McHenry County EDC president stepping down

The McHenry County Economic Development Corporation announced the resignation of President Christopher Manheim today, just two days after he and the agency were harshly criticized by some county leaders.

But in a statement released today, MCEDC board Chairman Walt Packard said Manheim tendered his resignation Oct. 24, days before county officials questioned his leadership.

"Chris' experience and skills in economic development have helped MCEDC evolve over the past two years," Packard said. "We appreciate his service and expertise."

Manheim was not immediately available for comment.

MCEDC Vice President Jean Schober said the organization is still working out details of who will fill Manheim's duties while it conducts a search for a permanent replacement.

"We're a team here and we'll all work together so we don't miss a beat," she said.

The MCEDC, and Manheim in particular, were the targets of criticism Tuesday from members of the McHenry County Board's Finance and Audit Review Committee.

The committee voted 5-2 in favor of a four-year deal that would keep the county as the organization's primary funding source, giving it more than $152,000 a year.

However, even members who supported the measure questioned the agency's effectiveness. County board member Barbara Wheeler said the MCEDC "has a leadership problem."

The agency is a public-private partnership created 15 years ago to attract new business to the county and retain existing businesses, It recently began a feasibility study to determine whether the agency is economically viable and effective enough to continue.

Manheim was named president in October 2006 after previously serving as vice president for economic development for the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce.