August 26, 2010

On Wednesday,September 15th, EDC and PTAC will host the Business and Financial Workshop at the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center.

August 26, 2010

This new 3-hour workshop is designed for local host organizations to empower their entrepreneurial ecosystem with the right insight and tools to raise “smart” capital. The event will be held September 13, 2010 from 1-4p.m. at the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center. Registration deadline is Monday, September 6th.


[Click here to download the event flyer.]

August 23, 2010

To help spur on small business success, the State of Illinois is offering tax credits when a business creates a new, full-time position. After hiring the employee, the business can apply online to receive a $2500 tax credit against withholding taxes which will be awarded after July 1, 2011. The credits are available on a first-come, first served, basis.

Click here to download more information.

Click here review the State of Illinois news release.

August 5, 2010

The Economic Development Council for Central Illinois invites you to join us, along with all the Heartland Partnership family of companies for the 2010 Annual Meeting Luncheon on Wednesday, October 6th.

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.

[More]

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. 

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.

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

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.

[More]

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.”