JREDC announces Industry of the Year and Champion Award selections

Jacksonville, IL – Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) honored the recipients of its two annual awards during the organization’s investor appreciation event held at Proud Richard’s Restaurant in Jacksonville on Thursday evening. 

Since 1990, JREDC’s Existing Industry Committee has presented the Industry of the Year Award to a company exhibiting outstanding business development and activity that enhances regional economic viability. This year, the economic development organization is pleased to recognize two esteemed Jacksonville-based engineering firms as its Industries of the Year: Benton Engineering and Hutchison Engineering, Inc.

Benton Engineering boasts a 55-year legacy of providing exceptional engineering consulting services to both public and private clients across Illinois, Missouri, Indiana and Kentucky. Its experienced engineers, land surveyors and technicians offer a range of services including feasibility studies, planning reports, design, construction observation, operational assistance, land surveying and subsurface utility engineering from locations in Jacksonville, Macomb and Taylorville, Illinois; and Kirksville and Rolla, Missouri.

Founded by Robert H. Benton in May 1970, Benton Engineering’s guiding mantra is “Partnership. Commitment. Results.” The firm promises to serve its communities by helping them address technical challenges efficiently while providing solutions that are practical and financially sound. Since its inception, the firm was predicated on the foundation of prioritizing service to the communities it assists. In fact, Benton’s employees are so committed to meeting these needs that they often make personal sacrifices to ensure the communities in which they are working become better places to live and raise families.

In its 80th year of business, Hutchison Engineering, Inc. (HEI) is a full-service consulting engineering firm specializing in civil engineering services related to the planning, design and construction oversight of transportation and structures. The firm has successfully completed some of the region’s largest civil engineering projects and routinely partners with state departments of transportation, toll highway authorities and supports state agencies, including all nine Illinois Department of Transportation Districts, 65 of Illinois’ 102 counties and over 30 municipalities.

Originally incorporated under the leadership of Clair Hutchison in 1945, the company is now managed by her grandson, Joe Hutchison, who serves as the current president and CEO after Gary Hutchison retired in 2018. And while Jacksonville still serves as HEI headquarters, the operation has grown to eight locations throughout the states of Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. Jacksonville’s corporate office has recently developed a second building to house its expanding structural services division. The firm has undergone recent expansions in its Shorewood, Peoria, Carbondale, Beloit, Hannibal and Moline satellite offices due to continued growth. 

JREDC proudly presented the 2024 Bob Chipman Champion Award to longtime staff member Bonni Waters. Created in 2019 to recognize exemplary support for economic development in Morgan and Scott counties, it was renamed last year in memory of the late Robert “Bob” Chipman, whose unwavering commitment and exceptional dedication set the gold standard for community support. 

For nearly three decades, Waters has been an integral part of JREDC, playing a vital behind-the-scenes role in advancing economic growth and supporting major projects including the development of East Gate Industrial Park and the administration of the Jacksonville region’s two Enterprise Zones

Waters’ journey with JREDC began in 1996 as an administrative assistant. Over the years, the role evolved, first to market research analyst and eventually to vice president. Her contributions have been significant, helping to shape the organization’s strategies and ensure that Jacksonville and the surrounding region remain competitive in a rapidly changing economic landscape. 

Also during the event, Kristin Jamison, president of JREDC, underscored the success of the organization’s talent attraction campaign. The goal of the program is to bring top-tier talent to the Jacksonville region. Built on a multi-faceted approach, JREDC produced videos to showcase living, working and investing in the Jacksonville region. The visual stories, paired with digital advertising across social media platforms, have captured the attention of skilled professionals nationwide. The “MakeMyMove” relocation and incentive strategy has played a pivotal role in helping seven professionals choose the Jacksonville region as their new home. 

Jamison noted her impending career change while thanking JREDC’s leadership, investors and colleagues for their support. She highlighted organizational goals achieved during her tenure at JREDC including increased broadband connectivity, a completed rebranding effort, redevelopment and expansion of commercial properties, and increased momentum to remediate the former Jacksonville Developmental Center property.

JREDC Chairman Kai Schnitker thanked Waters and Jamison for their dedication and passion for the Jacksonville region and noted Jacquie Bartlett’s commitment to her new position as vice president. He also acknowledged the many JREDC investors in attendance, and thanked them for their time, talent and treasure.

The mission of JREDC is to create, expand, recruit and retain job opportunities for Morgan and Scott counties. The investor-based group traces its beginnings to 1964 when the Jacksonville Area Industrial Corporation was formed with the objective of creating jobs by acquiring new industries and assisting the growth of existing industries.