The Office of Corporate Relations and Community Development was established in July 1986.1 At that time the Trustees provided funds for the appointment of a director.2 The Office was housed with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.3 In November 1986 the operations of the Business Development Service were transferred to the Office of Corporate Relations and Community Development.4 The Mission of the office as stated in 1987 was to promote relations between the University and Industry; promote development of an advanced technology industrial complex in the region; promote local, regional, and state research and development; assess the potential for establishing a University-based research park; administer the park, should it be established; and assist University faculty, staff, and others in establishing local technology-based businesses.5 The Office of Corporate Relations and Community Development was closed September 21, 1993.6 The remaining continuing activities of the Office were transferred to the Office of the Associate Chancellor for Public Affairs.7 Issues and projects of the Office of Corporate Relations and Community Development that the Office of the Assistant Chancellor for Public Affairs will continue to respond to are: the Urbana-Champaign Economic Development Corporation; development of a directory of research centers and laboratories on campus; development of a directory of high-tech companies in Champaign-Urbana; and train service to Champaign-Urbana.8 One file drawer relating to these projects was retained by the Associate Chancellor for Public Affairs. The remaining files relating to the Office of Corporate Relations and Community Development were transferred to the University Archives on November 23, 1993.9 See also Record Group 31/1: Office of Corporate and Public Services.
1. Statement of Space Needs for the Office of Corporate Relations and Community Development, September 15, 1987, p. 1; Corporate Relations and Community Development Subject File, 1986-93, University Archives RS 7/25/5 Box 3.
2. Board of Trustees Transactions, 64th Report, July 10, 1986, p. 19.
3. Pam Hohn to Bill Maher, November 23, 1993; Corporate Relations and Community Development Subject File, 1986-93, University Archives RS 7/25/5 Box 3.
4. Statement of Space Needs for the Office of Corporate Relations and Community Development, September 15, 1987, p. 2; Corporate Relations and Community Development Subject File, 1986-93, University Archives RS 7/25/5 Box 3.
5. Ibid. p. 1.
6. Pam Hohn to Bill Maher, November 23, 1993; Corporate Relations and Community Development Subject File, 1986-93, University Archives RS 7/25/5 Box 3.
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.
9. Ibid.