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Ameren Illinois recently named nine communities “Progressive Cities” for 2016 for their success in implementing forward-looking initiatives to better the quality of life for both residents and businesses.

In recognition of the award, Ameren Illinois provided each city with a $2,500 grant toward a community-related project and road signs that can be displayed around town. The grants will be used for everything from decorative street lights in Washington and a solar lighting project in Effingham to the construction of insect hotels in Normal.

"The actions that our communities are taking to improve the quality of life for their residents and businesses are admirable," said Richard J. Mark, president of Ameren Illinois. "The Progressive City initiative allows us to recognize the important work that is being done throughout our service territory to improve environmental stewardship, reduce energy consumption and instill pride in our communities."

This year marks the seventh year Ameren Illinois has implemented the Progressive City initiative. In past years, communities were chosen for this honor based on business and residential energy savings through the year. For the first time, the selection criteria has been expanded to include sustainability and other advanced initiatives undertaken by the communities. Expanding the criteria opened the door for a wider range of communities to be recognized. 

In selecting the Progressive Cities, Ameren Illinois pointed to each community’s success in implementing local initiatives. Below is a highlight from each city.

• East Peoria: The city’s dedication to providing a home to the Tri-County Fresh Food Hub, which provides locally grown produce to families, businesses and organizations.
• Effingham: The continued development of Harmony Playground, an inclusive playground that provides an area to accommodate children with a broad range of physical and cognitive abilities.
• Fairview Heights: An active Beautification Commission that schedules clean-ups and meets every month to pick up litter.
• Greenville: The City’s designation as a "Tree City USA" by the Arbor Day Foundation, granted because of a commitment to urban forest management.
• Herrin: Herrin Hospital's "Target Stroke Elite Plus" designation.
• Macomb: The Macomb Forestry Department's leadership in removing "trap" trees and replacing them with "Right Tree, Right Place" alternatives.
• Normal: Active participation in "Rebuilding Together," a multi-county group providing home repair and renovation services to qualifying homeowners.
• Shiloh: The development and maintenance of walking and biking trails.
• Washington: The community's participation in gas and electric safety municipal training.

About Ameren Illinois

Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers in downstate Illinois, and our mission is to power the quality of life. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.

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