East Central Reporter

After its dissolution for failing to file an annual report, the Logan County Economic Development Partnership (LCEDP) sought reinstatement as a not-for-profit corporation. On September 16, 2024, WM "Bill" Thomas, acting as the Registered Agent of LCEDP, filed paperwork with the Illinois Secretary of State. However, Thomas reportedly provided false information regarding his address.

The address given by Thomas was 114 SW Arch Street, which is actually associated with the Atlanta Public Library District. The library district confirmed in writing that they do not permit LCEDP to use this address. This discrepancy is significant because it concerns where official documents are sent or served upon the registered agent of a corporation.

Dale Colaw, another former board member of the library district, signed the application affirming its accuracy under penalty of perjury: “The undersigned corporation has caused this application to be signed by a duly authorized officer, who affirms, under penalty of perjury, that the facts stated herein are true.”

On the same day as filing for reinstatement, LCEDP also submitted an annual report listing Bill Thomas as the Registered Agent at 114 SW Arch Street. Colaw digitally signed this report under penalties of perjury: “Under the penalty of perjury and as an authorized officer, I declare that this annual report...is...true, correct and complete.”

Both reports allegedly contained knowingly false information about the registered office's address. According to ProPublica data from 2023, Bill Thomas received $50,000 as LCEDP Executive Director.

It is suggested that LCEDP should promptly submit corrected reports to accurately reflect their Registered Agent's actual address.