BUSINESS MEMO: A NEW `VIRTUAL CITY'

Carbondale, Marion and Herrin have joined forces to form a "Virtual City."

The three Southern Illinois communities, located along the Route 13 Growth Corridor recently announced the economic development alliance.

A virtual city consists of communities that associate and cooperate with their neighbors -- even their competitors -- to achieve a certain critical mass unattainable on their own.

The Carbondale Business Development Corp. and the Marion and Herrin Chambers of Commerce started planning for the new virtual city in January. The groups area planning a number of marketing activities and events to promote the Route 13 Growth Corridor, through trade shows, advertisements and contacts with other areas.