I’ve had a hard time believing this move all along. To fathom that Peoria would not be home to the single most influential construction-business HQ in Illinois is difficult to say the least, especially if you’ve grown up knowing nothing less. I, along with many many others, am worried that Peoria will become a ghost town; dried up from failed economic activity that forces the people to move away saying “there is nothing left for me here.”
It cannot not be determined how exactly the relocation will affect Peoria, the most likely outcome can be predicted based on what has been researched & what is understood from both the company’s intentions and the city of Peoria’s intentions. In an article , Mayor Jim Ardis predicts that this is “going to have a real big impact… more our ego than what the real impact is. We’ve always boasted that Peoria is home of the world headquarters of Caterpillar.” It will be interesting to see how the livlihood of the town alters. Some are more positive and excited with Caterpillar’s announcement. There is suggestion for Peoria to become more of a “medical complex, developing as a tech center or as a hub for the arts.” Although nobody can see what the future withholds, this move can potentially be a great benefit to everyone involved or it can be a great tragedy to the community that calls Peoria home. Honestly, I think it depends on perspective and having a positive outlook on the situations life gives you. This is just another lemon, and whether Peoria chooses to make lemonade or not is up to the community.
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On thanksgiving day in 1904, four brothers successfully tested the world’s first practical track-layering tractor. From Concord, NH., the Holt brothers grew up owning a sawmill that produced wagon hardwood for construction. Concord was popular to make these parts around the early 1800's. Charles, William, Ames, and Benjamin (oldest to youngest) continued this business when they grew up. Benjamin stayed in Concord, while the eldest 3 moved to San Francisco to further develop C.H. Holt and Co.
C. H. Holt and Co. primarily dealt with axles, wheels, frames, and other wagon materials. After much success, the brothers opened Stockton Wheel Co. in 1883. Benjamin moved west to manage this new company. This was during the period of the ‘gold rush’, where people moves to California to mine for gold in hopes of getting rich in the 1940's. Many were unsuccessful, and turned to farming due to the vast and fertile land. Benjamin was found to be the most technically competent of the brothers and he expanded the company to sell farming equipment to lure in the people hoping to strike it rich in CA. In 1886, the company made its first huge combine, which was pulled by 18 horses. But, in 1890, Benjamin built the very first steam-powered engine, and began to use the Caterpillar trademarks because he thought the machine looked like one. The engine could burn coal, wood, or oil as fuel and had 60 horsepower. Farmers raved over the Caterpillar Tractors innovated machines that were ⅙ of the cost and more efficient of a horse-drawn-combine. Holt’s machines sold for $5,500. By 1906, Benjamin Holt was developing gasoline powered tractors. The Holt brothers realized Benjamin had the most insight into the mechanical devices that they all lacked; by 1906, the other brothers had either returned home or died, leaving Benjamin to manage the factory by himself. His company was very profitable and was used in farming, road construction, and the military. In WWI, more than 200 of Caterpillar tractors were in service in more than 20 countries. After Benjamin died in 1920, the Holt Co merged with one of its competitors and took the name Caterpillar Tractor Co. Today, it is the largest manufacturer for tractors in the world. I didn’t think it was really going to happen. I knew it was coming, but it never felt real. I feel like it still doesn’t; nothing is changing and nothing will change; that Peoria will always be where my parents live, where I come home to. I am trying to wrap my mind around it, but apart of me refuses to accept that next year when I come home for college, I won’t be in my hometown. My family and about 250 others have found, or are in the process of finding, homes in the area near Deerfield, the new HQ for CAT. After a long and rousing search, my parents found “the perfect house” and decided to buy a duplex in Glenview, which is about 45 minutes from the heart of Chicago. The house itself marks off all of my parent’s ‘boxes’: a yard, 3 bedrooms, good area, dog friendly, close to the city, but not too close to the city, etcetera, etcetera… Although CAT’s headquarters will be in the Chicago suburb, the Peoria location is not going anywhere, contrary to many beliefs. CAT will still have a major influence in the economy and have a high job outlook for CAT workers. The executives that are moving up north will have to frequently visit Peoria, depending on their specific role in Caterpillar. There are still thousands of jobs that will need to be maintained in the original HQ that lies in peoria. Peoria is considered home to a plethora of CAT families, including mine. Fortunately, I am the last child for my parents, so the don’t have to take into account location for schooling. The only education my parents are worried about is the college I choose… (that is if i ever decide on one!!!!!!?) Where does this leave me? I don’t really know yet. My sisters and I worry about where we will come home to, if we will host Thanksgiving next year, and where we will spend summer break. My parents will continue have a house in Dunlap, IL. That way, my mom can stay here and see her family whenever she wants/needs, and my sisters’ and I can come home to Peoria and see our friends. I am curious to see how Glenview compares to Peoria, but excited for my family, as well as so many others, to have this opportunity to begin a new chapter of our lives. I had a difficult time trying to brainstorm what kind of topics would be both fun to write for myself, and fun to learn about for readers. I thought maybe topics about dance or dogs. I decided I should do something that I feel more people should and need to know about. I feel many people have it all wrong. They are gossiping, spreading the wrong facts and statements, creating negative views. It is all about the big move of Caterpillar headquarters. Since 2016, there has been much fuss surrounding this topic, and it seems the fuss keeps growing as the news spreads. Moving from Peoria to Chicago is a big move, and some people are just pissed about it. So, I am going to set the record straight. Why the move? Why Chicago? Who? Is peoria going to be empty and struggle as a city? Who will this effect? What’s the deal with OSF? On a regular day, I get asked these questions about this topic and what exactly are my thoughts and feelings. Some ask me with rage why Caterpillar is doing this, as if it was my decision; others look at me was furrowed eyebrows and ask how I am doing, how my mom is doing, and what our plans are. I know, who cares what a 17-year-old girl thinks? And what does she even know? Honestly, more than you would think… Let me start from the beginning. My dad (pictured above) is the treasurer of Caterpillar Inc. He manages the company’s money while analyzing the history of the finances and strategizes future management. He’s one of the valuable puzzle pieces to CAT. Working for this company since college, he and my mom were relocated to Chile, Brazil, Switzerland, and Tennessee. The longest we have ever lived together as a family has been right here, in Peoria Il, where the current CAT headquarters are currently located. About two years ago, rumors broke out about the Caterpillar headquarters moving three hours north to Chicago, IL. When this news first hit me, I never actually think it would happen; an idea that would eventually fade away like so many others… Until I was noticed my parents talking about Chicago nonstop. My mom’s questions were endless. My dad’s answered would be vague and unsatisfying, but he simply did not know what was going to happen at the time. It was this past fall when everything began to really hit me. Trips to the Chicago area became more and more frequent, especially for my dad who had began constantly communting up for meetings and other work related gatherings. Now, he is gone most of the week, but is always home for weekends. My mom spends her free time browsing houses in Oakbrook, Glenview, and other suburbs that surround Chicago. Our family, like roughly 200 others are on this journey together & hopefully this new blog page will further help members of the Peoria community as to understanding why. |
the big moveCaterpillar Inc. Moves headquarters to Chicago, IL |