EDC Recent News
Regional Development Thrives on Collaboration
July 22, 2010

by Vickie Clark
Economic Development Council for Central Illinois

Collaboration is key to the strength of this region. At EDC, we see firsthand the value of both the public sector and private businesses working together. As we recover from a very challenging period, 2010 requires our continued leadership and collaboration.

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June 2010 Unemployment results for Peoria IL region
July 22, 2010

The unemployment rate for the Peoria MSA rose to 10.3% in June largely due to an increase in the labor force. 

Illinois RiverRoad announces new Kiosks, Digital Tours & Discovery Guides
July 21, 2010

The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway is excited to announce several new and exciting assets to promote the region.  While the Byway is a catalyst for the growth of our region’s visitor-based economy, residents of the region are also encouraged to get out and explore the many natural assets and unique, authentic communities right here at home.  Byway Director Anaise Berry says the organization now has three new tools to help promote the Illinois River Road.

Intellihot to Star in Reality TV Show
July 20, 2010

Peoria start-up company Intellihot, a Peoria NEXT Innovation Center tenant, will be featured in an upcoming cable reality TV show highlighting the best start-up businesses outside of Silicon Valley

Developers Are Stepping Up
July 12, 2010

by Jim McConoughey
The Heartland Partnership

The Heartland Partnership’s new community campaign, I’m Stepping Up, (imsteppingup.net) is designed to get people talking about the positive things happening in central Illinois. We know that great people are doing great things in the region, but when you take a step back and really look at what is happening, it’s pretty amazing—especially when you consider we are just coming out of one of the worst recessions many of us have seen. Many regions shut down during the recession, but we continued to move forward. Because of that perseverance, we have some regional developments that are going to move us full-speed ahead.

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Peoria Metro Population Data Released for 2009
July 1, 2010

The 2009 population data recently released provides more positive news for the Peoria MSA.   The City of Peoria saw a growth in population for the 6th straight year.  The 1.16% increase in population is also the largest growth the city has seen in at least nine years.  Jim McConoughey, President  and CEO of The Heartland Partnership says “This is great news.  During the recession of 1980’s, people left the area because there were no jobs, but this time around people are coming to the area during the recession.  It shows we are doing things right and people want to be here.”

Development and Incentives
June 28, 2010

Click here to view clips from the workshop.

The Peoria Metro Region is working hard to bring more jobs to the area.  More than 50 people attended the “Development and Incentives for Today’s Economy” Workshop on Friday (June18th) hosted by the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois and its Retail Strategy Group.

 

Richard Longworth Visits Peoria
June 24, 2010

Illinois Central College and the EDC for Central Illinois hosted author and speaker Richard Longworth Thursday (June 24th, 2010) for a very successful event and luncheon. Mr. Longworth shared his thoughts on the Midwest’s economic past and future along with excerpts from his book, Caught in the Middle. A book signing was held afterward.

EDC and Illinois Central College present: "The American Midwest caught in the Age of Globalization"
June 8, 2010

Register TODAY - World renowned speaker and author Richard Longworth will present "The American Midwest caught in the Age of Globalization" on June 24 at 11:30, Embassy Suites in East Peoria. [Click here to register]

EDC presents "Development and Incentives for Today's Economy"
May 14, 2010

Friday June 18th from 10am - 2pm

Click here to download the event flyer.

Join us for this informative half-day workshop to learn about the latest tools and incentives for economic development. There will be five great speakers from all over the midwest, sharing case studies and real-world experiences that you can put to work in your community!

Who should attend: City administrators, Elected officials, Economic development professionals and volunteers, Community leaders, Community finance officers and all those interested in bringing more jobs to your community.