Lake Oliver LLC commissioned a study by the Rural Economic Technical Assistance Center (RETAC) at Western Illinois University to measure the economic impact of the Lake Oliver project on the counties surrounding Chatsworth. RETAC uses a well established protocol to determine the direct and indirect consequences of a major stimulus like project spending at Lake Oliver. RETAC used a 20-year planning horizon. The results are dramatic: in total, more than $600 million of economic output and 4,400 man-years of employment over twenty years, an average of 220 jobs every year.

To provide visitors with a panoramic view of the property at Lake Oliver, the Kurtenbachs recently held an old-fashioned tower raising. Milling massive oak logs from fallen trees on the property into floor boards and railings, the effort was completely sustainable. And now, from a perch above the tree line, you can see for miles and miles.

Lake Oliver was honored to host a pig roast in Pontiac on August 27, 2009 that introduced the new GLCEDC team to a large gathering of business and civic leaders from all over Livingston County. Featuring a menu of locally grown produce and pork from the organic farm of Green Acres Dairy in Chatsworth, the event, which was held at the 4-H Fairgrounds, was a huge success.

Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative is among the most progressive rural electrical cooperatives in the nation. Lake Oliver's commitment to sustainable development practices, including the use of alternative energy production, makes for a mutually beneficial relationship. EIEC invited the Lake Oliver team to present the project to its membership at its annual meeting in Paxton, IL on June 11, 2009.

Sustainable development requires information and insight, both of which were available in abundance at the Green Festival exhibition at Chicago's Navy Pier in May, 2009. Lake Oliver was among the exhibitors at this annual confabulation of eco-celebrants. Visitors to our booth to learned about our plans to make Lake Oliver a model of sustainable community development.

A small but dedicated group of Lake Oliver fans braved cold, wet weather to build bird houses, tour the property and construct a plank bridge for ATVs, trail bikes and hikers.