Recent News
Steve Forbes was in town recently as the keynote speaker at the annual Washington Day banquet hosted by the Creve Coeur Club of Peoria. Mr. Forbes encouraged the audience to think globally saying we live in a global society and businesses have to tap into the global market if they want to succeed. He congratulated the Greater Peoria Area, saying we exemplified globalism, highlighting the many companies, big and small, doing business around the globe. He also touted the region’s ability to diversify and become a more progressive market. 
January home sales in Peoria are up by nearly 10 percent. The good news didn’t stop as the Peoria housing market showed major increases in most categories for the month of January. Home sales in the Peoria area were up for the third consecutive year with 234 homes sold compared to 213 in 2011, an increase of 9.9 percent. Pending sales were also up by a whopping 15 percent compared to a year ago indicating that a housing recovery is on its way.
Governor Pat Quinn delivered his State of the State address Feb 1. Open! How to Make & Create Jobs
The Economic Development Council for Central Illinois released its new economic development handbook. “OPEN!” is a step-by-step economic development guidebook created by professionals with a proven track record for creating jobs. It will be made available to leaders throughout the region who wish to prepare their communities for economic recovery.
Recapping Illinois State of the State Address
Governor Pat Quinn recently delivered his “State of the State Address”. He focused on the need for jobs and economic growth but touched on numerous other topics. Jim McConoughey recaps the Governor’s State of the State Address.
2012 Regional Economic Development Summit
The 2012 Regional Economic Development Summit hosted by the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois was a big success. Nearly 200 regional leaders joined together to discuss regional successes and challenges in economic development. They shared case studies of successes and lessons learned.
Youth Leadership
Each month we are talking with various leaders from our region to discuss the importance of being a leader. This month we are focusing on youth leadership. We talked with Eureka College student and Peoria Chamber intern, Ben McCauley, about his leadership roles.
The Heartland Partnership Family of Companies
The Heartland Partnership family of companies is committed to moving Greater Peoria from good to excellent through economic and community development. We know how important collaboration is, that’s why we partner with both the public and private sector. We know how vital it is to have a business climate where you can thrive, that’s why we pool the regional resources to help you succeed. We know how important it is to have a diverse economy, that’s why we have successfully shifted our employment base from exclusively large businesses to a much more desirable economic mix. We know how important it is for you to succeed, that’s why we do what we do!
Why you should locate in Greater Peoria
Here are just a few of the reasons why you should locate your business and your family in Greater Peoria. Greater Peoria ranks:
* #68 "Best Performing City"
* #27 “Best Midsized Cities for Job Growth”
* Top 10 “Best Credit Score”
* #1 “Average Weekly Wage Increase”
* #71 “Best Places for Business and Careers”
* "10 Best Places for Starting Over" in 2011
* “Top Employment Gainer in the Midwest”
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