Sorensen: Group O is a ‘story of success’

MILAN – U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Illinois) is calling Group O a company that is helping the economy and a great example of growth. The company is doing a great job in creating jobs, strengthening the nation’s supply chain and growing, he said after a brief tour Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 23, of Group O’s headquarters at 4905 77th Ave., Milan.

“It’s an honor to be here. … This business is really a story of success,” Mr. Sorensen, the 17th District congressman, said after his tour. He added that he plans to work on and support legislation that will help companies like Group O continue on a growth path. "It was an insightful and productive tour, where we discussed job creation, economic growth, and the company's contributions to our local community. I am confident that our partnership will yield results and I look forward to working with them to help expand markets and support the local economy in Milan and northwestern Illinois," Mr. Sorensen said in a statement to the QCBJ on Thursday. The Illinois Democrat was at Group O headquarters to highlight his efforts to create jobs, help the supply chain and economy in northwestern Illinois. He also wanted to visit to see how Group O’s work is supporting other companies and economic development organizations. “We always used to say ‘It’s the best kept secret.’ But, we’re trying to get the word out (on Group O’s work),” said Paul Flemr, the company’s vice president of operations and marketing solutions, while giving a facility tour to Mr. Sorensen. Group O is a business process outsourcer that specializes in incentive marketing, supply chain, packaging, mobile device testing and more. Some of its clients include AT&T, Michelin, PepsiCo, Caterpillar and Samsung. During Wednesday’s tour, company officials showed off various operations of Group O to Mr. Sorensen including: the call center, marketing operations, print department, packaging and warehouse. Group O officials also outlined some of the challenges the company is facing. One of the top challenges is getting and keeping employees. Candy Wise, senior vice president for marketing solutions, said that has "definitely been a challenge,” but the company has used creative solutions in an effort to help in its battle for employees including promoting from within its ranks. 

But activities at Group O were more than a tour and praise for the company. During the visit, company officials asked for Mr. Sorensen’s help in their efforts to oppose a proposed Lakeshore Recycling System’s waste transfer station. The Moline City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 22, approved locating a $15 million nonhazardous waste material transfer station in an empty Moline TIF district on land the city leases from the Quad Cities International Airport. The council’s unanimous vote came after area residents spoke against the 5,000-square-foot, self-contained staging and recycling center being proposed by Lakeshore Recycling Systems. The proposed site is west of Group O on 10 acres located at 47th Street and 78th Avenue.  Company officials presented Mr. Sorensen with a letter stating Group O “vehemently opposes” the transfer station and wants the congressman to join them in fighting the plan. A copy of that letter was provided to the QCBJ by Group O. “Not only is there … no need for the waste transfer station, it will devalue and reduce the appeal of the surrounding properties. If this facility goes in, there will be NO interest in the surrounding properties resulting in no additional tax revenue from this business park,” according to a portion of the letter. The letter, signed by Gregg Ontiveros, principal owner of Group O, adds that a waste transfer station would have a negative impact on the region, including: safety and road deterioration; odor and debris problems; heavy truck traffic; and create an unattractive area. “Although the City of Moline could make as much as $500K on this trash facility, it will be giving up the possibility of $2M-$3M in tax revenue from the remaining properties,” the letter adds. Group Ō employs more than 1,200 people and is ranked among the top five Latino-owned businesses in the nation, according to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 1974 as a small, family-run packaging company, Group O has grown into a thriving enterprise with world-class industry experience under the leadership of the Ontiveros family.