Letter: fortunate to have Bill Nicklas as DeKalb City Manager

To the Editor:

Our entire local community is truly fortunate to have Bill Nicklas as our DeKalb city manager during this exciting corporate transitional time.

As the president of the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District, I have the pleasure of working with Dr. Nicklas on a weekly basis in regards to our new local corporate partners.

The recent announcement from the Ferrara Candy Company and the Ventus Data Center to locate in DeKalb is a huge boom to both the DeKalb and Sycamore communities, Northern Illinois University, Kishwaukee College and most beneficial to the DeKalb Community Unit School District 428.

A true "win-win" for Ferrara and Ventus and all of us who call DeKalb County home. There are many people to thank who were instrumental in helping to make these new facilities and those that will surely follow a local reality.

The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, Mayor Jerry Smith, the DeKalb City Council, our local state representatives and the local taxing bodies and officials that quickly teamed up, all working together in a positive manner to facilitate the required infrastructure needs as well as approving a competitive tax incentive package.

But do not underestimate the importance of the lead role as quarterback DeKalb City Manager Bill Nicklas played in making this a reality. His knowledge, experience, respect, professionalism, work ethic and just plain "street smarts" were all pivotal in making our community stand out above all the rest. Many local leaders were involved and deserve credit, but I want to say a special "thank you, Bill Nicklas."

Our community will reap the wonderful benefits of your fruits of labor for years to come.

Dennis Collins

DeKalb