GPMN Meeting: We hosted our quarterly meeting of the Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network on Thursday. Dick Peplow put together a great agenda that included a presentation from Randy Prince on the work of the Illinois Manufacturing Association and an overview by Sara Kupperschmid of GPEDC’s workforce development efforts. The meeting also featured a presentation by Jason Marks, the Director of Emergency Management and Preparedness for Peoria County. Jason led a conversation about the importance of planning for disaster – not just a tornado or blizzard, but everything from a cyber attack to a power outage. The meeting concluded with some networking and libations at Kenny’s Westside Pub.
Emergency Preparedness: Speaking of Jason Marks, GPEDC is working with him and staff in Tazewell and Woodford counties to launch the Tri-County Business Partnership for Resilience and Emergency Planning (BPREP). This initiative is designed to strengthen the region’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises such as natural disasters, cyber threats, and supply chain disruptions. In an era of unpredictability, preparation is no longer just a precaution—it is a necessity. The Forbes Business Council recently emphasized the urgent need for businesses to invest in forward-thinking crisis management strategies. BPREP meets that need by offering regional businesses tools, connections, and guidance to ensure continuity in the face of disruption. The partnership brings together business leaders, emergency professionals, and government representatives to collaborate, share best practices, and strengthen the local economy’s resilience. To learn more about upcoming BPREP events or to get involved, please contact the BPREP coordination team at bprep@gpEDC.org.
Master Port Plan: The Heart of Illinois Regional Port District (HIRPD) is developing its first-ever Port Master Plan. Draft results and recommendations are being discussed with the HIRPD Board of Commissioners and will also be presented to a wide range of agencies and community groups during the months of August and September, including: the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission; Greater Peoria EDC; county and city governments; adjacent port districts and planning agencies; and regional business associations. If you are interested in hearing more about the project and/or would like to attend a session, please contact Ray Lees of Tri-County Regional Planning Commission at rlees@tricountyrpc.org or our own Sally at shanley@greatterpeoriaedc.org.
Rainbow Resilience: Last week, Rainbow Resilience brought together a diverse panel of local leaders for a conversation on how the business community can support LGBTQIA+ owned businesses and foster inclusive economic development. Panelists included Deric Kimler (Central Illinois Friends), Devon Hawks (Principal, Manual High School), Courtney Garrett (Peoria Proud board member and i3 Broadband), and Cody Hendricks (Bloomington City Council), with moderation by Mario Treto, Secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The discussion was timely and relevant, offering real-world strategies and personal insight into inclusive practices. Attendees responded with strong engagement and positive feedback, underscoring the value of this dialogue in advancing a more equitable regional economy. The event was presented in collaboration with Central Illinois Friends, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Distillery Labs, and the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council.
Big Table: The next Big Table Greater Peoria will be held October 17–18 at the Four Points Sheraton Peoria. We want you to join us for two days of bold conversations, fresh ideas, and regional collaboration. This year’s theme—Innovation as a Regional Growth Strategy—will guide our discussions on workforce, entrepreneurship, livability, and opportunity. Register here today to attend or serve as a table facilitator and help shape the future of Greater Peoria.
Have a great weekend.
Chris