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Rochelle, Illinois, isn't just a transportation hub; it's a city thriving on a spirit of innovation. Building on a strategic investment in infrastructure, Rochelle has become a model for fostering entrepreneurship. The story begins with the Greater Rochelle Economic Development Corporation (GREDCO), founded in the late 1970s by a group of committed citizens. The organization's innovative start in property ventures has driven Rochelle's growth by attracting millions of dollars in investment, including Fortune 500 companies. Recognizing the city’s strategic location, GREDCO invested in rail and highway infrastructure to create an efficient transportation hub.

This vision has benefitted from Rochelle’s numerous advantages that aid economic growth. Beyond transportation systems, Rochelle has abundant land, electric power, and natural gas. Companies can reach more than 80 million people within a 24-hour drive. That population lends to a talented and available workforce developed over more than 100 years of manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, packaging and distribution experience.

The combination of factors has extended Rochelle’s growth into numerous industries. The city is an ideal draw for agri-business and energy companies like CHS, whose Rochelle biofuels facility has the capacity to produce over 130 million gallons of corn-based ethanol. Additionally, Rochelle’s commitment to utility infrastructure has allowed CHS to continue its industrial development by expanding into numerous by-product market streams. The long-time tomato producer MightyVine Tomatoes, now owned by Pure Flavor®, grows tomatoes year-round in its hydroponic greenhouses on a 30-acre Rochelle facility.

What began 20 years ago as a small father/son manufacturing shop in downtown Rochelle has become Quick Start/Fire Chariot Industries, which manufactures add-on systems to increase gas mileage on diesel engines from their Rochelle industrial park location.

Logistics and distribution companies like AmeriCold benefit from a Rochelle location that offers easy access to rail and truck transportation for customers across the Midwest. AmeriCold is the largest temperature-controlled warehousing operator in the world and targeted Rochelle for its first Automatic Storage and Retrieval System.

Rochelle's journey is an inspiration for any community. By fostering collaboration, investing strategically, and prioritizing a solid quality of life, they've transformed themselves into a thriving hub for entrepreneurs.