Bennett is joining a wave of commercial real estate interest in this part of the Chicago market. He feels that the I-57 corridor from I-80, near Peotone, through the Kankakee River Valley and southward to the University of Illinois and I-74 in Champaign, is on the verge of major development, especially if a third major Chicagoland airport in Peotone comes to pass. Bennett describes the area as having such features as a trained workforce and a good transportation system of roads, railroads and airports.

The new firm will provide tenant representation, site selection, economic development consulting, development of commercial facilities and services and strategic planning for a variety of property types, including education, industrial, recreation and retail.

While a consultant with Tony Perry & Associates of Kankakee, Bennett worked with many businesses and communities along I-57, including such south suburbs as Dolton, Riverdale and Calumet City. A member of the Kankakee County Economic Development Council, he believes that the area can give both residents and business the proximity of a major city such as Chicago within a near country to rural setting.