The World Is Flat, But Peoria Is Its Center

• iBi - March 2010
 
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by Ronald Rainson

Axis Inc.

A few years ago, a man drove to Peoria from Chicago, walked into my office at Axis, Inc., and handed me a bar napkin on which he had sketched a motorcycle. Not just any motorcycle, but his vision of the most powerful superbike ever to be manufactured in the United States.

We had an engineer in our New Delhi office with experience in motorcycle frame design for Komatsu and an engineer in our U.K. office who had been with BMW Motorcycles in Germany. We agreed to design the bike. At 6am, three times a week, we had a regular conference call to coordinate our activities around the world and make sure our designs maintained the rakish profile the French designer later recommended. We never met face to face as a group. The bike is now being manufactured in Maryland and is a big hit in Australia and Indonesia

Read the rest of the Article at: 

http://www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2010/mar/world-is-flat-peoria-is-its-center

http://www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2010/mar

More about Axis here

http://www.axis-inc.com

Video Support for Google Fiber Peoria

Calling all artists, art supporters and generally creative people:

A few weeks ago, Peoria launched its bid to bring the Google Fiber Project to our fine city.  The response from Peoria has been amazing.  Over 5000 people have joined our Facebook page.  Thousands of people have nominated us.  And a few went even farther.

Now it is your turn.  We are looking for people to create videos expressing their support for Peoria's effort.  Who better to take this on but Peoria's vibrant arts community?  We are looking for short videos (1-2 minutes long) that demonstrate that Google will play in Peoria.  The videos can range from the simple (just you in front of a webcam talking about how cool this will be) to the super creative (write a song, act out a scene, create some animation, design a slide show, etc.).  If you create a video, upload it to YouTube and send a link to csetti@ci.peoria.il.us.  If you don't have access to a camera, stop by the WTVP studios at the following times to give your testimonial:

• March 11 from 12 noon - 2 pm
• March 18 from 12 noon - 2 pm

Video submissions are the best way to let Google know you support this effort, but performance art doesn't need to be your thing.  If you are a potter, a painter, a sculptor, or a drawer, you can help, too.  If you create a piece of art in support of this project, take a picture of it and send it in!  Make sure you include a little explanation.  We'll use these images as part of our final submission to Google.  All submissions are due by March 26, 2010.

Your help is essential to our success.  Please spread the word to all of your friends, and help land Google in Peoria.  For more information, please visit 

www.GooglePlaysInPeoria.com. 

Thanks,

The Peoria Google Team

Jim McConoughey

President/CEO

The Heartland Partnership

100 SW Water Street

Peoria, IL  61602

jmcconoughey@h-p.org

309.657-5901

Nice Work by inVISION Studios

In This Issue OSF 3D Campus Map Shopping Center Facelift Message from the President Diverging Diamond Interchange Quick Links Architectural Renderings Campus Maps Architectural Design  QuickTime VR Highway Visualization Product Visualization Lighting Studies Technology Simulation Object VR  Request a Quote About Us Featured Projects OSF St. Francis 3D Campus Map inVISION Studio's completion of OSF St. Francis Medical Center's new on-line dynamic campus map has revolutionized the way visitors find their way to around the complex campus facility. Following a recent multi-million dollar expansion, OSF was in need of an updated campus map. inVISION Studios, known in the architectural and engineering field for their highly detailed and realistic visualization media was contracted to meet that need. Our solution was to provide a revolutionary map that would visually communicate directional information in a way not possible with color coded shapes of the building's foot prints or even with perspective drawings of the campus. Instead we created a photo-realistic three dimensional model that represented the campus the way that we see it in real life and we gave the on-line viewers the ability to rotate that model and study it from any direction. When requested, the route information to the new parking structure and new main entrance is depicted visually, immediately understood and retained in the viewer's visual memory for later use in finding their way once they arrive on campus. Westlake Shopping Center Facelift Westlake Shopping Center owned and managed by Cohen Development has been an on-going project for inVISION Studios since 2003. Originally built in the 1970s, this shopping center has undergone an incredible facelift. Originally contracted to produce photo-enhanced images for a canopy removal study, inVISION's president Thomas Waldschmidt eventual took on the role of architectural designer and has worked with the developer on nearly every aspect of the exterior design. Visualization production over the last several years has included digital landscaping and lighting studies. Facade design scenarios for each and every tenant space has been digitally represented for presentation to both potential tenants as well as zoning authorities. New way-finding signs and pylon sign studies have been created in 3D to study the visual feasibility at various locations. Interior spaces have been conceptually designed and presented in detailed renderings and QuickTime VR applications allowing the developers and their potential tenants to explore various flood plan layouts. Dear Colleagues, Now in our 13th year in business, we have continually been blessed with opportunities to work with and assist our valued clients and friends despite this unfortunate state of the economy. In the past, simple word of mouth and the production of an exceptional product has been more than enough to keep us thriving. However, this success has also kept us from adequately showcasing the work that we have done and acknowledging the clients that we have served. Before we get too busy, and I know we will again, I'd like to make a concerted effort to initiate the publication of a company e-portfolio. The contents of this publication will highlight projects from a variety of industries that we have had the pleasure of doing business in. In the coming issues, I intend to provide content that is relevant to each of your interests and will hopefully spark some ideas of how we can assist you in a similar manner. Thank you for taking the time to review our work, and please don't hesitate to contact me if we can be of assistance. Best wishes, Thomas Waldschmidt President, inVISION Studios Inc. Diverging Diamond Interchange Missouri Department of Transportation's first in the US diverging diamond interchange was being planned for the intersection of I-44 and Rte 13 in Springfield, MO. Prior to construction, MoDOT contacted inVISION Studios to produce a public relations video that would visually explain the unique traffic flow concept to the public. With only 2 1/2 weeks to complete the task, inVISION translated traffic data from MoDOT's VISSIM traffic model through a proprietary application and integrated it into a detailed site model complete with synchronized traffic lights and moving pedestrians in the crosswalks. "Invsion Studios was hired through CBB (Crawford, bunte, Brammeier) and completed the 3D animation model for the diverging diamond interchange located at Route 13 and I-44 in Springfield, MO. The model had to be completed within 3 weeks after the MOU contract was signed. Invsion Studios was given an extremely tight deadline and completed the work with outstanding results. Their work has been highly complemented by people who watch the animation. I highly recommend them for any animation work you need to have done. To view their work for the Route 13 and I-44 project, visit the MoDOT web page for the Springfield district or to see other samples of their work, visit their web site at InvisionStudios.com. I have not seen a better animation/simulation model for roadway work completed. Invision Studios was very reasonably priced and they worked many late nights to get the animation completed. Working with Tom Waldschmidt was outstanding. He was available at all times, including late evenings and weekends and I was able to get a hold of him at any time. Invision Studios went way beyond what most businesses would do to complete this type of model." Don Saiko, MoDOT - Dist. 8, Project Manager For more information contact inVISION Studios at or visit us on-line at: 309.579.3500  |   twaldsch@invisionstudios.com  |  www.invisionstudios.com

Study Reports Peoria is a Resurgent City

According to the December 2009 issue of Profitwise News and Views, a publication of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Peoria was identified as one of ten US resurgent cities. Rick Mattoon, a Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago senior economist and economic advisor, cited a study from the Boston Fed entitled, "Reinvigorating Springfield's Economy: Lessons from Resurgent Cities." The report stated that across the ten cities, industry mix, demographics, and geography were not the dominant factors in their renewal. Rather, the principal factor is social capital - leadership from government, nonprofit, and business sectors.

More Info

http://www.edc.centralillinois.org/

John Sharp and Karen McDonald are now publishing

'word' on the web

a digital version of 'Word on the Street'

A good place to get the scoop on Peoria, Illinois.

http://blogs.pjstar.com/wordonweb/

Existing Chemical Manufacturing Facility Needed

A west coast industrial broker has notified DCEO of the facility search requirement outlined below.

_____________________________________________

Existing Chemical Manufacturing Facility Needed

Location:  Illinois with easy access to railway.  We are also considering other states in the Mid West.

Type:  Lease or purchase

Term:  Long term

Size: 300,000 SF and up

We will consider all existing chemical manufacturing facilities.  Plants with reactors are preferred and must be on a rail line.

Timing:  ASAP

Please submit all brochures, offering memorandum, floor plans, zoning, asking rates, operating expenses, ceiling height, name of rail line and ownership name by Tuesday 3/9 at noon.

For communities with an available existing chemical manufacturing facility, please submit the type of information mentioned above to me,david.pierson@illinois.gov by noon, Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

Concerning the deadline, information on existing chemical facilities may be submitted after that date, but the facility information may not make it into a report the site selection advisors must prepare by the end of the week. 

Regarding planned investment and employment, that data is not known at this time.  It depends on a couple variables.  Also, there is not interest in build-to-suit offers at the present time.      

Thank you advance.

Dave

Dave Pierson

Economic Development Representative

IL Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

100 W. Randolph St., Suite 3-400

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 312-814-1346

Fax: 312-814-5247

E-mail: david.pierson@illinois.gov

Green Airport

Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino shares green airport initiatives with Peoria Sustainability Commission


Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino was the guest speaker at a full membership meeting of the Peoria Sustainability Commission (PSC) in Peoria, Illinois. Andolino was invited to speak to approximately 40 Commission members about the sustainable efforts taking place at Chicago's airports. 


The PSC is chaired by Dr. Amir Al-Khafaji of Bradley University's Department of Civil Engineering and Construction. The Commission is comprised of several of the region's top CEO's and government officials, including Peoria Mayor James Ardis. Commissioner Andolino opened her presentation by talking about the City of Chicago's commitment to green initiatives under the leadership of Mayor Richard M. Daley.


"One of Mayor Daley's priorities has been to make Chicago an example of how a large city can live in harmony with its environment and as a result, be a better place to live," said Andolino. "The Mayor understands that the environment is a major component of our strategy to attract people and jobs and to remain competitive in a global economy."


During her presentation, Andolino highlighted the numerous sustainable initiatives of the Chicago Department of Aviation and the O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP), including the OMP's innovative balanced earthwork plan, requirements for cleaner emissions in construction equipment, green roof projects, and the design and construction of the nation's first U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Silver certified air traffic control tower at O'Hare.


The PSC's mission is to transform Peoria into a community that promotes social equity, green economy, and healthy environment through policy development, incentives, and initiatives to sustain a quality way of life. The Commission will consider current trends and emerging technologies; partners with civic organizations and educational institutions, seeks alliances with sister cities; capacity building; regulations development; grants; and incentives.

For more information on the PSC, please visit: 

www.peoria-sc.com.

For more information on the CDA's Sustainable Airport Manual, please visit:

www.airportsgoinggreen.org