Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development

06/19/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SRPED Announces New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development (SRPED) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennie Grove as Executive Director.

Jennie has been serving as Interim Executive Director for the past five months and has been with SRPED for the past two years, supporting regional initiatives focused on economic development, business support, tourism growth, and community revitalization across Fulton County.

She brings multiple years of experience in tourism marketing, events, and destination promotion, along with a strong understanding of how visitor activity, place-based development, and community events contribute to local business revenue, job creation, and broader economic impact.

In her interim role, Jennie has already partnered with the Board to refine the mission statement, advance a new Strategic Plan, and reassess the organizational roles needed within the Partnership. These early efforts position her, and SRPED, to capitalize on the significant opportunities ahead and deliver meaningful benefits across the entire county.

Jennie will continue working alongside local business owners, community leaders, elected officials, and regional partners to advance collaborative strategies that support a strong, business-friendly environment and long-term economic vitality across Fulton County.

Jennie is a Fulton County native and graduate of Cuba High School. She earned her Associate Degree from Spoon River College before completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Sports, and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University. Outside of work, Jennie cherishes time with her husband, Aaron, and their two young children. As a family, they enjoy discovering new places, experiencing local attractions, and making memories together wherever their adventures take them.

Please join us in congratulating Jennie on her appointment as Executive Director.

06/05/2026

👉BDD Reinvestment Spotlight: 53 W. Elm Street

The City of Canton - Illinois is announcing the investment of Business Development District (BDD) funds back into the community through the redevelopment of 53 W. Elm Street. This project supports private investment, property revitalization, and continued growth in Canton’s commercial areas.

The project includes building renovations, parking improvements, and site upgrades that will enhance the property’s long-term use and appearance. The future occupant, Midstate Apparel, LLC, is a local business providing custom apparel and branding services.

The Business Development District (BDD) program is a City of Canton economic development tool that supports investment in existing properties by reimbursing a portion of eligible project costs after completion.

BDD funds come from a portion of sales tax generated within the district and are reinvested back into that same area, separate from the City’s general budget and property tax revenues.

To learn more, about the Business Development District visit: https://www.cantonillinois.org/economic-development/tax-increment-financing/

Hometown Consulting

05/08/2026

Congratulations to Walmart Canton - N Main St on their remodel and Grand Re-Opening today! Head out there to shop and see all the fun things they have going on today. 🎉

Don't forget to congratulate the team on all of their hard work 💙

05/05/2026

Happy Economic Development Week!

The week highlights the crucial role of economic developers in creating jobs, supporting businesses, and building resilient communities.

We’re proud to support the growth, partnerships, and progress happening every day across Fulton County.
From small businesses to downtown revitalization, this work helps strengthen communities like Canton and beyond.

A special thank you to our community stakeholders, partners, and contributors 👉 your investment, collaboration, and belief in our communities make this work possible.

05/04/2026

Delivery day! 🙌

Our statues are officially here and we couldn't be more excited. This is just the beginning, stay tuned as the transformation begins!

We will post a web link to see more updates and follow along in the near future.

04/30/2026

Fantastic job!

04/30/2026

Congrats to Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development, a 2026 Community Arts Grant recipient! 🎨

04/26/2026

🚨 Reminder: Applications due this week! Share with an artist you know!

🎨 Call for Artists: Spoon River Mussel Statue Trail! 🎨

The Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development is excited to launch a county-wide public art project! We’re inviting skilled artists to submit designs for painted mussel sculptures that will be installed at 10 locations across Fulton County, each reflecting the history, culture, and character of its community. 🐚

This trail will celebrate Fulton County’s heritage, scenic beauty, and small-town charm, creating a fun, family-friendly way for residents and visitors to explore the county.

Your work could become a permanent part of this unique public art trail!

👉 Learn more and apply: https://www.cantonillinois.org/call-for-artists/

Send us a message for any questions!

04/24/2026

We are so thankful for the Community Foundation of Central Illinois for their grant towards our tourism project. Jennie was in Peoria today to accept the award, along with so many other wonderful organizations.

The Community Foundation of Central Illinois awarded over $132,000 in grants to 12 local nonprofits to support arts programs and initiatives that drive tourism, jobs and local business activity.

04/19/2026

Spoon River Mussel Statue Trail Update!

We’re excited to share progress on our fiberglass mussel shells—they’re coming along beautifully and getting closer to becoming vibrant works of art across Fulton County!

🚨 We are still accepting applications for artists to bring these sculptures to life. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your creativity while celebrating the history, culture, and character of our communities.

Interested artists can submit designs or request more information by emailing [email protected].

Be part of something special and leave your mark on this county-wide public art trail! 🎨