The Economic Development Council for Central Illinois, Inc. (EDC) was established in 1982. The organization is a 501(c) 6 non-profit regional public-private partnership for local business and community growth, supported by Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties, multiple municipalities and various businesses.


EDC Mission Statement
The Economic Development Council for Central Illinois is a proactive organization created by the private sector to foster economic growth within the Central Illinois region. By capitalizing on business expertise, we enhance the local economy through targeted financial services, technical assistance, dissemination of critical economic data, and regional marketing. The EDC creates long-term solutions for our investors by cultivating strong relationships with local, state, and federal agencies. We deliver value by developing synergies that attract and retain business.  To strengthen the regional economic community, we collaborate with The Heartland Partnership, the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and other strategic partners.

Organizational Structure
The EDC Board of Directors is the governing body to the EDC, composed of key regional ED engines, private sector leadership and community and governmental representation.

EDC Board:

Jim    Ardis
Steve    Backlund
Laurie    Barra
Jim    Baumgartner
Michael    Bryant
Pete    Coyle
Jim    Dillon
Bob    Dittmer
Mike    Everett
Tom    Fliege
Don    Forrest
Jim    Garner
David    Glassman
Peter    Johnsen
Rex    Linder  (Vice Chairman)
Jim    McConoughey
David    Mingus
Tom    O’Neill
Dave    Parkinson (chairman)
Sara    Rusch
Dan    Silverthorn
Dave    Zimmerman

The EDGE group (Economic Development and Growth Experts) is the unit of strategic advisors to the Board. This body of stakeholders represents the Investor interests and serves as regional thought leaders, creating policy for Board review based on input and feedback of the volunteer driven EDC Strategy Groups.

Ten industries have been targeted for growth by the EDC in our region. The volunteer based EDC Strategy Groups have been organized to study the position of unique regional assets in response to global trends. These groups provide white paper presentations to the EDGE group, identify target businesses, make policy recommendations and communications recommendations.

To learn more about the EDC, EDGE, Strategy Groups and their targeted industries, visit the EDC web site.

Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway is a program of the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois.
The mission of the Illinois River Road is to provide a living museum without walls that will enhance people's experience of the nature, history, archaeology and other intrinsic qualities of the byway, while providing and maintaining unique recreational and educational experiences for visitors and residents, and sustaining local communities' economies and quality of life.

Click here to visit the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway website.