The Challenge

CL Enterprises is a family office based in the small town of Peru, IL. With an original business dating back to the late 1800s, the principals were committed to investments which provide long-term stability as well as steady growth. Over time they had assembled a diverse portfolio of businesses including Agriculture, Real Estate, Manufacturing, Aviation, Chemical, Hospitality and Craft Brewing. While operationally sound, what was missing was a vision to knit it all together and drive future legacy.

Solution

As residents of a small town themselves, the Founders had observed the long-term decline of many small towns across the American Heartland. With many young people leaving to build their careers in larger cities, these towns often looked increasingly neglected, lacking investment and opportunity, despite the talents and ambition and of local people.

This gave us the idea of being a bold catalyst for economic and social renaissance in small towns across the Midwest, summed up in the thought Small Towns. Big Ideas.

Our marketing stressed the difference between simply being an investor, versus the idea of being truly invested in the positive long=term outcomes.

Results

With a focused and clear story, we secured the co-operation and support from mayors and councils in many small to medium-size towns across the Midwest, attracting grants and tax incentives to complement our own investments. Local people loved the fact that we were repurposing neglected local landmark buildings, creating thriving new businesses and career oportunities, and improving the overall social life of the towns we operated in.