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Rock Island rewards workers who live there

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By Brian Hollenback | Sunday, July 20, 2008 |

Your recent editorial “Consider a residency reward” (July 10) failed to mention one of the major benefits already available to City of Rock Island employees. Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation offers a live-work homebuyer program which encourages employees to live in the community where they work.

Since 2003, 135 families have been helped through this program totaling $824,380 in grants provided.

For example, here is the actual grant dollars awarded to employees of these major employers:

* City of Rock Island — 19 employees totaling $123,520

* Augustana College — 18 employees totaling $117,540

* Rock Island/Milan School District — 17 employees totaling $101,860

* Trinity Regional Health System — eight employees totaling $44,475

* Rock Island Arsenal — six employees totaling $43,885

Rock Island is the only community within the Quad-Cities offering this unique program, which started as a pilot program for the state of Illinois. Through this program a homebuyer can receive down payment and closing cost assistance when they buy a home in Rock Island. Homebuyers can buy a home for as little as $500 in out-of-pocket expense.

Rock Island is providing the innovative opportunities for employees that you suggest. Not only is this a benefit for employee recruitment, it also serves as a great tool for employee retention.

For more information about this program visit www.LiveRI.com or call (309) 788-6311.

Brian Hollenback

President Renaissance Rock Island