When nearly 200 workers, all adults with disabilities, and the staff entered the Illinois Growth Enterprises production facility for their shifts on Clinton Road in Loves Park, on Monday, June 2, they immediately noticed it was brighter. This transformation was made possible through the generous efforts of Ballard Electric and IBEW Local 364. For six hours on Saturday, May 31^st three supervisors and 25 union electricians and apprentices gave their valuable time. The project involved operating 11 lifts to reach fixtures located 25 feet above the floor. These skilled tradesmen improved the lighting system, changing out 154 obsolete magnetic florescent ballasts for newer electronic ballasts in 77 fixtures. This will allow IGE to expand in other areas.

The only expense to IGE for this worthwhile effort was cost of materials. Gratefully Ballard Electric and IBEW Local 364 provided the labor, supervision, additional materials and tools to get the job done. AVENT Energy Solutions confirmed the need and solutions. Without the support of these community-minded individuals this project would not have been financially possible.