News
The Role
of Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative in Business Growth & Development
Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative (CMEC) offers competitive electrical
rates to present and potential Commercial and Industrial members, including
a specific economic development rate.
CMEC's engineering and marketing personnel are available to meet with new,
or expanding businesses to determine the most appropriate rate for the site,
as well as to provide advice regarding the most efficient electrical
infrastructure that will suit the needs of the individual business.
Additionally, personnel are available to assist with energy efficiency and
power quality issues and diagnostics.
CMEC assists qualifying businesses with obtaining low-interest loans. The
Cooperative is an active participant in the Coles County Community
Development Corporation whose purpose is to provide loans to for-profit
small businesses in Coles County for the purposes of modernization,
expansion or enhanced cash flow. Any for- profit business located in the
county is eligible, provided however, that loan funds will be used in such a
manner as to create, or retain, jobs.
Further, CMEC is the administrator of a revolving economic development loan
fund. As an initial loan to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System is repaid to
the fund, qualifying businesses may apply for low interest loans to provide
gap financing for business ventures that will create, or retain, jobs.
Additionally, CMEC is actively involved with the economic betterment efforts
of Coles-Together and the East Central Illinois Development Corporation, as
well as the Mattoon and Charleston Chambers of Commerce.
CMEC is one of more than 600 electric cooperatives in the United States that
are active partners in Touchstone Energy. As a Touchstone Energy partner,
CMEC is a participant in the development and implementation of a free
web-based site selection clearinghouse that will enable businesses or
investors to do a nationwide search for available sites for expansion, or
relocation. The website is scheduled to launch in September of 2004. Site
information and aerial photographs of available sites in Coles County have
been submitted.
Further, local staff assistance is available to provide access to Federal
and State of Illinois programs for the purposes of business growth and
development financing, tax incentives, employee training, etc.
CMEC is locally owned and controlled by those we serve. As members,
businesses have a voice in the Cooperative.
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