Fresh Market, the eclectic organic grocery store, held its grand opening this week in the Westlake Shopping Center.  The economic development professionals at the EDC worked side by side with the City of Peoria and Westlake developer, Les Cohen, early in the recruitment process. Vickie Clark reports, "We provided research data to the City and the developer along with communications to Fresh Market touting the strength of the local market, buying power, demographics and top employers."
"It's great to see the impact Enterprise Zone incentives have had on the Westlake Shopping Center. This is a real success story in these tough economic times. Fresh Market is just one of several new retail developments utilizing incentives to create revitalization in this area," noted Sally Hanley, EDC Business Development Director.
The Illinois Enterprise Zone Program is designed to stimulate economic growth and neighborhood revitalization in economically depressed areas of the state. This is accomplished through state and local tax incentives, regulatory relief, and improved governmental services.