Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Amazing Arcola!

Arcola, IL (population 2,652) has always had a soft spot in my heart. It was where we did one of our first industrial projects outside of our hometown, building a manufacturing plant for a Japanese auto parts company. What was unique about the project was that we not only started building the project on a handshake (which we’ve done numerous times), but we never did get all of the paperwork finished and ended up completing the project without anything being signed. The closing was the simplest we’ve ever done. They gave us a check and we handed them the keys!

I was back in Arcola to help them celebrate their community foundation which was started in 1976 and has grown to $5.5 million in assets. Think about that! In a town of 2,652!

They give away tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships, helped to restart the local grocery store, gave $1 million to the new school building and $400,000 for their new library. In other words, they are making a difference in making Arcola a better place in which to live!

Have you started your Community Foundation yet?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello Mr Schultz,
Just wanted to let you know that I recently discovered your blog and I love it! I saw you speak at the YBNext event in Effingham a few months ago. Keep up the great work.

Unknown said...

Arcola has a great library. Arcola has 5 million in a fund to give to people and places that need it. However, all they can give is interest off the 5 million. Interest rates are pitiful. I am from Tuscola. Our library is mediocre. We have no foundation. I congratulate Arcola on the things they have including the broomcorn festival. They are amazing.