AgTech Connect: On Tuesday, Dr. Steven Cermack hosted another exceptional AgTech Connect event at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR), or more commonly called the Ag Lab. The Ag Lab is among the largest agricultural research centers in the US, employing nearly 200 scientists and support staff in research to improve agricultural production, food safety and public health, economic development, and environmental quality. Todd Main, Illinois Soy Innovation Center discussed their new initiative to ignite and support innovative ideas, key products, and research to drive new ways to use soy and to promote Illinois as the leader in soybean production. Aaron Armstuz at Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) shared how his company is changing the way that biomaterials are processed. Tyler Strom of the Illinois Agri-Food Alliance highlighted the importance of Illinois’ agri-food sector as the top economic generator in the state and a significant contributor to the workforce. Illinois jobs directly related to food and agriculture, including farming and ranching, manufacturing and wholesale and retail functions, total over 900,000, representing nearly 15 percent of all Illinois employment. Dr. Bryon Mosher shared his research focused on reducing the environmental impact of and demand for petroleum and its various products while simultaneously enhancing agricultural utilization and rural economic development. This collaborative programming event is on a great path, bringing research and innovation to area businesses and startups.
Bank Tank: Speaking of packed houses, Wednesday night was the third annual Bank Tank pitch competition, organized by Fortress Bank. But for the first time since its inception, the event was held in Peoria instead of the Quad Cities. Distillery Labs was this year’s host to over 150 guests who had a chance to network, celebrate and watch great pitches from four amazing Peoria-based startups: Swych Box, Glass Logic, My Recovery Spa, and Ag Defense Systems. And though this was the first year this competition was held in Peoria, the one that was consistent was our dominance. For the third year in a row, the winner was a gBETA Distillery Labs graduate. This year the winner of the $20K grand prize was Ag Defense Systems, a portable, user-friendly foodborne illness testing technology. (And slightly ironically, founded by a former AgLab scientist.)
We’re Hiring! We are seeking a dynamic and passionate professional to join our team and support our Business Engagement initiatives as our new Business Engagement Associate.
This brand new position will support our efforts to drive business outreach and assistance efforts in collaboration with partner organizations and communities. As a bonus, this person will get to work under the mentorship of Sally Hanley, one of the most seasoned economic developers in Illinois. We need someone highly organized, highly motivated and great at managing relationships and projects. A full job description can be found here. Have people send resumes and cover letters to Melissa (moliveri@greatepeoriaedc.org).
Makers Madness: If March is nearly upon us, it means it’s time for one of my favorite events. Sure, the NCAA basketball tournament gets a lot of attention, but here in Illinois we also celebrate our manufacturing prowess during Makers Madness: The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois (organized by the Illinois Manufacturers Association and sponsored by Comcast). Any product manufactured in Illinois can be nominated for the contest, a bracket-style match up between products that range from food to mining machines. Nominations close on March 2, and will be followed by several rounds of online voting, until a final round with the top four products. The overall champion – and title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois – will be named on April 9. Makers Madness nominations are open through March 2. Nominations can be made only at www.MakersMadnessIL.com.
IT Job Fair: Illinois Central College Career Services is hosting the IT Workforce Accelerator Job Fair on Tuesday, April 1 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm at ICC’s East Peoria Campus. They are currently seeking employers to staff tables and engage with job seekers. More information and registration here.
Hat Tip: I wanted to give a special thanks to the great staff at the Ag Lab. If you’ve been paying attention to the news this week, you’ll know that at least 20 employees at the AgLab, including one of the main organizers of this event, were laid off. These layoffs actually occurred at the end of last week and we frankly didn’t know if our session on Tuesday would happen. But the staff of the Ag Lab, in the midst of what I must imagine was a bit of internal turmoil and emotion, did an outstanding job of being gracious hosts. We are lucky to have this great institution in Greater Peoria and we all hope that it continues to be the center of our ag-tech economy.
Have a great weekend.
Chris