EDC Recent News
Study Reports Peoria is a Resurgent City
March 8, 2010

According to the December 2009 issue of Profitwise News and Views, a publication of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Peoria was identified as one of ten US resurgent cities. Rick Mattoon, a Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago senior economist and economic advisor, cited a study from the Boston Fed entitled, "Reinvigorating Springfield's Economy: Lessons from Resurgent Cities." The report stated that across the ten cities, industry mix, demographics, and geography were not the dominant factors in their renewal. Rather, the principal factor is social capital - leadership from government, nonprofit, and business sectors.

Driving Change in Regional Manufacturing
March 5, 2010

by Cindy Patterson, Economic Development Council for Central Illinois

The Specialized Manufacturing Strategy Group of the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois (EDC) is driving change. This diverse group of manufacturers, economic development and business resource professionals gather regularly to explore new manufacturing opportunities to diversify their businesses and strengthen our region. [Full Story]

Economic Climate 2010 Event Wrap-up
February 25, 2010

Well over 100 people were in attendance for the Economic Climate 2010 presentation Thursday morning.

A Bright Spot for the Peoria Metro
February 11, 2010

by Jessica Moroz, Economic Development Council for Central Illinois
We have dealt with immense struggles during this economic crisis, and yet we have refused to ignore that this region has many bright spots. One such bright spot is the healthcare industry. [Full Story]

Peoria: A Healthcare Hotspot
February 11, 2010

by: Jim McConoughey, Heartland Partnership
The Peoria Metro has been center stage for Vaudeville, a whiskey capital and a manufacturing mecca. Could the region become a healthcare hotspot next? [Full Story]

Putting the Ship Back in Shipping
February 1, 2010

by Steve Jaeger, Heart of Illinois Regional Port District
In May 1997, a group of federal Department of Transportation staffers convened in a hotel meeting room outside the Memphis airport with a selected cluster of academics from the then-smattering of universities offering programs in transportation and logistics. Their mission was simple enough, yet audaciously ambitious: revolutionizing the way imported consumer goods move into the American Midwest. [Full Story]

December Unemployment Rates Released
January 29, 2010

Peoria MSA unemployment rate rose slightly in December to 11.2% compared to 10.8% in November (a .4% increase = approx 800 people). 

Economic Diversity Drives Job Growth
January 29, 2010

by: Kyle Ham, Peoria NEXT
Diversity is often mistaken for a purely social and moral issue, but this viewpoint neglects to account for a much larger truth. Diversity in the workforce must be recognized as a competitive edge and a business opportunity, especially in today's globally influenced economy. The unique perspectives that result from encouraging diversity of thought and experience are vital to economic success, and the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center leads the charge for an economically diverse Peoria. [Full Story]

Homeway Homes Receives More Recognition
January 19, 2010

While many companies are scaling back, Homeway Homes is forging ahead of the competition. This regional business is an internationally recognized home builder and Friday, the company was the chosen location for a political stop by a gubernatorial candidate. The candidate chose Homeway Homes' location because this company is a shining example of success.

EDC Presents: Economic Climate 2010
January 15, 2010

Economic Development Council for Central Illinois, The Heartland Partnership and Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce present: ECONOMIC CLIMATE 2010

What does the 2010 economic climate for the Peoria Metro area look like?  Join us February 25, from 7:00 to 8:30am at WeaverRidge to find out.  Multiple presenters will provide updates on our region’s main growth sectors of healthcare, small business and green sustainability.  Plus we will get a snapshot of our regional assets and look ahead to see what’s in store for our general economy for 2010.