Aug. 25--MINONK -- Winds of change are blowing across the central Illinois economy.

Companies such as SMF, a machine shop in Minonk with 120 employees, are finding that the growth of wind energy in the state not only creates an environmental benefit, but also provides jobs.

"We're in our third year of making parts for the wind industry. We still do work for Caterpillar and other fabrication work but now we're hooked up with all the main wind players," said Paul Halvorson, SMF's chief financial officer.

The future looks downright gusty with a federal mandate to have 20 percent of the nation's power by generated by wind by 2030, he said.

"About 4,000 to 5,000 (wind) towers are now going up nationally every year. That's expected to increase to 15,000 towers annually, starting next year," said Halvorson, whose firm supplies anchor rings for wind power companies throughout the United States and Canada.

The move toward wind power also involves area companies such as Blackshor Services, 5531 W. Plank Road, an area business involved in landscaping, snow removal and tower installations for 30 years. Earlier this year, Blackshor became a dealer of wind turbines, offering a variety of models for home and businesses.

"When the turbine produces more power than the house needs, the meter spins backwards, creating a credit that can be used later," said Kim Blackburn, wife of Blackshor owner George Blackburn.

Blackshor offers three models of turbines, ranging in price from $16,000 to $95,000, she said.

A new tax credit now helps defray 30 percent of the total installed cost of the turbine, said Blackburn.

The wind energy industry in Illinois is projected to generate $1.9 billion in economic benefits for the state over the next 25 years, according to Illinois State University's Center for Renewable Energy.

Wind power not only generates energy but jobs for the state, according to the center, adding that wind generation projects in Illinois through March of this year have accounted for 6,000 full-time jobs with a total payroll of over $300 million.

"There are opportunities for businesses, despite the worst recession since the 1930s," said Bob Weinstein, president of the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center at Bradley University, one of 11 offices around the state that help Illinois manufacturers stay competitive.

"One of the most difficult challenges facing companies these days is diversification, going after new markets with new products," he said.

A recent seminar on wind-power opportunities drew more than 200 people, said Weinstein.

"Some companies learn that (wind power) is not for them.