| ROCHELLE, IL…The City of Rochelle and Location Finders International are pleased to announce a Groundbreaking Ceremony to signify the start of construction of a 14,820 sq. foot Walgreens pharmacy and retail store near the corner of Illinois Routes 251 & 38. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 27.
Founded in 1901, Walgreens is the nation’s largest retail pharmacy chain and considered the leader in innovative drugstore retailing. Born in Galesburg, Illinois and relocated to Dixon, Charles R. Walgreen, Sr. was dedicated to pharmaceuticals and a lifetime of perseverance and hard work. His first neighborhood drugstore measured 50 feet by 20 feet and became the quality standard for his competition.
City Manager Ken Alberts is delighted to welcome this significant national retailer to Rochelle. “We are extremely pleased that a pharmacy with the outstanding reputation that Walgreens has earned will be joining the Rochelle business community. The added option that Walgreens provides our citizens for pharmacy services is important to our growing community”, said Mr. Alberts.
Location Finders International, Inc. headquartered in Mokena, Illinois is the retail developer for the project. For over 30 years, LFI has developed multiple properties for many national retailers in the Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Colorado markets. Michael Mills, Director of Acquisitions, said, “LFI is very excited to bring a national retailer like Walgreens to the Rochelle market. The City of Rochelle and GREDCO should be commended for their pro-business attitude which has helped to make this development a reality”.
Walgreens will begin building on the site where the former Rochelle Township High School once stood. The parcel is rich in tradition and carries lots of sentiment for generations of Rochelle graduates. Former RTHS Superintendent Doug Creason was instrumental in LFI’s acquisition of the site. “The announcement of Walgreens is a victory for Rochelle. It is fitting that the retailer has chosen to locate near where the high school victory bell was often heard”. Creason currently chairs the Rochelle Regional Retail Alliance committed to quality retail growth while supporting existing business.
Chris Limas, Rochelle Community Development Director expects construction to begin immediately following the groundbreaking. “It has been a pleasure working with the team at Location Finders. We believe the Walgreens store will be a catalyst to stimulate more retail and restaurant development throughout the City”, said Limas.
In 2006, Walgreens filled more than 529 million prescriptions, serving about 4.7 million customers every day. Each store provides over 25,000 different items.
Consistent with the City of Rochelle’s commitment to provide high-speed internet access, Walgreens’ new computer system for filling prescriptions, Intercom Plus, will link all Walgreens stores into a single network. This is an example of how advanced technology will serve Rochelle and the greater region. Prescriptions can be filled quickly and economically at www.walgreens.com.
Walgreens plans to open 500 new stores in fiscal year 2007. Many factors have contributed to this unprecedented growth: a superb management team, modern merchandising, innovative store design, fair pricing, outstanding customer service and exceedingly high pharmacy quality and service. Walgreen Co. is the nation’s largest drugstore chain with sales of $47.4 billion in 2006.
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