PEORIA MAGAZINE August 2022

“I just find that astounding,” said Mayor Jeff Kaufman. “It shows just how people responded and kept our Morton businesses in business.” A lifelong resident — he calls himself a “1957 classic” — Kaufman likes to point out that, while businesses and people in other parts of Illinois are leaving, they’re moving toMorton. The U. S. Census Bureau recorded a 5.2% population bump from 2010 to 2020. There is growth in other areas. Precision Planting (a division of AGCO) has extensive manufacturing and distribution locations throughout Morton. The precision ag technology company — some call it “the hot rod shop of ag” — recently announced it will be doubling its presence with a new 500,000-square-foot facility on the community’s west side. Construction is to begin yet this summer, with a November 2023 completion. WHY STAY IN MORTON? “Central Illinois is a great place to recruit talent due to the proximity of universities and a lower cost of living,” said Lee Baldwin, director of core autonomy at AutonomouStuff, a brand of Hexagon’s Autonomy & Positioning division. “Our local team can access a global workforce of 22,000 from right here in Morton.” The company has attracted inter national attention with innovations in autonomous vehicle technology.

For Precision Planting, it doesn’t hurt that Morton is smack dab in the middle of farm country. “We’re choosing to stay in Morton because of the proximity to our headquarters and access to the interstate,” said Director of Finance Keith Crow. “We look forward to growing our presence as an employer of choice in the area.” Morton sits at the interchange of east-west I-74 and southbound I-155, so transportation plays a major role in growing and keeping business. “One stoplight and you’re on the freeway,” Kaufman said. Add the lowest-in-the-region property tax rate, modern and well-maintained utilities and access to a skilled workforce, and you have a recipe for success. Amidst this growth, Caterpillar’s Parts Distribution Center continues to beMorton’s top employer, with 2,200 jobs at the sprawling complex along I-74. ROOTS IN PLANTING AND POTTERY Morton’s roots are in agriculture, but early in its history it also became a hub of industry out of necessity. The manufacture of drainage tile locally allowed thousands of acres of swamp prairie in the region to be farmed. Field tiles eventually gave way to a succession of potteryworkswhose kilns cranked out all manner of housewares

and decorative items for decades. That industry is long gone, but its heritage can be seen in an extensive collection of Morton pottery at theMorton Public Library. Morton High School sports teams are the Potters. Meanwhile, the village is seeing an apartment building boom, with nearly 100 new units constructed in the past two years. It “has just been insane,” said Lori Mattiazza, leasing manager for Ethos Design Build, regarding the firm’s construction of more than 250 luxury units locally. Young families, downsizing retirees and remote workers are leasing them as soon as they’re finished. The overall housing market is tight. Kauffman said there are typically only five to 10 homes for sale at any given time, “the lowest number in years.” A new subdivision on the east side of town is filling up fast. Folks are moving to Morton for favorable taxes, quick commutes (or working right in town) and plentiful lifestyle amenities such as parks, unique shopping and dining experiences, safe neighborhoods and accessible transportation. Meanwhile, Mortonites are proud of their schools. In a 2020 ranking, District 709 schools were in the state’s top 10 percent. Enrollment was 3,069 in 2021, up from 2,911 in 2015.

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