Capital Visit: The 50th annual Peoria Chamber Community Leadership School, along with the Pekin Chamber Leadership School, was able to visit Springfield for a deeper understanding of what happens in our state government. While in attendance, Sara and Jeffrey experienced a day in which the capital was overflowing with Illinois residents rallying for their cause and beliefs surrounding HB2827, the homeschool bill being reviewed that day. By 10 am, the Capitol Building proceeded to be closed to new visitors, which has not been done in years. CLS students had the opportunity to meet with Springfield’s President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mike Murphy, Senator Arellano, Representative Travis Weever, Representative Ryan Spain, and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. Following a tour of our capital, CLS had the opportunity to tour Lincoln’s personal home, where he practiced law prior to becoming president. The tour guides provided an in-depth example of day-to-day life for the Lincoln family as well as fun fact,s such as President Lincoln being inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Midwest Madness: Bradley might have fallen in a heartbreaker in the NIT, but Greater Peoria still has game left in it. We trounced Jefferson City in the first round of Startup Midwest’s voting contest that pits 64 Midwest communities head-to-head to be crowned the champion. In the second round we faced off against #10 Akron and won handily 70% to 30%. (Akron native and GPEDC board treasurer Brian Ray must have gone with his adopted home.) Our Sweet 16 matchup will be #6 Fort Wayne and voting will start next week. The link for that isn’t ready yet, but give Midwest Startups a follow on LinkedIn and check next week.
Attention Municipal Partners: The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Special Programs Unit will be holding an informational conference on May 22-23 at the Peoria Public Library (north branch) to present three grant programs that could help fund your next transportation project – Economic Development Program (EDP), Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), and Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS). IDOT staff will be available for two days to offer general information about each program and answer specific questions one-on-one to help you take advantage of funding available from these programs. These programs are very popular and very competitive. The morning of Day 1 includes general information about each program. On the afternoon of Day 1 and all of Day 2, IDOT staff will be available by appointment to discuss your specific projects and applications one-on-one. Registration required here.
SpringBoard 2025: The Illinois Soybean Association will host SpringBoard 2025 at Distillery Labs on April 15-16. This is ISA’s premier event, uniting researchers, industry leaders, and investors to spark innovation in non-food products and bio-based materials derived from soybeans and other crops. This dynamic gathering is designed to fuel collaboration, accelerate commercialization, and expand market opportunities for ag-based products. Register here.
Have a great weekend.