Intersect Illinois: A big thank you to Christy George, the CEO of Intersect Illinois, for speaking to the GPEDC Board of Directors at our quarterly meeting this week. (And a special thanks for her driving to the meeting from Chicago and still arriving at 7:30 am to give her remarks in person!) Christy and the team at Intersect are our great partners when it comes to business attraction. Both the Epic Medical and Damera Corporation announcements in Greater Peoria this year started with Intersect Illinois. Christy shared about the advantages of doing business in Illinois and how her organization is leveraging the resources of the state to tell Illinois’ story. She also emphasized the critical need for more “shovel ready” industrial sites to meet the increased demand for domestic manufacturing. We are proud to be part of Team Illinois with Christy, her staff and the rest of our partners.
Startup Showcase: This week Distillery Labs hosted an awesome event to celebrate the graduation of the latest cohort of graduates from the gBeta startup accelerator program. Each of the five companies gave their “pitch” to a packed house of investors, mentors, supporters and other community stakeholders. We also got to hear two great updates from previous gBeta participants, both of which are making amazing progress on their businesses. My thanks to the gener8tor and Distillery Labs teams for a great event showcasing the power of innovation in Greater Peoria, and to the sponsors who made it all possible.
Career Spark Volunteers Needed! While this year’s CareerSpark isn’t until October 1-2, the hunt for volunteers has already started. General volunteer registration has opened for the public to become bus greeters, tour guides, monitors, and more. Be a part of the excitement as students discover their passions for their futures! Signal your interest here. (This is a great event for corporate group volunteerism.)
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.
Inclusive Business Insights: In two weeks, Rainbow Resilience will take place on Thursday, July 17, at Distillery Labs. This panel discussion brings together members of the business community to explore how companies are supporting LGBTQIA+ owned businesses and promoting inclusive economic practices. Organized in partnership with Central Illinois Friends, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Distillery Labs, the event will feature local leaders, including Deric Kimler, Cody Hendricks, and Savvy of Enough Stuff, with moderation by Mario Treto, Secretary of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Held just ahead of River City Pride, this free public event invites professionals and community members alike to join the conversation. RSVP here.
Have a great weekend.
Chris