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BATAVIA, ILLINOIS 2007, Fermilab has been operated by the Fermi Research Alliance, a joint venture of the Univer- sity of Chicago and the Universities Research Association. Fermilab specializes in high-energy particle physics and its landmark particle accel- erator, the Tevatron, at 3.9 miles in circumfer- ence, is the world’s fourth largest. In the public realm, Fermilab hosts many cultural events: not only public science lectures and symposia, but also classical and contemporary music concerts, folk dancing, and arts galleries. According to Laura Newman, Batavia’s City Manager, Fermilab is currently embarking on a new project known as DUNE. “That’s Deep Un- derground Neutrino Experiment,” she explains. “And it’s going to bring one billion dollars in investments to the local economy and create 2,000 jobs. It’s supposed to be online by 2020.” “That’ obviously a huge source of employment,” adds Economic Development Consultant, Chris- topher Aiston. “It will double their workforce. Not only does this project offer significant em- ployment opportunities, both short term during construction and long term once the new facil- ities are up and running, but it will serve as an economic engine, driving increases in the pur- chase of local goods and services.” “Our next greatest level of employment is in the manufacturing and logis- tics industries,”Aiston con- tinues. “There are quite a few firms in the plastics injection and extrusion business. The city of Batavia owns its own electric utility and that’s kind of a rarity in the state. So, we manage, own, and distribute our own electric power. And that’s a reason why many of the plastics companies, particularly those that are on three shifts and need constant power with very few interrup- tions, or a quick turnaround if there is some kind of a shut- down, are here.”The Suncast Corporation, a maker of plastic lawn and garden products, has its national headquarters in Batavia, and is the City’s larg- est private employer. Another big deal for Bat- avia is the One Washington Place project, slated for two and a quarter acres in the city’s historic downtown, less than one block from the Fox River. “This project will be built under terms set forth in a tax increment financing redevelopment agreement between a private develop- AT A GLANCE | BATAVIA, ILLINOIS WHAT: A city of 26,500 WHERE: In DuPage and Kane Counties, approximately 40 miles west of Chicago WEBSITE: www.cityofbatavia.net