Business and Economy

The Normal Town Council has reviewed elements of a new strategic plan and approved changes to the Enterprise Zone that would offer development incentives in portions of Bloomington-Normal, including Bloomington's under-performing Eastland Mall.

There will be a significant workforce reduction at the Bridgestone Off-the-Road Tire Plant in Normal. Neither the company nor the United Steelworkers union representing workers could provide a precise number of jobs targeted.

'Tis the season for political candidates to firm up plans to run for party primaries next year. Dillan Vancil is running for Congress as a Republican in the 17th district. That U.S. House seat is currently held by Democrat Eric Sorensen.

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood is hailing this week's announcement of a trade agreement with the European Union and recent ones with Vietnam, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Japan as the Trump administration continues to reshape the global economy.

Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule said the painful efforts to address a structural budget deficit have found about $12 million. That's enough to offer nonunion workers a 3.5% pay raise starting in October.

The McLean County Regional Planning Commission is making good on a promise to the county board to get more public input on the draft of a regional land use plan.

Automobile seat maker Adient will open a facility in Normal to serve Rivian. The $8 million investment will create 75 new full-time jobs.

A draft McLean County Land Use Plan is getting pushback from various stakeholders. Regional Planning Commission staff now say they'll change the process.

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood is voicing full-throated support for the massive Republican tax and spending bill, despite past opposition to Medicaid cuts and concern over the mounting federal budget deficit. LaHood represents parts of Bloomington-Normal.

The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has received a $150,000 state tourism grant to further restore Sprague’s Super Service in Normal ahead of Route 66's 100th anniversary next year.