Like much of the American workforce, many of us at GPEDC stretched the 4th of July holiday into a four day weekend. That has made this a pretty short week, so we are also a bit short on content. It was a productive week for sure, but sometimes the work is important but ordinary! But we have a few things to share with you:
Peoria Technology Industry Grant: Last week, the City of Peoria announced their new business grant aimed at supporting technology based startups find a home in Peoria. We love these sorts of programs because it helps us differentiate our region when talking to startups across the country and even the globe, not to mention our own startups. To help spread the word, Andrew is working with the City’s economic development department to host a webinar to give more details and answer some questions about the grant. No need to register – just join the Zoom meeting by going here at the right time.The webinar will be recorded and posted for future use.
Broadband Survey Results: Speaking of events (or actually two), we will be releasing the results of the Peoria County broadband survey that was conducted over the past few months. The survey is a key part of a broader Broadband Feasibility Study that is being jointly developed by Peoria County, Greater Peoria EDC, and Design Nine Consulting, and funded by the Just Transitions Fund. On July 13 there will be two public information sessions held in Arbor Hall at Illinois Central College’s Peoria Campus. The first will be at 1:30 pm with an identical presentation at 6 pm that evening.
Da Bears: Ok, I couldn’t resist that phrase from my favorite Saturday Night Live skit. But Da Bears are coming to Peoria on August 14. Choose Greater Peoria is throwing a tailgate party at the Peoria Riverfront Museum that day from noon to 8 pm. The Greater Peoria Tailgater is a pre-season tailgate-style event featuring the Chicago Bears Radio Network team including Tom Waddle, Marc ‘Silvy’ Silverman, Jeff Joniak, and Tom Thayer. ESPN Chicago and the Chicago Bears Radio Network’s live broadcast runs from 2 to 6 pm. Choose Greater Peoria ads will also be running during Bears broadcasts throughout the season. Laura Gilmore, Misty Dykema and Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth joined the Greg and Dan Show to share all the details. You can listen to their interview here. Should be a great event that showcases Greater Peoria to a wide audience while also being a fun day for residents.
Have a great (normal sized) weekend.
Chris