Undergraduate Review
Volume 3 | Issue 1
Article 7
1989
Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the
economic plight of the City of Kankakee
Steve Benscoter '89
Illinois Wesleyan University
Recommended Citation
Benscoter '89, Steve (1989) "Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the economic plight of the City of Kankakee,"
Undergraduate Review: Vol. 3: Iss. 1, Article 7.
Available at: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/rev/vol3/iss1/7
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©Copyright is owned by the author of this document.
Benscoter '89: Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the economic pligh
JJLearning Lessons the Hard Way:
An analysis of the economic plight
of the
City of Kankakee"
Steve '.Benscoter
Published by Digital Commons @ IWU, 1989
29 1
Undergraduate Review, Vol. 3, Iss. 1 [1989], Art. 7
At thecloseof19~
their town stood at the ed
tion, a Fortune 500 finn 1
best year ever. Earnings iJ
million. Sales also were ul
of kitchen stoves and out(
area residents. Kankakee'
pora tion's water heater pI.
recession. 2 Although une
berof manufacturing jobs
under 10,000.3 With Ka
ances-appearing robust,
anything other than conti
Today, ten years
Corporation's two manuI
were permanently dosed
headquarters in Kankakeo
seventy remaining corpOJ
few months.' A.O. Smith.
closed its doors for good i:
ment rate of 11.7%, althc
grisly nation-leading rah
metropolitan areas. s The
create other jobs, has sit
current number, 5,300, is
height of the city's unerr
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Benscoter '89: Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the economic pligh
At the close of 1978, the people of Kankakee were unaware that
their town stood at the edge of an economic precipice. Roper Corpora­
tion, a Fortune 500 finn headquartered in Kankakee, had come off its
best year ever. Earnings in fiscal 1978 had soared 53% to a record $14.4
million. Sales also were up to $433 million, the highest ever. 1 The maker
of kitchen stoves and outdoor power equipment employed some 2,700
area residents. Kankakee's second-largest employer, A.O. Smith Cor­
poration's water heater plant, also wasrebounding from the mid-1970's
reeession. 2 Although unemployment was worrisome at 9%, the num­
ber of manufacturing jobs in the county had slipped only a little, to just
under 10,000.3 With Kankakee's main industry-producing appli­
ances--appearing robust, few doubted that the future would bring
anything other than continued economic prosperity.
Today, ten years later, the economic outlook is bleak. Roper
Corporation's two manufacturing facilities in Kankakee and Bradley
were permanently closed on June 17, 1982. Meanwhile, its corporate
headquarters in Kankakee just recently announced that the jobs of the
seventy remaining corporate staff would be phased out over the next
few months.~ A.O. Smith, emplOying 1,350 at its peak in the late 1970s,
closed its doors for good in February, 1988. The March 1988 unemploy­
ment rate of 11.7%, although a Significant improvement over 1983's
grisly nation-leading rate of 20.8%, is the highest among the state's
metropolitan areas.5 The number of manufacturing jobs, which help
create other jobs, has shriveled by half over the past decade. 6 The
current number, 5,300, is even down from the 6,500 that existed at the
height of the city's unemployment.7 Per capita income, once higher
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Undergraduate Review, Vol. 3, Iss. 1 [1989], Art. 7
than the U.S. average, today stands well below it.8 Finally, according to
By the end of thi
the latest Census reports, 17.1 % of the population lives in poverty.9
years ago had sprouted the twin
of durable consumer g
symbols of 20th century prosperity, smokestacks and grain elevators,
Employment stood at 2,
Kankakee appears to have lost its future. How did it happen? More
Max Hoover, chief exec
importantly, what is being done to revive the crumbling economy? In
company's rangeline wa
the following paper, I will attempt to answer these questions. After
problem rested in the f
critically examining the manner in which the "Rust Belt-Sun Belt"
Kankakee werebig (too t
phenomenon devastated the Kankakeeeconomy, I will tum to the more
of-the-century vintage).
A county seat that just ten
I
·
I
gas-range manufacturer
paramount issue of discussing those actions which have been taken in
Though sales in .
an attempt to ensure future growth and development. Finally, I will
squeeze on earnings as t
tum to the future, speculating on the likelihood of future recovery for
made worse by the fact
the Kankakee economy.
concentrated in a l00-m
Following World War il, there was a great expansion of the
non-union labor costs wt
industrialbasewhenseveralkeyindustrieslocatedinKankakee."With
workers in Kankakee
an established population of motivated, farm ethic workers, those
competition in Southern
10
industries thrived" and the economy boomed.
\1
By 1948 Kankakee
of this discrepancy, Ropel
County was the nation's largest producer of water heaters and kitchen
in Kankakee and lostout I
stoves, and home to finns making products from breakfast food to
events prompted Hoove
women's hose to officeequipmenl In recent years, however, conditions
KankJlkee Daily Journal the
affecting industry have caused key companies to close plants and
somewhat lessfavorable.
relocate elsewhere. As markets changed, competition for mid-western
units due to severe and
industries and tax bases grew intense. Aging facilities and the high cost
Southern range manufacl
of doing business in the "Rust Belt" were Significant factors in the
lower costs and market t
decision ofboth Roperand A.O. Smith to leaveKankakee. Otherfactors,
Hoping to becOIl
especially the departure of Kroehler Furniture in the early 1980s, were
turers, Hoover acquired
ll
also responsible for Kankakee's economic decline. However, I believe
graphic centerof Roper's
the departure of A.O. Smith and Roper proved to be the most devastat­
Georgia proved justas ad
ing and, for this reason, should be most critically examined.
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the new plant would be
Benscoter '89: Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the economic pligh
)e1owit.8 Finally, according to
By the end of the 1960s, Roper had evolved from a single-plant
opulation lives in poverty.9
gas-range manufacturer with salesof$30 million to a multi-plant maker
rs ago had sprouted the twin
of durable consumer goods with sales of more than $200 million.
>kestacks and grain elevators,
Employment stood at 2,300, the highest in town.12 By 1967, however,
reo How did it happen? More
Max Hoover, chief executive of Roper Corporation, recognized the
Ie the crumbling economy? In
company's rangeline was growing increasingly out ofdate. Much of the
mswer these questions. After
problem rested in the fact that "... the company's range plants in
lich the "Rust Belt-Sun Belt"
Kankakee were big (too bigat about 1 million square feet) and old (turn­
conomy, I will turn to the more
of-the-century vintage). And unionized."n
ions which have been taken in
Though sales in the late 19605 were rising, a 1969 strike put the
d development. Finally, I will
squeeze on earnings as they fell to barely 2% of sales. I4 Matters were
~ood of future recovery for
made worse by the fact that Roper's stove-making competition was
concentrated in a 100-mile radius of Chattanooga, Tennessee, where
~
was a great expansion of the
non-union labor costs were only one-half those of Kankakee. Whereas
rieslocated in Kankakee. ''With
workers in Kankakee were being paid an average of $5.94/hour,
~, farm ethic workers, those
competition in Southern plants were paying $2.97/hour. I5 As a result
boomed.IO By 1948 Kankakee
of this discrepancy, Roper had bid to supply ranges to a housing project
er of water heaters and kitchen
in Kankakee and lost out to a lower bid from a Southern producer. Such
oouets from breakfast food to
events prompted Hoover to claim in a January 1970 edition of the
rent years, however, conditions
Kankakee Daily Journal that "the Kankakee division faces the 19705 in a
ompanies to close plants and
somewhat less favorable economic position than other Roper operating
i, competition for mid-western
units due to severe and mounting competition problems created by
.ging facilities and the high cost
Southern range manufacturers who are able to produce ranges at much
were significant factors in the
lower costs and market the product at much lower prices."16
>leaveI<ankakee. Otherfactors,
Hoping to become competitive with Southern range manufac­
miture in the early 1980s, were
turers, Hoover acquired a plant in laFayette, Georgia. Since the ge0­
lie decline.H However, I believe
graphic center of Roper's market was in Kentucky, a plant in Northern
proved to be the most devastat­
Georgia proved just as advantageous as one in Kankakee. Additionally,
,t critically examined.
the new plant would be much more efficient since it would allow for
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Undergraduate Review, Vol. 3, Iss. 1 [1989], Art. 7
i
i
easier material handling and better designs in production lines. Also,
reinstituted a 5% utility
the LaFayette work force would cost RoPeI' much less in wages,
increase was not much (
insurance premiums, and other benefits than the Kankakee work force,
by the local plants, Hoo
which had an average age of forty-seven years. The cards were stacked
attitude."20 In Septembe
against the Kankakee plant.
appliance factory for a
Although cityofficialscannotbeblamed for factors which were
shutdown was extende<
beyond their control <e.g., shift markets), they can be faulted for their
keep the plants. It was to
failure to support the plant. According to Mike Monahan, Director of
plant closings were perIl
illinois Job Service in Kankakee, "the community suffered from termi­
A.O. Smith bega
nal complacency.'117 Crain's Chicago Business echoes Monahan, report­
it prospered in the post"
ing that the "company received very little support from civic leaders.
Midwest, the Kankakee
The city had yet to issue its first industrial revenue bond-a sharp
housing construction ~
contrast with the open-handed largess of Southern officials."l8 Indeed,
advantage since the tran
LaFayette officials had offered $12 million in industrial revenue bond
cal-up to 10% of final pu
financing to install a ten-inch water main around the plant. Had they
A.O. Smith at a further (
not offered anything, the fact that the LaFayette plant was non-union
supply contractors begu
might have alone provided enough inducement. At any rate, it is clear
increasing concern with (
that neither labor leaders nor public officials were taking Hoover
neering of a ten year war:
seriously. Kankakee businessand civic leadersand the mayordid make
Mtera 1974 reces:
a half-hearted effort to meet with Roper management to ask what could
ing the market), layoffs re
be done to keep the company in Kankakee, but labor leaders refused to
in November all water ht
cooperate without guarantees the plant would not close. A strike in
following year, A.a. Smil
1971 reinforced the difficulties posed by labor, as did legislation passed
rate pressure increased. c
by the General Assembly in 1975. 1hislegislation resulted in a 73% rise
Smith then responded to
in the company's unemployment insurance costs over the next three
acquiring a Southern p1c=
years and a 164% jump in its workers compensation costs.l9
gained payraisesandexp.
!
i
I
, I
i
As its market share in appliances began dwindling again,
the gap between the con:
Roper was forced to cut the number of production jobs by one-third in
money which A.O. Smith
1979. Perhaps the final nail in the coffin came when the Cty Council
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6
division, headquartered
Benscoter '89: Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the economic pligh
gns in production lines. Also,
reinstituted a 5% utility tax in 1981. Although the $100,000 to $150,000
Roper much less in wages,
increase was not much compared to the $5 million being lost annually
than the Kankakee work force,
by the local plants, Hoover felt the tax was "an added irritant. It's an
years. The cards were stacked
attitude.''20 In September of 1981, Roper announced it would shut its
appliance factory for a month, idling about 500 workers. When the
blamed for factors which were
shutdown was extended, city officials suddenly began mobilizing to
), they can be faulted for their
keep the plants. It was too late. On June 17, 1982, Roper announced that
to Mike Monahan, Director of
plant closings were pennanent.
mmunity suffered from tenni­
AD. Smith began operating in Kankakee in 1946. Like Roper,
b,ess echoes Monahan, report­
it prospered in the post World War II era. As new homes sprouted in the
tie support from civic leaders.
Midwest, the Kankakee location was ideal. However, as the focus of
strial revenue bond-a sharp
housing construction began shifting South and West, Kankakee lost its
.fSouthern officials:'18 Indeed,
advantage since the transportation costs of water heaters were criti­
ion in industrial revenue bond
cal-up to 10% of final purchase price.21 The rise of tract housing placed
lin around the plant. Had they
AD. Smith at a further disadvantage. With tract housing, plumbing
.aFayette plant was non-union
supply contractors began ordering in quantities of 100 or more. The
ucement. At any rate, it is clear
increasing concern with cost, not quality (highlighted by Smith's pio­
officials were taking Hoover
neering of a ten year warranty), gave Smith's competitors an edge.
.eadersand the mayor did make
Aftera 1974 recession attacked home sales (thus further shrink­
management to ask what could
ing the market), layoffs reduced the Kankakee work force to 1,200 and
tee, but labor leaders refused to
in November all water heater production was halted for a week. The
\t would not close. A strike in
following year, AD. Smith suffered an $8.8 million deficit and corpo­
, labor, as did legislation passed
rate pressure increased on the Kankakee division. Like Roper, AD.
egislation resulted in a 73% rise
Smith then responded to the rise of low-eost Southern competition by
rance costs over the next three
acquiring a Southern plant. As a result of a strike in 1978, workers
:ompensation costs.I9
gained pay raises and expanded medicalbenefits. This further widened
mces began dwindling again,
the gap between the company and Southern competitors, as did the
production jobs by one-third in
money which A.D. Smith, like Roper, began to lose. The water heater
n carne when the Oty Council
division, headquartered in Kankakee, lost more than $10 million in
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35 7
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Undergraduate Review, Vol. 3, Iss. 1 [1989], Art. 7
1981.22
8,000 residents applied fo
In April 1982, as Roper workers and Kankakee leaders pleaded
markets. The $12-an-how
to save that company's two local plants, Smith asked for concessions
wages average $6/hour. ).
from the International Assn. of Machinists Loca12059. Even with Roper
11.7% is well below the 2l
as an example of what could happen. however, Smith's work force
accountingfor theseeming
would not listen. The workers insisted that concessions be accompa­
either taken low-paying jc
nied by promises that jobs would be retained and pay cuts restored
less of which may be theca
when sales recovered. Smith, like Roper, could not overcome years of
the amount of money aVI
hostility between management and workers. Since A.a. Smith's labor
reduced.28
costs in Kankakee were nearly twice those at its Southern plant in
Looked at in this ~
McBee, SouthCarolina, it began cutting back production in I<ankakee.ZJ
A.O. Smith from the '1
By 1983, Kankakee production had dropped to about 30% of capacity;
those· individuals whose
McBee's production increased to 75% ofcapacity. Because the cityagain
some local businesses, sue
failed to take action until it was too late, in January 1984 A.O. Smith
Bank have continued to p"
made another move that paralleled Roper's. It announced it would halt
been devastated as many b
production of residential water heaters in Kankakee.
wake of the A.O. Smith an
I
As a direct result of the closings of Roper and A.O. Smith,
Kankakee, Alexander Lum:
manufacturing jobs dropped from 10,975 in March 1978 to 5,000 in
to vice-president and get\!
January 1988.26 Oearly one result of this decrease was an increase in the
conditions, especially in th
city's unemployment rate from 8.5% in 1978 to 20.8% in January 1983.25
lack of population and a
Additionally,families receivingSalvationArmyassistance in Kankakee
closing. 'We just didn't
tripled between 1980 and 1982 and jumped another 30%, to 1,324, in
A Montgomery W
1983.26 The greatest impact of the departure of A.O. Smith and Roper,
similar fate. Vacant build'
however, was the change it forced on society. According to Kenneth W.
Cote, executive director of the United Way of Kankakee, "weused to be
what we call an industrial society here."2'1 Clearly, the fundamental
difference between the Kankakee of the past and future is that the high­
Bergeron Pontiac left to
paying factory jobs have been replaced by those which are low-paying
revenue. $80,000 was lost
and, for the most part, require little skill. For example, in October 1983,
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8
rolet, followed the lead of
Benscoter '89: Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the economic pligh
8,000 residents applied for about 200 job openings at four new super­
and Kankakee leaders pleaded
markets. The $12-an-hour pay once offered by Roper is gone. Today,
8, Smith asked
for concessions
wages average $6/hour. Although the current unemployment rate of
Its Local 2059. Even with Roper
11.7% is well below the 20.8% rate of 1983, the vast majority of those
however, Smith's work force
accounting for the seeminglyimprovedratehave, accordingto Monahan,
that concessions be accompa­
either taken low-paying jobs or moved out of the community. Regard­
etained and pay cuts restored
less of which may be the case, the result, Monahan claims, is the same­
r, could not overcome years of
the amount of money available for the local economy is drastically
rleers. Since A.O. Smith's labor
reduced.28
those at its Southern plant in
Looked at in this way, it is clear that the departure of Roper and
backproduction in I<ankakee.23
A.O. Smith from the "Rust Belt" had an effect upon more than just
Ipped to about 30% of capacity;
those· individuals whose employment was terminated. Admittedly,
:capadty. Because the cityagain
some local businesses, such as Carson Pirie Scott and Meadowview
te, in January 1984 A.O. Smith
Bank have continued to proSper.29 Overall, however, the economy has
leI"s. It announced it would halt
been devastated as many businesses have been driven from town in the
l
in Kankakee.
wake of the A.O. Smith and Roper closings. After eighty-five years in
ngs of Roper and A.O. Smith,
Kankakee, Alexander Lumber Company is closing its doors. According
,975 in March 1978 to 5,000 in
to vice-president and general manager, Lloyd Agee, "the economic
decrease was an increase in the
conditions, especially in the Kankakee area, lack of building progress,
1978 to 20.8% in January 1983.25
lack of population and agricultural downturn" all contributed to the
onArrnyassistanceinI<ankakee
closing. "We just didn't see any better times coming."30
l
mped another 30%, to 1,324, in
A Montgomery Ward & Company store near City Hall faced a
rture of A.O. Smith and Roper,
similar fate. Vacant buildings are also a frequent sight in the central
dety. According to Kenneth W.
business district of downtown Kankakee.
fay of Kankakee, "we used to be
As a result of such closures, the city, which receives 1% of the
re."7/ Oearly, the fundamental
business sales tax, loses valuable tax revenue. For example, when
~ pastand future is that the high­ Bergeron Pontiac left town in 1986, the city lost $120,000 in sales tax
by those which are low-paying
revenue. $80,000 was lost when another car dealer, Don Meriles Chev­
1. Forexample, in October 1983,
rolet, followed the lead of Bergeron Pontiac.31 Losing such revenue, the
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Undergraduate Review, Vol. 3, Iss. 1 [1989], Art. 7
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I
ability of the city to provide basic services is diminished. For example,
area. Reflecting this vi~
current revenue shortages in:Kankakee have led to the establishment of
Company released in No'
user-fees for garbage pick-up.
tions as a liability for tN
In addition to affecting the community at large through service
t
delivery, the economic impact of the A.O. Smith and Roper departures
4
ment.3S
The same Fantus
could also be felt by the educational system. When the dust began to
performance by schools il
settlefollowing the massexodusoffactories and jobsfrom the Kankakee
ing locating in the area.
area "...in the late '70's and early '80's, area business and education
following:
leaders figured out something that was just being discovered through-
1) investigatepublic/
out the recession-plagued U.s.: Education and the economy are linked
ment at the public school!
like Siamese twins-'mutually dependent."'32 Good schools lead to a
at the public schools, esp
prosperous economy. Strong economies provide tax dollars which
along with the school db
allow schools to reduce class size, offer more programs, and-in the
ment, raise core curricull
end-deliver a better prepared workforce into the local economy.
retention rates at the .Kan
"Leaders fear the results if either of the two fail, and the cycle turns
Yet another obst
sour.":U Regardless of whether or not it is a result of "the cycle turning
the Fantus Company il\t
sour:' the educational level in both Kankakee Qty and County is
Chicago Business referred
among the lowest in the state. Of persons twenty-five years and over,
leaders in Kankakee and
60.5% of whites in Kankakee are "high school graduates and over,"
this instance, the
while 68.7% of whites canbecategorized as such statewide. Meanwhile,
40.3% of Kankakee blacks, who compose about 27% of the city's
population, have completed high school or gone beyond as compared
to 54.6% at the state level.u
County as an enterprise
j
The low educational level is clearly detrimental to economic
W
development. According. to Monahan, an inverse relationship exists
were certainly nothing
between educational level and unionization. Thus, given its low educa­
alerted. Oearly, what w
tionallevel, it should not be surprising that Kankakee is highly union­
obstacles and revive the
ized. Nor should it be surprising that, since the largest cost of doing
business is labor, unionization is a deterrent to industries eyeing the
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38
In the past few
10
havesurfacedatallleve
Benscoter '89: Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the economic pligh
s is diminished. For example,
lveled to the establishment of
lunityat large through service
.Smith and Roper departures
,
l
area. Reflecting this view, a study of the Kankakee area by the Fantus
Company released in November 1987labelled labor-management rela­
tions as a liability for the area as it attempts to attract further invest­
ment.35
The same Fantus study was the latest harsh reminder that poor
tern. When the dust began to
performance by schools is also a likely deterrent to industries consider­
esand jobs from the Kankakee
ing locating in the area. The report directed a task force to do the
area business and education
following:
lSt being discovered through­
l) investigate public/privateprograms to raise graduationachieve­
n and the economy are linked
ment at the public schools; 2) address the quality ofeducation available
nt."'32 Good schools lead to a
at the public schools, especially in the city of Kankakee; 3) investigate,
s provide tax dollars which
along with the school district, efforts to increase graduation achieve­
more programs, and-in the
ment, raise core curriculum requirements for all students, and boost
)rce into the local economy.
retention rates at the Kankakee High School.36
two fail, and the cycle turns
Yet another obstacle to future economic development which
a result of "the cycle turning
the Fantus Company indicated must be overcome is what Crain's
ankakee Oty and County is
Chicago Business referred to as '1ong-standing rivalries among civic
IS twenty-five years
and over,
leaders in Kankakee and neighboring Bradley and Bourbonnais."a7 In
school graduates and over,"
this instance, the report noted the lack of county wide unity for
ilS such statewide. Meanwhile,
economic development. Years earlier, Crain's Chicago Business reported
about 27% of the city's
how "competition between the Chamber [of Commerce] and jobs
,or gone beyond as compared
associationcontributed to the state'sdecision not to designate Kankakee
i
lOSe
County as an enterprise zone, which would have produced incentives
arly detrimental to economic
for new industry."as The obstacles which the Fantus report revealed
an inverse relationship exists
were certainly nothing to which city officials had not been previously
ion. Thus, given its low educa­
alerted. Oearly, what was needed was a program to overcome those
hat Kankakee is highly union­
obstacles and revive the economy.
iDnce the largest cost of doing
In the past few years, efforts to revive the Kankakee economy
rrent to industries eyeing the
have surfaced at all levels ofgovernment. Recognizing that growth and
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Undergraduate Review, Vol. 3, Iss. 1 [1989], Art. 7
development are the result of sound, directed activities that promote a
Charles Pangle and State
strong economy, the Kankakee County Economic Development Coun­
dous support in the State
cil (KCEOC) has constructed the "New Horizons United" prograrn.39
like the AIDA, tl
The goal of the four year program "will be to create up to 3,000 new jobs
ernrnental cooperation.44 :
with the location ofat least 30 new Business/Industries to the County."40
of four political units as tI
The KCEOC reports that 3,000 jobs in the county would mean an annual
and the County Board Ch
increase of $59.1 million in total income and $25.4 million in retail sales.
KRVEZis "anactive marlc
The two greatest efforts at economic development in the
land and buildings within
Kankakee area itself are Area Jobs Development Association (AJDA)
portions of Bradley, Boti
and the Kankakee River Valley Enterprise Zone (KRVEZ). "The overall
unincorporated land with.
Ii;
mission of AJDA is to create jobs in the Kankakee area. AJDA's target
is based on each of the thr
'1I.,1•."·
audiences are business and industries interested in expansion, reloca­
a total of $25,000. The Co
tion or start-up. Its prirnaryrole; to identify prospective companiesand
basis.
Ii
II
!I
I
I
bring them into the area to fill vacant space." 41 When AJDA was first
Although ona sm
established in 1983, its responsibility was to see to the rehab and leasing
have also been supporti,
of the Roper plant in Bradley which had been given to AJDA by the
municipal level. Accorcl
Roper Corporation. The site was to serve as an incubator facility and
Economic Development (
was renamed Bradley Industrial Park. Because the 850,000 square foot
from the federal govel'lUnli
facility was virtually unfit for occupancy, AJDA undertook to rehab the
In 1988, Glenowski report
facility and simultaneously obtain grants and low interest loans to
grants, bringing sixty ne
bring in companies to occupy the space. Approximately 550,000 square
government has provide.
feet of space in the building has been filled and nearly 400 new jobs
former state mental hospi
created. 42 Much of this success can be attributed to the intergovernmen­
illinois Diversatech Inc..
tal cooperation AJDA has created between various levels of govern­
"Illinois Diversateeh Inc.
ment. "GovemorThompson has taken a personal interest in helping the
area revitalize ... Lt. Governor George Ryan, a Kankakee resident, has
While it is true (
maintained a close, personal relationship with the area and has taken
levels of government to
the lead in helping get programs, incentive packages and services for
success of these efforts a
companiescorningintoorrernaininginthearea ... StateRepresentative
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40
12
once prosperous econon
Benscoter '89: Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the economic pligh
:lirected activities that promote a
Charles Pangle and State Senator Jerome Joyce also provided tremen­
y Economic Development Coun­
dous support in the State Assembly ."~
Horizons United" program.39
Uke the AJDA, the KRVEZ has resulted in increased intergov­
~ be to create up to 3,000 new jobs
emmental cooperation." Its Board of Directors represents the interests
ness/Industries to the County."4/1
of four political units as the Mayors of the three communities involved
he countywould mean an annual
and the County Board Chairman sit on the Board. Certified in 1984, the
eand $25.4 million in retail sales.
KRVEZ is "anactive marketeer, aggressively seekingbusiness to fill the
economic development in the
land and buildings within its eight square mile reach."45 It encompasses
!W
~elopment Association
(AJDA)
portions of Bradley, Bourbonnais, and Kankakee, as well as some
II'ise Zone (KRVEZ). "The overall
unincorporated land within Kankakee County. Funding for the KRVEZ
AJDA's target
is based on each of the three communities contributing $8,333 each for
le Kankakee area.
9 interested in expansion,
reloca­
ntifyprospective companies and
:space."
~1
a total of $25,000. The County is funding on a "contributed services"
basis.
When AJDA was first
Although on a smaller scale, the federal and state governments
v-asto see to the rehab and leasing
have also been supportive of economic development efforts at the
had been given to AJDA by the
municipal level. According to Carol Glenowski of the Kankakee
erve as an incubator facility and
Economic Development Council, the city receives $100,000 each year
~ Because the 850,000 square foot
from the federal government to use for Economic DevelopmentGrants.
ICY,AJDA undertook to rehab the
In 1988, Glenowski reported that ten companies have applied for such
;rants and
low interest loans to
grants, bringing sixty new jobs to the city.46 Meanwhile, the state
:e. Approximately 550,000 square
government has provided support to the area through the sale of a
n filled and nearly 400 new jobs
former state mental hospital north of Kankakee to a partnership called
lttributed to the intergovemmen­
illinois Diversatech Inc. Similar to the incubator facility in Bradley,
tween various levels of govem­
"lliinois Diversatech Inc. has managed to attract 17 firms emplOying
la personal interestin helping the
about 750."~7
e Ryan, a Kankakee resident, has
While it is true that determined efforts are being made at all
Jhip with the area and has taken
levels of government to solve Kankakee's economic problems, the
entive packages and services for
success of these efforts and the prospects for a revival of Kankakee's
n the area ... State Representative
once prosperous economy continue to be a subject of much debate.
Published by Digital Commons @ IWU, 1989
13
41
Undergraduate Review, Vol. 3, Iss. 1 [1989], Art. 7
Optimists like Tim Schmidt, business editor of The Daily /ournal& point
of CBI Industries, althoug
to the Chicago-based Quaker Oats and other top Fortune 500 compa­
may have finally learned fl
nies that have "committed millions of dollars in Kankakee in the last
Simply not enough to OVE
two years."" Schmidt also points to the intergovernmental partnership
lions which have traditic
for the $40 million Metro Sewer Project as "an effort not to fumble our
county regained some 2,2(
future, but plan for it." Another positive sign is the 1983 decision of
new positions can't compi
union employees at CBI Industries Inc. to save more than one hundred
new positions simplydo n
jobs by agreeing to wage-and-benefit cuts totalling nearly $2 an hour.
former Roper and A.D. Sm
Perhaps the Kankakee labor force is finally learning from the example
less money is available for
of A. O. Smith and Roper.
summed. up by Monahan
Carol Glenowski echoes the optimism of Schmidt, claiming
prosper when we are sellir
that "little by little, things are getting better."49 In addition to the influx
that workers will continul
of small employers into the area, Glenowski pointed to the rise in home
economic hardship for thl
sales. According to Vivian Bowser, President of the Kankakee Board of
Even in this regard, he vie'
Realtors, the increase can be attributed to improved interest rates, the
limited. Whileitmayhavel
attraction ofless expensive Kankakee homes to those livingoutside the
thinks the Kankakee labor:
area and the excitement being generated by the current campaign to
workers once employed I
locate a "Third Major" airport in Kankakee County.50 Bowser claimed.
trained for the more techn
that "when the number of housing starts are up and the number of
Perhaps recognizi
existing houses on the market are down...This means the economy and
ries, a select group ofcity
the market is [sid more stable.51
its efforts toward attrac
Kankakee County. The F
Although recognizing that great strides have already been
made, I cannot share the optimism of those who have stated that
Kankakee is already on the road to recovery. While the KRVEZ and the
Metro Sewer Project are essential to establishing a foundation for
intergovernmental cooperation, the city's curren~ squabble with neigh­
in nationwide demand
boring Bradley over the location of a shopping mall development
Chicago Metropolitan Ar
which both are trying to entice provides conclusive evidence that such
already approaching ca
cooperation is still lacking. The concessions made by union employees
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42
14
quate airport facilities,
Benscoter '89: Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the economic pligh
Daily Journal£ point
of CBI Industries, although seemingly indicating that organized labor
md other top Fortune 500 compa­
may have finally learned from the Roper and A.O. Smith examples, are
of dollars in Kankakee in the last
Simply not enough to overshadow the poor labor-management rela­
:he intergovernmental partnership
tions which have traditionally characterized Kankakee. "While the
eel as "an effort not to fumble our
county regained some 2,200 jobs out of the 4,000 it lost this decade, the
sitive sign is the 1983 decision of
new positions can't compare with the old."s2 As was noted earlier, the
\C. to save more than one hundred
new positions simply do not provide anywhere near the wages that the
it cuts totalling nearly $2 an hour.
former Roper and A.O. Smith workers once received. Consequentially,
finally learning from the example
less money is available for the local economy. The effect of this was best
IS editor of The
summed up by Monahan who pointed out that "the economy cannot
e optimism of Schmidt, claiming
prosper when we are selling Big Macs to each other."53 While he thinks
;better."49 In addition to the influx
that workers will continue to "get by," Monahan foresees continued
ilOwski pointed to the rise in home
economic hardship for the area "unless something big comes
resident of the Kankakee Board of
Even in this regard, he viewed the city's prospects for development as
ed to improved interest rates, the
limited. Whileitmayhavebeen qualified up to the mid-1970's, Monahan
~ homes to those living outside the
thinks the Kankakee labor force (composed largely of the assembly line
rated by the current campaign to
workers once employed by Roper and A.O. Smith) is inadequately
ll1cakee County.so Bowser claimed
trained for the more technically advanced modem factories.
up."~
starts are up and the number of
Perhaps recognizing the difficulty of attracting modem facto­
wn...This means the economy and
ries, a select group of city business leaders has recently begun directing
its efforts toward attracting a ''Third Major" airport to Northern
great strides have already been
Kankakee County. The Federal Aviation Administration projects air­
of those who have stated that
line passenger enplanements to increase over 63% between 1987-1988.
oovery. While the KRVEZ and the
This will result in an increase of nearly 300 million total annual en­
10 establishing a foundation for
planed passengers in the United States over 1987levels.ss This increase
ity'scurrent squabble with neigh­
in nationwide demand will have a considerable impact on the Greater
f a shopping mall development
Chicago Metropolitan Area, where airline transportation facilities are
ies conclusive evidence that such
already approaching capacity. Reacting to this need to provide ade­
ssions made by union employees
quate airport facilities, the lllinois Department of Transportation is
I
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43 15
Undergraduate Review, Vol. 3, Iss. 1 [1989], Art. 7
currently studying alternative solutions. This study has now pro­
Becausehistory has shown
gressed. to Stage II, or the investigation of a new airport site. In
safe to conclude that as ]
December 1986, the Kankakee County Board expressed a desire and
created at businesses that·
The Kankakee Cc
willingness to have such a facility located in Kankakee County.
The desire to have such a facility in Kankakee County appears
claims that a majorairport i
very real. U.S. Congressman Ed Madigan has thrown his support
revenues. Not only woulc
behind northwest Kankakee County as the ''best site for a third major
services providedbytaxmJ
airport for the Chicagoland area."56 This is especially significant be­
of local public schools.1<aJ
cause three other sites in consideration for the airport are in Madigan's
with a strong economic be
district. Additionally, as of March 1988, thirty-eight units of govern­
An improved qu
ment, six school districts, five chambers of commerce, and five service
potentially be derived ttl
clubs have adopted resolutions in support of the northwest Kankakee
Cultural activities, the nu
County site as the possible location of a ''Third Major" airport. Perhaps
housing would all increas
the intergovernmental cooperation which has been missing for so long
easier access to Chicago a
in Kankakee is finally beginning to emerge with the realization that
new connector highways
there simply are not many other ways to revive the economy. Accord­
systems.
ing to Robert B. Glade, chairmanof the Airport 2000 Committee, which
Despitethe positi1
is promoting the location ofan airport in Kankakee County, "Kankakee
a major airport, some op~
County has gone through a severe recession ... we are comingback, but
Board of Trustees, which c
high interest rates ... a general lack of follow through could destroy our
located in KankakeeCour
fragile economy. We need something solid to stand on. The economic
Furthermore, a group car
benefits [of an airport] would be real and long lastingl"51
(KARE) has spoken out i:
Billing a "Third Major" airport as "our flight plan for the
Chairman of KARE, clain:
future," the Kankakee County Economic Development Council echoes
to the com grow-not jete
Glade's enthusiasm. According to this organization, the benefits of an
at least as well as those gr
airport would be three-fold. First of all, a major airport would mean
taxes and the cost of livir
more jobs. In addition to the estimated 10,000 construction jobs, 3,000 to
As the debate ove
17,000 jobs would be generated to provide support services directly
Kankakee County contin­
related to the operation of an airport and the needs of travelers.58
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44
Peat, Marwick, and Main
16
Benscoter '89: Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the economic pligh
tions. This study has now pro­
Because history has shown that airports are economic magnets, it seems
~tion
safe to conclude that as many, if not more, indirect jobs would be
of a new airport site. In
lty Board expressed a desire and
~ted in
Kankakee County.
created at businesses that locate here because an airport exists.
The Kankakee County Economic Development Council also
i1ity in Kankakee County appears
claims that a major airport in the Kankakeearea would increase local tax
radigan has thrown his support
revenues. Not only would this improve the quality of the everyday
as the "best site for a third major
services provided by taxing bodies, but it would also insure the stability
This is especially significant be­
of local public schools. Kankakee County would enter the 21st century
In for the airport are in Madigan's
with a strong economic base.
~88, thirty~ight units
of govern­
An improved quality of life is a final benefit which could
ers of commerce, and five service
potentially be derived from a major airport in the Kankakee area.
pport of the northwest Kankakee
Cultural activities, the number of large retailers, and the selection of
:a "Third Major" airport. Perhaps
housing would all increase. Additionally, the area could benefit from
'hich has been missing for so long
easier access to Chicago and other areas through the development of
emerge with the realization that
new connector highways and an extension of existing rapid transit
s to revive the economy. Accord­
systems.
e Airport 2000 Committee, which
Despite the positive benefits resultingfrom the development of
:inKankakeeCounty, ''Kankakee
a major airport, some opposition has arisen. The Rockville Township
ession ... weare coming back, but
Board of Trustees, which oversees the area where the airport would be
follow through could destroy our
located in Kankakee County, has voted against the siting of the airport.
;solid to stand on. The economic
Furthermore, a group called Kankakee Area Research and Education
and long lasting!"S7
(KARE) has spoken out in opposition to the airport. Gloria Weidner,
)Ort as "our flight plan for the
Chairman of KARE, claims that "...most of us are very happy listening
nic Development Council echoes
to the corn grow-not jetengines. Economically speaking, weare doing
s organization, the benefits of an
at least as well as those growth communities in DuPage County where
all, a major airport would mean
taxes and the cost of living are soaring higher than the jets."S9
.10,000construction jobs, 3,000 to
As the debate over the desirability ofa "Third Major" airport in
rovide support services directly
Kankakee County continues, both sides await the results of a study by
rt and the needs of travelers.58
Peat, Marwick, and Main, a San Francisco-based consulting firm hired
Published by Digital Commons @ IWU, 1989
45 17
Undergraduate Review, Vol. 3, Iss. 1 [1989], Art. 7
by the state. The study should narrow down the number of recom­
mended sites. In the meantime, the prospects for economic recovery
remain dismal. The recent influx of low-paying jobs and the creation of
incubator facilities is simply not enough to account for the loss of key
backbone of its industrial base. If recovery is not in sight, what then can
1 Greg David and Steven R.
butSouthem towns grab it!
16, 16 April 1984, 17.
be concluded from this ambitious effort to analyze the economic plight
2 Sales in
factories which were previously the area's largest employers and the
played by compromise, concessions, and cooperation at the municipal
1978 approached S
1975salesof$450million. G
saga: Workers survive, b1J
Chicago Business£ vol. 7, no
level. The devastating and far-reaching impact of the ''Rust Belt-Sun
3
of Kankakee? One dear lesson that can be learned is the important role
Belt" phenomenon should also be apparent, as should the importance
David and Strahler,''KaI1
, The dosing of the suppc
recent buyout of Roper b:
Gibson's "Roper tells 70 WI
14 April 1988, pp. 1-2.
ofrecognizing problems <e.g., changing markets) and confronting them
before they reach crisis proportions. The enthusiasm being generated
by the proposed airport may be premature; however, if this or a related
5 Figures taken from the ''1
the Kankakee MSA in Fet
compiled in cooperation v
ployrnent and Training Ac
project is to revive Kankakee's economy, it is essential that future
mUnicipal leaders recognize the mistakes that were made in the past.
Two empty factories, an unemployment rate which is consistently one
planning purposes in
the number of direct jobs.
publication of the I<ankak.
6 For
of the highest among the state's metropolitan areas, and a crumbling
economy serve as striking reminders of the need to learn from those
7 Steven R. Strahler, "Far fr
mistakes if the economic plight of Kankakee is to be reversed.
war," Crain's Chicago Busi;
8 David and Strahler
repor
that the average KankakE
average.
9
Figure taken from the 19
10 New Horizons United Oi
County Economic Develo
11
David and Strahler dis­
Crain's Chicago Business, ...
Kroehle's long-tenn deb­
vulnerable when interest
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46
18
Benscoter '89: Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the economic pligh
ITOW
down the number of recom­
e prospects for economic recovety
low-paying jobs and the creation of
NOTES
ough to account for the loss of key
:overy is not in sight, what then can
1 Greg David and Steven R. Strahler. ''Kankake's saga: Workers survive,
butSouthern towns grab itsfortune," Crain's Chicago Business, vol. 7, no.
16,16 April 1984, 17.
ffort to analyze the economic plight
2
e area's largest employers and the
~, and cooperation at the mUnicipal
Sales in 1978 approached $800 million, a considerable increase over the
1975sales of$450 million.Greg David and StevenR.Strahler, ''I<ankake's
saga: Workers survive, but Southern towns grab its future," Crain's
Chicago Business" vol. 7, no. 15,9 April 1984, 25.
bing impact of the "Rust Belt-Sun
3
::an be learned is the important role
.pparent, as should the importance
;ingmarkets) and confronting them
I.
The enthusiasm being generated
nature; however, if this or a related
onomy, it is essential that future
stakes that were made in the past.
nentrate which isconsistently one
1ropolitan areas, and a crumbling
rs of the need to learn from those
:ankakee is to be reversed.
David and Strahler, "Kankakee's saga," vol. 7, no. 16,17.
The closing of the support offices in Kankakee was blamed on the
recent buyout of Roper by General Electric and Whirlpool in Marx
Gibson's "Ropertells 70 workers here: 'Thanks, by'," The Daily Journal"
14 April 1988, pp. 1-2.
4
5 Figures
taken from the ''Labor Force and Employment Summary" for
the Kankakee MSA in Februaty 1983 and March 1988. The data was
compiled in cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Em­
ployment and Training Administration.
6 For
planning purposes indirect jobs account for approximately twice
the number of direct jobs. Why an Airport? Why Kankakee County?, a
publication of the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce.
7 Steven R. Strahler,
''Far from the Roper battle, Kankakee loses its own
war," Crain's Chicago Business, 14 March 1988, 78.
Crain's Chicago BusinesS, vol. 7, no. 16 (20),
that the average Kankakee per capita income is 14% below the U.S.
average.
8 David and Strahler report in
9
Figure taken from the 1980 Census Report.
10 New Horizons United Case Statement, a publication of the Kankakee
County Economic Development Council, 7.
11
David and Strahler discuss the departure of Kroehler Furniture in
Crain's Chicago Business, vol. 7, no. 16 (17-18). Employing 800 in 1976,
Kroehle's long-term debt ballooned in 1977, making the company
vulnerable when interest rates skyrocketed in 1979.
Published by Digital Commons @ IWU, 1989
47
19
Undergraduate Review, Vol. 3, Iss. 1 [1989], Art. 7
I,
I
i
David and Strahler, ''Kankakee's saga," vol. 7, no. 15, 15.
12
the plants in Kankakee remained unorganized until after the
1936 Wagner Act established a right to collective bargaining, Ibid.
13 Most of
31
Michael Monahan, inten
32 Scott Wade,
''Education a
Sunday Journal, 21 Februar
14
Ibid.
33
Ibid.
15
Ibid., 22.
34
U.S. Census-Table P-5, Q
16
Ibid., 21.
35 The
17
Mr. Michael Monahan, interview by author.
18
David and Strahler, "Kankakee's saga," vol. 7, no. 15,22.
19 Ibid.,
Fantus Plan support
the city and county, the Ee
and the Community Colli
gives publicly supported
term focus. The Fantus 0
cago: The Fantus Compan
25.
36 Ibid.,
20
David and Strahler. ''I<ankakee's saga," vol. 7, no. 16, 18.
21
David and Strahler. "Kankakee's saga," vol. 7, no. 15,26.
22
David and Strahler. ''Kankakee's saga," vol. 7, no. 16, 19.
8.
37 Strahler,
38
"Far from the F
David and Strahler, ''Ka
''The I<ankakeeCounty I
to consolidate and coordi
County of Kankakee ....•
of key economicdeveloptr
from throughout the count
economic development tt
Economic Development C
39
23 David and Strahler report in Crain's Chiazgo
Business, vol. 7, no. 16 (19)
that A.a. Smit's labor costs in Kankakee were nearly twice those in
McBee-an average of $14 an hour in wages and benefits, versus $7.50.
Figures taken from the "Labor Force and Employment Summary" for
the Kankakee MSA.
2&
25
Ibid.
40 Ibid.
26
David and Strahler, ''Kankakee's saga," vol.7, no. 16,20.
41
Area Jobs Developmer
Kankakee Area: 1986 Repon
'Zl
Ibid.
28
Michael Monahan, interview by author.
42
29 Carson Pirie Scot's sales in downtown Kankakee have continually
grown, as reported by Tim Schmidt, "Kankakee gets bashed again in
Crain's," The Daily JQurnal, 30 March 1988, pp. 15-16; Meadowview
Bank continues to have "record performances ineamings and capital­
the two key measurements ofquality in a bank." Meadowview Bank 1987
Kankakee Area ChamI
County Rlinois (Crystal La
43
Area Jobs Development
"An Enterprise Zone is i
the relaxation of certain 11
inducing businesses to seI
44
Annual Report, 1.
"After 85 years, Alexander Lumber closing," The Daily
Journal, 6 April 1988, pp. 1-2.
http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/rev/vol3/iss1/7
20
45
Ibid., 21.
46
Carol Glenowski, inter
30 Tim Schmidt,
48
Benscoter '89: Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the economic pligh
I saga,"
vol. 7, no. 15, 15.
mUned unorganized until after the
!it to collective bargaining, Ibid.
31
Michael Monahan, interview by author.
32 Scott Wade, ''Education and the Economy:
Mutually Dependent," The
Sunday Journal, 21 February 1988, p. 15.
33
Ibid.
3f,
U.S. Census-Table P-5, General Social and Economic Characteristics 1980.
long-term financial relationship between
the city and county, the Economic Development council, the Chamber
and the Community College on economic development issues, and
gives publicly supported economic development marketing a long­
term focus. The Fantus Company, Kankakee County Assessment (Chi­
cago: The Fantus Company, 1987),40.
3S The Fantus Plan supports a
'by author.
.saga," vol. 7, no. 15,22.
36
Ibid., 8.
37
Strahler, "Far from the Roper battle," 78.
38
David and Strahler, "Kankakee's saga," vol. 7, no. 16,24-25.
saga," vol. 7, no. 16, 18.
saga," vol. 7, no. 15,26.
saga," vol. 7, no. 16, 19.
"The Kankakee County Economic Development Council was formed
to consolidate and coordinate economic development efforts in the
County of Kankakee .... The thirty member council is representative
of key economic development organizations and political subdivisions
from throughout the county. It is able to address critical issues affecting
economic development through a unified voice." Kankakee County
Economic Development Council, New Horizons, 4.
39
's Chialgo Business, vol. 7, no. 16(19)
dcakee were nearly twice those in
n wages and benefits, versus $7.50.
ceand Employment Summary" for
to Ibid.
saga," vol.7, no. 16, 20.
~1
Area Jobs Development Association, Economic Development in the
Kankakee Area: 1986 Repori, 3.
Kankakee Area Chamber of Commerce, A World Apart; Kankakee
County ntinois (Crystal Lake, IL: Profile Publications, Inc., 1986),38.
Q
luthor.
ltown Kankakee have continually
t, "Kankakee gets bashed again in
'Ch 1988, pp. 15-16; Meadowview
lrmances in earnings and capital­
,ina bank." Meadowview Bank 1987
U
Area Jobs Development Association, Economic Development, 4.
" "An Enterprise Zone is an area designated by the State as eligible for
the relaxation of certain local and State regulations for the purpose of
inducing businesses to settle, remain and expand in the area." Ibid., 19.
~ Ibid.,
21.
amder Lumber closing," The Daily
46
Carol Glenowski, interview by author.
Published by Digital Commons @ IWU, 1989
49 21
r
Undergraduate Review, Vol. 3, Iss. 1 [1989], Art. 7
'7 Strahler, "Far from the Roper battle," 78.
"Kankakee gets bashed, : 16; Other Fortune 500 companies
operating in Kankakee County include Annour Phannaceutical Co.,
Armstrong World Industries,CBI Industries, CrownIndustries, Crown
Cork and Seal, Gaines Foods, Valspar Corp., Sun Chemical, and Texize.
Kankakee Area Chamber of Commerce, A World Apart, 37.
'lI Schmidt,
i
I
'9 Carol
BII
Area Jobs Development A
KankakeeArea: 1986 RepOl
Bierschenk, Ed. "Madigan 1
Journal. 15 March 1988, 1-2
Glenowslci, interview by author.
50 Vivian
Bowser, interview by author.
Bowser,Vivian, President 0
by author, 30 March 1988, j
Tim Schmidt, "Housing market here close to boiling," The Sunday
Journal, 27 March 1988, p. 17.
51
52 Strahler,
53
Bureau of Labor Statistics. ]
the Kankakee MSA.
"Far from the Roper battle,II 78.
David, Greg and Steven R
vive, but Southern townsg
7, no. 15.,9 April 1984, 11-:
Mike Monahan, interview by author.
5' Ibid.
55 Kankakee
David, Greg, and Steven R
vive, but Southern towns g
7, no. 16., 16 April 1984, 17
Chamber of Commerce, Why An Airport?
56 Ed Bierschenk, "Madigan backs airport here at huge rally," The Daily
Journal& 15 March 1988, pp. 1-2.
57
Robert Glade advocating airport in publicity pamphlet.
Gibson, Marx. ''Roper tells
Journal, 14 April 1988, 1-2.
58
Kankakee County Economic Development Council, Airport 2000, 1.
Glade, Robert. Airport 200(
59
Gloria Weidner to the editor of the Chicago Tribune, 9 April 1988,
Glenowslci, Carol, Membe
Council. Interview by autl
Chicago Tribune, 10.
Kankakee Area Chamberc
Illinois. Crystal Lake, IL: P
Kankakee Area Chamber I
County?
KankakeeCountyEconom
Case Statement.
MeadCJtUView Bank 1987 An
Monahan, Mike, Director
30 March 1988, Kankakee
http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/rev/vol3/iss1/7
50
22
Benscoter '89: Learning Lessons the Hard Way: An analysis of the economic pligh
lttle," 78.
I, : 16; Other Fortune 500 companies
dude Armour Pharmaceutical Co.,
Mustries, Crown Industries, Crown
mCorp.,Sun Chemical, and Texize.
nerce, A World Apart, 37.
IUthor.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Area Jobs Development Association. Economic Development in the
KankakeeArea: 1986 Report.
Bierschenk, Ed. "Madigan backs airport here at huge rally." The Daily
Journal. 15 March 1988, 1-2.
:bar.
: here close to boiling," The Sunday
Bowser, Vivian, President of the Kankakee Board of Realtors. Interview
by author, 30 March 1988, Kankakee.
ttle," 78.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. Labor Force and Employment Summary for
the Kankakee MSA.
thor.
David, Greg and Steven R. Strahler. ''Kankakee's saga: Workers sur­
vive, but Southern towns grab its future." Crain's Chicago Business. Vol.
7, no. 15.,9 April 1984, 11-26.
:e, Why An Airport?
Iirport here at huge rally," The Daily
David, Greg, and Steven R. Strahler. "Kankakee's saga: Workers sur­
vive, but Southern towns grab its future." Crain's Chicago Business. Vol.
7, no. 16., 16 April 1984, 17-28.
in publicity pamphlet.
Journal, 14 April 1988, 1-2.
fe10pment Council, Airport 2000, 1.
Glade, Robert. Airport 2000 publicity letter.
Gibson, Marx. ''Roper tells 70 workers here: 'Thanks, bye'." The Daily
o
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