On Tuesday, Dec. 12, Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) began offering free access to a user-friendly data tool to help attract new investment to this rural Illinois county, support local businesses, create jobs, and stimulate the local economy.
MCBT said the robust data tool, Zoom Prospector, is an industry-leading resource that provides comprehensive data on various aspects of the local economy.
“With just a few strokes on a keyboard, its interactive tools make community research and analysis immediately accessible to various entities and individuals,” the organization said in a news release.
“This tool opens doors – literally and figuratively – to economic opportunity in Mercer County over the long-term,” added MCBT Executive Director Kyle McEwen.
“Zoom Prospector is designed to attract investment to Mercer County by shining a light on local sites and properties available for commercial development,” he said. “This platform is another value add to the MCBT toolbox for businesses, site selectors, and frankly, anyone with an interest in Mercer County.”
Access to data is free
The countywide grassroots organization said that by providing free access to this powerful new tool, MCBT is empowering people to take charge of their community’s economic development by sharing key data needed to make informed decisions that will benefit the local economy.
Among the information MCBT is offering via the tool is identification of shovel-ready sites, existing commercial real estate for sale or lease, and vacant land opportunities. Local businesses also can use the tool to gather valuable data on their target market and identify growth opportunities.
In addition, MCBT said, economic development professionals can use Zoom Prospector to demonstrate the region’s strengths to potential investors and businesses.
Several local realtors were instrumental in bringing Zoom Prospector to the public by adding their available sites and properties, MCBT said. They expect to continue to update their inventory, ensuring that the real estate portion of the tool is as current as possible.
“We are lucky to have several realtors in Mercer County who are not only good at what they do, but are also devoted to helping their communities grow,” said Tara McFarland, creative director and administrative specialist at MCBT.
To access the tool, visit www.mcbettertogether.org/property-search-analysis.
For more information on community and economic development in Mercer County, as well as MCBT programs and projects, visit www.mcbettertogether.org.
