September 26, 2002 Executive Director of Richland County Development Corporation Named Illinois Development Council's Developer of the Year
Mary H. Heitzig, executive director, Richland County (Ill.) Development Corporation, has been named Economic Developer of the Year by the Illinois Development Council.
A veteran of 33 years in the field of economic development and among the first females to enter the field, Heitzig is credited with attracting more than $130 million in investment to Southern Illinois, creating 954 new jobs and 280 replaced jobs.
The council is a voluntary group of economic development professionals affiliated as a not-for-profit corporation to further the development of the state’s economic base. Presented annually to one of its members, the Illinois Economic Developer of the Year Award is the highest honor bestowed by the association.
Heitzig began her career in Jerseyville, Ill., where she attracted the first industrial development in almost 50 years. She was also instrumental in coordinating the funding strategy for the rural water system in Jersey County. Beginning as the manager of a part-time chamber in Jerseyville, Heitzig became the city’s Community Development Director, administering a budget of $9 million.
In 1983, she assumed responsibility for directing both Economic Development and the Chamber of Commerce of Centralia, Ill., building chamber membership to an all-time high of more than 400 and establishing new offices. In January 1999, she moved to her current position in Richland County, and in a few short years she has attracted three industrial projects to the area, along with 185 new jobs and $4 million in private investment.
Heitzig was chosen from nominees submitted by council members who include representatives from the banking, utility, railroad, real estate, consulting, development and mortgage brokerage industries. Also included are representatives from chambers of commerce, various government agencies and institutional organizations.
“Mary very much deserves this prestigious award,” says Michael S. Kearney, Manager of Ameren’s Economic Development Department. “She has been an inspiration to her colleagues---accomplishing great things for Southern Illinois through her expertise, experience, determination, dedication and positive attitude.”