TJ Maxx and the Meijer projects came together, it has had a snowball impact on the interest by other chains and franchises,’’ says Vermilion Advantage President Vicki Haugen.
Haugen also noted the closure of K-Mart and Honeywell that occurred during 2016, saying they are certainly things a community does not like to see. But she adds they ‘’are realistically a part of doing business in a national and international economy.’’
Haugen is hopeful there will be more positive economic news during 2017.
