Mason Big Table: Last week, GPEDC continued its Rural Big Table series with a well-attended session in Havana. Modeled after the regional Big Table held on October 17, these conversations bring the same focus on opportunity, talent, entrepreneurship, and livability to our smaller communities, ensuring rural voices directly shape the priorities of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Nearly 40 business owners and civic leaders spent the evening sharing insights and identifying opportunities unique to Mason County. Special thanks to the City of Havana for hosting us, and to Mayor Dennis Bryant and the city team for their support in planning and coordinating the event. Great job of coordination by Dorsey, David, and Kathie.
We have one more Rural Big Table left this year. Tazewell County stakeholders will gather on Wednesday, December 1,0, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Tremont High School (400 W. Pearl Street, Tremont). There is still time to register here. We are working to establish a date and location for a Logan County Rural Big Table in early 2026.
Ag Education: Kathie helped organize “Exploring Entrepreneurship Mindset” on November 12. This was a day-long agricultural education workshop and part of our Ag. Tech Connect partners with Distillery Labs, Peoria NEXT, and Bradley University SBDC. We hosted more than 60 students and advisors from across the region. The workshop introduced ICC, Washington, Metamora, Princeville, Pekin, Manito, Geneseo, Kewanee, Oregon, Fulton, and Lewistown FFA Programs to a new curriculum, “Design Thinking for Agriculture & Communities,” developed by the Center for Digital Agriculture at the University of Illinois. Design thinking is a powerful way to understand problems and create solutions. Each workshop was led by business development and agriculture business leaders from our region. We are committed to enhancing agricultural education through strategic partnerships. The Illinois Strategic Plan for Agricultural Education aims to increase enrollment in agricultural education programs by 15% by 2030, ensuring that students and teachers are well-prepared to support the state’s largest industry. This work is made possible through funding provided by Peoria County Farm Bureau, Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America, Distillery Labs, and GPEDC.
NAWDP in New Orleans: Sara (our Workforce Solutions Partner) participated this week in a dynamic National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) Youth Symposium focused on strengthening the role of today’s youth in the workforce. Throughout the event, Sara explored forward-thinking strategies, including leading in times of challenge, rethinking traditional youth programming, and leveraging AI as an emerging tool for career development. Sessions also highlighted the importance of elevating youth voices through intergenerational collaboration and improving support systems for youth and young adult apprenticeships, including those with disabilities. The summit offered fresh insights and actionable approaches to better equip young people for meaningful, inclusive, and future-ready career pathways.
Peoria County Planning: Peoria County is looking for public input to use for their Comprehensive Land Use Plan. You can participate by completing a survey here.
Thankfulness: There will be no Weekend Update next week as all of us take some time to enjoy our families during Thanksgiving. But I did want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who makes writing emails like this possible. I have a great staff that does amazing things for our region every week. We are led by an incredible board of directors who support us, encourage us, and guide us. We are funded by generous investors who understand the mission of Greater Peoria EDC and care deeply about our region. And, of course, we get to do all of this in a community truly worth fighting for. If you are reading this, it’s because I think you are part of this team. Thank you for all you do.
Have a great weekend.
Chris