Jenkins retiring as Aurora’s economic development director
BY ERIKA WURST ewurst@stmedianetwork.com October 24, 2012 12:38PM
Sherman Jenkins is retiring as the longtime director of the Aurora Economic Development Commission.
Updated: November 26, 2012 7:12AM
AURORA — After more than two decades serving the city of Aurora, Sherman Jenkins will be retiring from his position as city director of economic development at the end of this year.
Jenkins said Wednesday he is leaving the position to pursue other opportunities.
“I’m proud of what we have accomplished in economic development for the City of Aurora over the past 22 years,” Jenkins said in a release. “I have worked with tremendous Aurora business leaders, City staff, three mayors and a progressive City Council.”
The Aurora Economic Development Commission works to promote, attract and retain commercial and industrial development in the city. Jenkins was named the commission’s director in 1999 after serving the previous eight years as assistant director.
During his tenure, Jenkins helped land the Chicago Premium Outlets that opened in 2004 on Farnsworth Avenue north of Interstate 88. The outlet mall is the second largest retail development in Aurora’s history and is one of the state’s top tourist attractions.
“My experience with Sherman demonstrated to me that he is a very hard worker and really has done a great deal to foster economic development in Aurora,” said Terry Bohr, the Aurora Economic Development Commission Board chairman.
“Sherman has a great reputation in the development community and has been a great salesman for the city throughout the years.”
“Sherman has been instrumental in helping Aurora land some of our biggest corporate tenants during the past two decades,” Mayor Tom Weisner said.
Under Jenkins’ direction, “Aurora became known for its welcoming and sustainable business climate which will benefit our city for years to come,” Weisner said.
In addition to his duties as Director of Economic Development, Jenkins also has been a member of the Rotary Club of Aurora, trustee of the Copley Healthcare Foundation at Rush-Copley Medical Center, past chairman and board emeritus of the Aurora Public Library Foundation, and an advisory council member of the Board of Directors for the Quad County African-American Chamber of Commerce.
His last day with the city will be Dec. 31.
