RENEW MOLINE
MEDIA CENTER
BIOGRAPHIES
Tom Robinson - Chairman/President of Renew Moline, Inc.
Tom Robinson is the current President and CEO of Southeast National Bank and President of Renew Moline’s Board of Directors. Mr. Robinson has been in the Quad Cities banking industry since 1970, holding many positions in his respected field as well as being involved in myriad organizations across the Quad Cities.
Mr. Robinson, along with being Chair of Renew Moline’s Board, is currently a member of the board for Junior Achievement of the Heartland, Inc., Quad City Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the Quad City Development Group. In the past, Tom has held board membership with other reputable local organizations including the United Way of the Quad Cities, the Salvation Army, Arrowhead Ranch, John Deere Classic, and the Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce.
As it stands, Mr. Robinson has proven to the Quad Cities what a business leader should be: a community leader, advocate, and supporter. He has dedicated much of his energy and effort to better the Quad Cities, watching it grow in support of his ideals over his 30+ years of service.
Jim Bowman - Executive Director of Renew Moline, Inc.
Jim Bowman is a 20-year veteran in the field of economic development working in the areas of business, community and workforce development for both the public and private sectors. He is a proven leader who has successfully implemented collaboration strategies particularly in regional environments.
Since taking the role of Executive Director of Renew Moline, Inc. in 2004, Jim has successfully managed and collaborated with local, state, and federal government agencies and private sector developers and businesses to achieve nearly $40 million investment so far in renovation and newly built properties in the downtown riverfront area of Moline.
Additionally, Mr. Bowman is responsible for implementing the Mississippi River Urban Technology Corridor that is projected to attract a $171 million mixed-use development including the Western Illinois University Quad City Riverfront Campus expansion.
Prior Career Positions
Assistant City Administrator, City of Moline
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Gregory Noe
Mara Sovey
Deere & Company
Deere Foundation
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cecilia O'Brien
Jim Richardson
John Slover
Genesis Health System
HOW RENEW STARTED
The creation of Renew Moline was sparked by Steve Hyman, then a member of the City of Moline Planning Department. Steve felt that the City was not equipped to undertake some of the redevelopment needs and opportunities that would surface as construction of the Civic Center (the MARK of the Quad Cities) and Heritage Place began.
Hyman approached several business people in early 1989 with the suggestion that the creation of a public/private partnership similar to Rejuvenate Davenport would be beneficial to Moline. Specifically, some properties surrounding the proposed Civic Center site were unattractive, dilapidated, and worn out. Others were marginally productive, or not suited to the desired support of the Civic Center.
The first goal of the incipient Renew Moline was to recruit members who would make financial commitments. To assist in that work, several other persons were enlisted in the support of the goal.
The organization was named, a logo selected, and discussions concerning member financial support levels were held. These meetings were hosted by John Slover in the law offices of Califf & Harper. The new corporation was awarded tax-exempt status and has since fulfilled its obligation to renew Moline's dowtown by following a citywide adoption of a master plan, known as the Moline Centre Plan.
WHAT IS RENEW MOLINE?
Renew Moline is a private, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to economic development and redevelopment actvities within the City of Moline.
PUBLICATIONS
2007 Quad City Region Washington Briefing Paper
Analysis of Quad City Region (.pdf)
RiverTech Initiative Draft Booklet
2006 IEDC Promotional Award to Renew Moline
Renew Moline Recieves Economic Development Award [September 2006]
ARTICLES
ICMA Public Management Magazine
Moline Profile: A New Face for Old Moline
River Cities' Reader
Moline Takes Charge [July 28. 2004]
River Cities' Reader Look at Progress In Moline
Moline Working to Link the Old and the New [August 21, 2002]
Illinois Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce
New WIU - Quad Cities Campus to Begin Construction by March 2010
The Dispatch
Rail Funding on Track (February 1, 2010)
Quad City Business Journal
IPI connects concepts to emerging companies (February 28, 2010)
Quad Cities Online, Dispatch Argus
The Chamber celebrates WIU-Quad Cities Campus Groundbreaking (March 31, 2010)
Quad Cities Times
Q-C breaks ground for WIU Riverfront Campus (March 31, 2010)
WQAD.com
Whalen serves up Moline riverfront development (April 1, 2010)
Video: Mike Whalen of Heart of America talks about a new development adjacent to the
new Western Illinois University Quad-City campus on the Moline riverfront.