Leadership is a key topic right now and we have had a lot of discussion with current and future leaders about what it takes to be a good leader in our community.  Leadership is more than being the CEO of a company or a holding the top role at an organization, it is also about social responsibility and commitment to the region.  We are fortunate to have some great leaders in our region and the next generation of leadership will also be strong because of the foundation we have built. Click the video icon to watch the interview.

Peoria MSA Employment Bright Spot

the IEDS calls the Peoria Region is a bright spot for employment.  The largest unemployment declines statewide were in: Peoria (-0.8 point to 8.3 percent) and Rockford (-1.1 points to 13.4 percent).  Jobs were added in eight metro areas and Peoria was again among the top adding 6,900 non-farm jobs.   Click here to learn more. 

Peoria's Credit Score Ranks Top 10 in Nation

Experian released its second-annual “State of Credit” list of cities with the highest and lowest credit scores.  Peoria's credit score ranked at #8, Wausau, WI. was #1 and Harlingen, TX was last on the list.  Eight of the top 10 cities are in the Midwest while Southern states scored the lowest.  Click here to learn more.

Illinois Business Climate Outshines Neighbors

Illinois outranks Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri and Iowa in positive business climate.  Dozens of interviews with CEOs, entrepreneurs and experts in corporate site selection confirm that Illinois has more of what businesses need to thrive.  Click here to learn more.

Discover Manufacturing Event

More than 700 students from more than 20 area high schools  participated in the 3rd annual Discover Manufacturing in Central Illinois Career Expo.  The event was hosted by the EDC's Specialized Manufacturing Strategy Group.  This event allows students to see firsthand what jobs in this industry are like and helps break down the stereotype that manufacturing jobs are dead-end, dirty and unsophisticated.  Click here to learn more and watch video from the event.

Cumulative Voting Survey

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce is working with the City of Peoria and other organizations to gauge the public's opinion about the city's cumulative voting system.  In addition to two community forums that have been scheduled, a short online survey has been created and can be accessed on the City of Peoria website.

Thanksgiving Luncheon

The 36th Annual Thanksgiving Day Luncheon will be held on Friday, November 18 at 11:45 a.m. The event will be at the Embassy Suites  with the community narrative given by Ed Rapp, Group President and CFO of Caterpillar, Inc.  Rapp will be presenting "Don't Take It for Granted: Your country, your community, your family." This is a time to not only celebrate everything we enjoy in our country, community and families, but to be mindful of our responsibilities to each.  Click here to reserve your seat.

Small Business Saturday

November 26th is Small Business Saturday.  A day dedicated to supporting small businesses throughout our region.  We have launched the Small Business Saturday Central Illinois Facebook Page.  Find it, Like it and then start sharing your stories about small business and Central Illinois.  We have added videos of area mayors and small business owners talking about what Small Business Saturday means to them.  Click here to check it out!  

Pack the Place for Lunch at Rizzi's Downtown

Join us for Project Pack the Place sponsored by Methodist College of Nursing in November.  Third Thursday Lunch will be Nov 17th at Rizzi's downtown Peoria.  Take advantage of the Pack the Place special offer by visiting our website and printing off the Third Thursday Lunch coupon.  We'll see you for lunch Nov 17th at Rizzi's downtown Peoria. 

Mood-O-Meter Returns

The Heartland Partnership and WHOI's Good Company are taking the pulse of the region with the "Mood-O-Meter".  This "Mood-O-Meter" will take just a few minutes to fill out.  Your feedback will be revealed on Good Company on WHOI on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month and on The Heartland Partnership website.  We appreciate your feedback.  The current topic is regarding qualities of good leadership and seasonal hiring.  Click here to take the Mood-O-Meter.

USDA Meeting

The Heartland Partnership family of companies welcomes John Berge who serves as the Executive Director of the National Food and Agriculture Council (NFAC) in the office of the Secretary at the US Department of Agriculture to a roundtable discussion regarding regional economic development.  Click here to learn more.

Business Outreach Blitz

The Heartland Partnership family of companies’ staff and regional volunteers held a three day Business Outreach Blitz.  Nearly 50 volunteers will visited nearly 150 regional businesses to find out what’s happening with the regional business climate and how regional businesses are doing in general.  We are compiling the information and will be presenting a report it to local elected officials and others as we continue working to enhance the regional business climate.  Watch for the report to be released this month.