Celebrating Kathie: Last week, the Illinois SBDC at Bradley University hosted its 7th Annual Small Business Awards—an inspiring evening that recognized the dedication, resilience, and innovation of entrepreneurs and small business advocates across our region. The honorees ranged from family-run startups to community-minded business leaders. Among those recognized was our very own Kathie Brown, GPEDC’s Director of Rural Outreach & Development. Kathie was named Small Business Advocate of the Year based on her tireless work supporting rural entrepreneurs and connecting them with the tools to thrive is helping shape a more inclusive and dynamic regional economy. We celebrate all the award winners, but are particularly proud to have Kathie recognized for her amazing work in Greater Peoria.
Brazil Visit: Last week was my second trip to Brazil in the continuing quest to build relationships with startups looking to expand into the US market. Joining me on the trip were Doug Cruitt of Distillery Labs (like me, his second visit) and Chris Youngmark of Peoria NEXT Innovation Center, along with our faithful guide and friend, Alex D’Angelo. Why Brazil? It’s a long story as to how it started but what we’ve found there has been a country rich with innovation, an incredible startup ecosystem, and some of the most partnership oriented people I’ve ever encountered. This trip was split between joining a delegation of Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE) in Belém, Brazil and a return trip to Florianopolis. At ACE we had the chance to connect and network with startup ecosystem builders and founders from 15 different counties, against the backdrop of learning about the drive in Belém and in the Amazon towards sustainable and socially inclusive entrepreneurialism. In “Floripa” we had the chance to catch up with so many of the friends we’ve met over these past two years. Our friends at ACATE (one of Brazil’s biggest startup organizations) hosted their annual StartUp Summit, attended by over 10,000 people. But the real magic was in connecting with leaders who are as eager as we are to make productive connections that support both our communities. My thanks to the GPEDC Board for allowing me to pursue this unique strategy, those who supported my travel companions for the same reason, and all the great people of Brazil that we had a chance to meet.
National League of Cities Meet & Greet: On August 22, GPEDC welcomed two partners from the National League of Cities (NLC) team for a Meet & Greet at Distillery Labs. The event brought together 17 local leaders for an open discussion on shared challenges and opportunities in our region. Topics ranged from downtown revitalization and housing strategies to the reuse of mall and retail space and increasing access to capital for small businesses. NLC also shared resources such as Retail as a Catalyst for Economic Development, the Economic Mobility Peer Network, Kiva, and their Housing Accelerator Playbook. Attendees found common priorities and concerns, leaving with fresh ideas and connections to support local initiatives.
Did You Know? I had a chance to visit with the management team of PMP Fermentation Products in Peoria this week. When we think of Japanese companies in the region, we usually can just name Komatsu, but PMP is a division of Osaka-based Fuso Chemical. Occupying the former Leisy Brewery (and then Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery) on Peoria’s riverfront, PMP, soon to be celebrating its 40th year of operation, employs 60 people to make sodium glucanate and other corn-based products. Their products can be found in everything from toothpaste to IV solutions to concrete. PMP has continued to invest in their plant and is positioning itself to meet the challenges and opportunities of the next forty years.
Happy Birthday: A quick happy 50th birthday to GP Manufacturing Network member Enercon Engineering! From Caterpillar to the US military, this East Peoria company has employed hundreds of locals and worked on power projects in over one hundred countries. You can read a nice write up about them here.
Bisons! Have you seen the painted bison around town? (Hint: You can find one right at Distillery Labs.) Well there is one more chance to join Peoria County’s bicentennial celebration. The final order for bison statues is being put together. The $3500 cost includes transport, base, and clear coating (but you paint it or have it painted yourself). Orders due by September 15. Contact gpearsall@peoriacounty.org for details.
Have a great weekend.
Chris