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AP
The Caterpillar logo is seen on heavy earth-moving equipment in 2010. Illinois is among the states hoping to be chosen by Caterpillar for a new factory and about 1,000 jobs. The city of Galesburg has presented a proposal.
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GALESBURG
The city of Galesburg announced on Friday that it will run a full page ad in the Peoria Journal Star that will highlight the many advantages a Galesburg site could offer Caterpillar, Inc. and its new North American plant.
The strategy to run a prominent ad in Peoria’s largest newspaper is aggressive. Caterpillar is headquartered in Peoria, and Peoria County is also vying for Cat’s new plant, which will manufacture small track-type tractors and mini excavators.
The new plant is estimated to create 1,000 jobs. Caterpillar officials have said that a decision on the new plant’s location could be made in March. Cities across the nation are rumored to be interested in the plant.
In late January, the city attempted to rally regional support for the project by sending out “letters of support” for Galesburg to communities within a five-county radius.
In Friday’s announcement, city officials noted that Galesburg received “overwhelming” responses from municipalities, educational institutions and local economic development groups.
The announcement neglected to cite how many total responses the city has received to date.
“For economic development to succeed in our region we all need to collaborate and support one another,” said Mayor Sal Garza in the release. “This is a great sign that a regional effort to economic development can be mounted, and when fully in place, can lead to real progress.”