Greater Peoria Economic Development Council

🌟 Reflecting on our recent Economic Development Forum, Jay Garner, an #econdevhero himself, has a special message to share during Economic Development Week! Discover his insights on the vital role of economic development and our ongoing efforts to empower our community. Let’s keep the momentum going! Watch the full video #EconomicDevelopmentWeek #PeoriaGrowth #IEDC #EconDevHeroes Development Counsellors International International Economic Development Council U.S. Economic Development Administration Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

A regional approach to economic development is important, but that approach extends beyond our counties' boundaries. We loved gathering with our great partners from across Central Illinois today at Distillery Labs. Together we are all stronger.

A vital boost for Peoria’s economy: the Women’s Business Development Center is expanding its Childcare Business Program to the region! This program empowers women-owned daycare centers with essential training in finance, operations, and growth strategy, addressing childcare shortages that impact our workforce. With Peoria’s need for accessible childcare options, this program can drive substantial economic growth, helping working families and employers alike. Find out more about this impactful initiative: https://ow.ly/eco150TWqxr Read the full WCBU's coverage here: https://ow.ly/1Qgf50TWqxq #ChildcareAccess #EconomicDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #GreaterPeoriaGrowth

We’re excited to share our weekend update! Highlights include a business attraction study through our Targeted Industry Analysis, the Discover Manufacturing Career Expo, and lessons from Naperville’s Career Motive-8 event. Plus, don’t miss our upcoming supply chain webinar on November 21. Explore the full update here: https://ow.ly/83Nz50TToSo #EconomicDevelopment #GreaterPeoria #Innovation #WorkforceDevelopment

Advancing Greater Peoria’s Economic Development through Strategic Infrastructure Investment We’re excited to share that the METROPOLITAN AIRPORT AUTHORITY OF PEORIA (MAAP) has secured an additional $13.51 million grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Terminal Program for the new control tower at General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport. This brings the total federal funding to $43.51 million, significantly closing the gap toward fully funding this pivotal project. Gene Olson, MAAP’s Director of Airports, stated: “We’re now within reach of having this project fully funded. The timing of the grant coming right after our groundbreaking on Monday is perfect and gives us confidence that we’ll see this project completed in a timely fashion.” The new 146-foot tower will meet all FAA requirements and enhance operational efficiency, safety, and accessibility. More importantly, it’s a substantial investment in our region’s economic development—creating jobs, stimulating local businesses, and improving critical infrastructure. This milestone reflects the positive impact of federal investment and collaborative efforts in driving regional growth and prosperity. Learn more: https://ow.ly/cqtr50TToGi #EconomicDevelopment #Peoria #InfrastructureInvestment #AviationIndustry #CommunityGrowth

A major win for Greater Peoria! METROPOLITAN AIRPORT AUTHORITY OF PEORIA is breaking ground on a new control tower, funded by $30M through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This project will enhance both safety and capacity, ensuring Peoria’s continued economic growth. With increased connectivity and support for key industries like aerospace, it’s a step forward in attracting business and boosting regional development. Peoria’s future is bright—let’s keep building on these opportunities. More info here: https://ow.ly/AZMx50TR8wo #InfrastructureInvestment #EconomicGrowth #Aviation #ChooseGreaterPeoria

We’re excited to share our weekend update! Highlights include hosting a German startup delegation, insights from the Just Transition Fund’s DC Summit, and the Havana Third Tuesday business roundtable. Don’t miss the GPMN quarterly meeting and Bradley Senior Consulting Program details. Explore the full update here:https://ow.ly/BuK450TOvhy #EconomicDevelopment #GreaterPeoria #Innovation #WorkforceDevelopment

We’re excited to share our weekend update! Highlights include the Makers on the Move bus tour, key takeaways from the DCI Marketing Summit in NYC, and student feedback from Career Spark. Plus, Bradley University’s Senior Consulting Project is now accepting applications for Spring 2025. Explore the full update here: https://ow.ly/jzta50TJVVu #EconomicDevelopment #GreaterPeoria #Innovation #WorkforceDevelopment

Events like #CareerSpark are what make Greater Peoria special. Last week, over 4,000 8th graders came to the Peoria Civic Center to explore a world of possibilities and learn about different career paths. 🙌 The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council and Junior Achievement of Central Illinois host the epic two-day event every year. CareerSpark empowers kids to envision their futures, giving them hands-on experience with industries they might not have considered before. CareerSpark by the Numbers: 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: 4,000+ 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀: 72 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀/𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 150 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀: 600 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: 32 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: 10 Can you imagine if you had this opportunity as a middle schooler?! Incredible stuff. A big thank you to all the partners, volunteers and supporters involved. Relive CareerSpark in the video below — a tip of the cap to Meghan Lundeen, SHRM-SCP, Director of Talent Management at Caterpillar Inc., for the interview. You were excellent! 👏 See you next year. 😎 #ChooseGreaterPeoria #TheresMoreHere #WorkforceDevelopment #BuildingTomorrow #CareerExploration

🎉 Happy Birthday to Melissa Oliveri and Richard Peplow! 🎉 Continuing our cherished tradition, we celebrated our October birthday duo this afternoon with a fantastic team lunch at Kenny’s Westside Pub. We’re so grateful for all the joy and dedication they bring to our team! Please join us in wishing them a very happy birthday! 🎂🥳