PEORIA MAGAZINE July 2022

their youth, said the mayor. The in centives are affordable housing, good schools and quick and easy access to jobs through traditional commuting or remote work, he said. Meanwhile, some are coming back home to retire. A RENOVATION BOOM Among those would-be retirees were Michael Stutzke and his wife Sue, but their planned ride into the sunset changed when Michael’s attention and imagination were captured by the old Knox Hotel on Main Street. That was five years ago. Including the Knox, his Four Flags LLC now has renovated a total of eight historical properties. All have quickly gained tenants and taken their place in the thriving retail mix. Stutzke said even though many mu l t i -gene r a t i on a l bu s i ne s s owners still thrive in this economic environment, tomorrow is in the hands of a younger crowd. “That’s the future of Princeton,” he said. “For a community like this to survive, it needs young entrepreneurs, and Princeton has plenty.” HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Not everything is happening on Main Street . Pr inceton’s largest employer is a massive Ace Hardware di str ibut ion warehouse in the industrial park just off I-80. It has a seasonal workforce of up to 550. L.W. Schneider manufactures firearm components and employs about 400. On the south end of town is the un assuming facade of MTM Recognition, formerly the site of Jostens. You would

never guess that diamond-encrusted championship sports rings – includ ing for the 1985 Super Bowl champs Chicago Bears, all of the Chicago Bulls’ titles and the 2005 Chicago White Sox World Series team — trophies and other high-end bling is crafted there. OSF Saint Clair Medical Center, for merly Perry Memorial Hospital, also is a significant employer. Out on the eastern outskirts of town is Hornbaker Gardens, a nursery and de facto botanical garden and arbore tum that draws avid gardeners from all over the Midwest to one of the largest selections of hosta found anywhere, as well as newlyweds about to tie the knot at its popular wedding venue. “Princeton has a quaint feeling that makes it feel like home,” said Jenica Cole, executive director of the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s definitely headed in the right direction.”

Scott Fishel is a senior communications executive with WTVP

ation jeweler and watchmaker and the proprietor of Bruce Jewelers. Superior service also is a key ingredient that gives an advantage to his business and many others in Princeton. There is evidence that Princeton natives are returning to the town of drummer for the rock band The Doobie Brothers. Others include actor Richard Widmark, CBS Journalist Nick Young, and soap opera star Kathryn Hays. Above, the Ace distribution warehouse, Princeton’s largest employer The Princeton Walk of Fame honors stars from Princeton that includes Keith Knudsen,

Learn more about Princeton City of Princeton : www.princeton-il.com Princeton Chamber of Commerce : www.princetonchamber-il.com Princeton Tourism : www.visitprinceton-il.com Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau : www.heritagecorridorcvb.com

16 JULY 2022 PEORIA MAGAZINE