Aurora’s Sherman Jenkins to retire

After spending 23 years in economic development in Aurora, Sherman L. Jenkins is retiring at the end of the year.

The executive director of the Aurora Economic Development Commission is not the type of person to sit around though. He says he plans to build his online newspaper business, “Tell Me Somethin’ Good,” which covers African-American life in cities outside of Chicago.

“I will also continue my research on an upcoming book about several players in the Negro Baseball leagues,” he said. During his tenure, he said “the city of Aurora has turned the corner to become a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. It is one of the most business-friendly cities in Illinois.”

Jenkins was unable to pinpoint one project that made him most proud. “We had so much to accomplish. With the help of the business community, a progressive city council and dedicated city staff, we developed the first master plan for downtown Aurora that will bear more gems such as the opening of the regional RiverEdge Park entertainment venue in 2013 and the attraction and future expansion of the Chicago Premium Outlet mall,” he said.

— Kim Mikus