AgTech Connect: Kathie helped organize another great AgTech Connect quarterly meeting this week, this one focusing on ag-education and introduced local teachers to resources to support entrepreneurship and small business development. John Heiser of Illinois Agriculture Education worked with Greater Peoria EDC and Distillery Labs to develop this opportunity for professional development for ag instructors throughout our region and beyond. Fourteen different school districts, ranging from Morrison to Monmouth, participated in the half-day workshop. Washington, Delavan, Elmwood, and Eureka school districts locally participated. Collectively, the teachers reach more than 1,500 students. Instructors met with Todd Gleason, Media Communications Specialist, News & Public Affairs (Radio), University of Illinois College of ACES; Danielle Scarzello, Program Manager for gener8tor Distillery Labs; McDaniels Marketing; and Doug Cruitt of Distillery Labs. Our next event will host students at Distillery Labs, providing similar programming to support adaptability, continuous learning, and innovation to support the growth of agricultural opportunities.
Deer Creek: In late May, Sally and Cynthia had the opportunity to witness a historic moment as Deer Creek Village President James E. Hackney officially stepped down from his role and passed the torch to his son, Grant, who was sworn in as the new President. After 28 years of dedicated service, James stepped aside with grace and was honored by heartfelt remarks from the current board. The funny thing is, he’s not going far. Immediately after stepping down, he was sworn back in as a board member. Although he is no longer running the show, his presence and experience will continue to shape the future of the Village of Deer Creek. Over his tenure (and often with the help of GPEDC), Deer Creek received nearly $1.5 million in CDAP grants that helped with everything from a new water tower to making improvements for Homeway Homes. He also oversaw the management of a very successful TIF district and worked to ensure that all Village properties were solar-powered. The proclamation given that night noted his “willingness to help with anything, in any situation.” Thank you, Jim, for the incredible impact you’ve made over the years and for all the amazing things yet to come in your continued service on the board.
Rock Island Arsenal: I was honored to be invited to meet with Federal Reserve Board of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee at a round table discussion at the Rock Island Arsenal on Monday. Organized by our friends at the Illinois Waterways Port (of which our own Heart of Illinois Regional Port District is a member), the afternoon started with a walking tour of the Arsenal lock and dam – a critical piece of marine infrastructure that facilitates cargo and commerce along the Mississippi River. The tour was followed by a listening session with representatives of the farming industries in Illinois and Iowa, agriculture advocacy groups, regional economic development groups, and other river-oriented stakeholders. The discussion included topics such as tariffs, interest rates, and the importance of investment in both the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. I appreciated the opportunity to represent the interests of Greater Peoria and talk about the importance of the Illinois River to manufacturers and farmers in our region.
Child Care and Business: Available and affordable child care options are a huge barrier to employment, and also a concern for employers looking to fill critical positions. On Tuesday, June 17, Greater Peoria EDC is partnering with Birth to Five Illinois to host a “Lunch and Learn” specifically designed for employers. 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, located at Distillery Labs, is hosted in partnership through Peoria County, OSF HealthCare, Distillery Labs, Hanson, INB and attollo. We will celebrate the graduates of the latest gener8tor cohort graduates: enterN, Glass Logic, Midwest BioProcessing Center, Omneurex and Rehab Ranger. 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