IEDA: Downtown Peoria played host to the annual conference of the Illinois Economic Development Association (IDEA) this week. Over 200 economic development professionals from across the state – the largest IEDA conference on record – spent a day and half learning about the future of AI and quantum computing, energy policy, new state incentives and programs, and much more. Dr. Quirk-Bailey of Illinois Central College participated in a panel on the future of workforce development. We also hosted an evening reception at Distillery Labs that helped showcase one of our region’s most unique assets. Attendees hailed from every corner of Illinois and included representatives from cities, regional organizations, state agencies, utilities, railroads and consulting firms. Our locals were well represented: In addition to GPEDC staff, the conference was attended by our partners from Peoria, Washington, Chillicothe, Lincoln and even the new mayor of Metamora. Like all professional associations, IEDA strives to build a great network of individuals who build both partnerships and friendships. And when the conference is in your own backyard, it’s nice to see the economic impact of people staying in hotels and eating in our local restaurants.
Federal Policy Panel: As part of the conference, I moderated a panel on the impact of federal policy on local economic development. I was joined by a top-notch group of professionals: Mark Denzler, the CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers Association; Chad Phillips, the Federal Policy Manager for Illinois DCEO; and Greg Bales, Senior Vice President at McGuireWoods Consulting. As economic developers, we need to be aware of how everything might impact our work, even if the decisions are miles away and out of our control. It can be difficult to talk about politics without being political, but this panel did a great job of outlining the issues and how we needed to consider navigating the complexity of new policies and programs. Topics included tariffs, energy policy, immigration, DEI restrictions, funding cuts and new federal priorities. My thanks to Mark, Chad and Greg for making it a vibrant and valuable discussion.
Midwest Government Symposium: GPEDC was part of a conference of another type, though this one not in Peoria. Last week Sally spent a few days in the Quad Cities at the National Defense Industry Association’s Midwest Government Symposium. Greater Peoria is part of the Illinois Defense Manufacturing Consortium, a group of regional partners helping to bolster our defense manufacturing industry and workforce. Sally helped facilitate a “matchmaking session” along with the Illinois APEX Accelerator, helping connect manufacturers with government agencies. Quad Cities Chamber Vice President Christine Caves presented on the project work of the ILDMC partners and IMEC President David Boulay taught a session on “Unlocking Opportunities & Elevating Manufacturing.” Check out the new ILDMC brochure here.
Child Care and Business: Last reminder that GPEDC is partnering with Birth to Five Illinois to host a “Lunch and Learn” specifically designed for employers to discuss issues surrounding child care. Attendees will learn why child care is essential for our region’s workforce strengths and what employers can do to help their employees be successful. Great for HR leaders. Free, but registration required here.
Save the Date!: The next gBETA Distillery Labs Showcase event is on the calendar! Join us on July 2 in celebrating a night of innovation and entrepreneurship within the Greater Peoria region highlighting five of our community’s best and brightest startups + founders. The event kicks off at 5 pm at Distillery Labs. Complimentary bar and appetizers provided. RSVP here.
Big Table Greater Peoria 2025 is open for registration! Join us October 17–18 at the Four Points Sheraton Peoria 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. Whether you’re a business leader, educator, resident, or changemaker, your voice belongs at the table. Register today to attend or serve as a table facilitator and help shape the future of Greater Peoria. www.bigtablegp.com.
Have a great weekend.
Chris