Quarterly Highlights
AgTech Connect & Biomanufacturing
- AgTech Connect returned in February with a session at the USDA National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAU) in Peoria, continuing its quarterly series that connects research, industry, and real-world applications in the region’s ag-innovation economy.
- GPEDC represented Greater Peoria at the iFAB Tech Hub Biomanufacturing Summit during AgTech Week in Champaign, drawing more than 400 attendees including biomanufacturing companies, supply chain partners, workforce development organizations, and government leaders.
- Two Distillery Labs founders were named finalists in the Startup World Cup competition at the 11th Annual AgTech Summit at the University of Illinois Research Park, which drew a record 350+ participants.
Business Retention & Growth
- A $1 million state grant to the Village of Deer Creek will support the expansion of Heartland Food Solutions, helping the company expand its offerings and create or retain 40 jobs — the result of years of sustained relationship-building by GPEDC’s Sally Hanley.
- Enercon, a Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network member and leader in advanced power systems employing approximately 150 people in East Peoria, was acquired by Generac in February, reinforcing the depth of manufacturing expertise in the region.
Regional Strategy & Community Engagement
- The Big Table Greater Peoria series concluded with the Logan County Rural Big Table in Lincoln, drawing strong participation and generating candid conversation about the region’s future. Preliminary findings across Peoria, Woodford, Mason, and Logan Counties highlight consistent themes: transportation access, childcare availability, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship support. These findings form the foundation of the next Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS 2026–2030).
- GPEDC team members volunteered at Neighborhood House of Peoria during Community Champions Week (March 23–27), packing meals for homebound seniors — reflecting GPEDC’s belief that true economic development means building a community where residents of all ages can thrive.
Communications & Media Alignment
- In February, GPEDC convened regional partners and local journalists from WEEK News and 25 News to strengthen the way economic development stories are told across Greater Peoria, resulting in stronger coordination, clearer media pathways, and new partnership opportunities.
Foreign-Trade Zone #114
- FTZ #114, administered by GPEDC across a 24-county region, marked its 40th anniversary this year. GPEDC finalized a refreshed marketing one-pager and completed a new animated explainer video in partnership with McDaniels Marketing to make the program more accessible to companies and site selectors.
Looking Ahead
As GPEDC moves into the second quarter, priorities include advancing the CEDS 2026–2030 framework, expanding AgTech Connect programming, deepening business retention efforts, and continuing to strengthen the region’s visibility to companies and talent evaluating Greater Peoria for investment.
