State of the State with Governor Quinn

Governor Pat Quinn delivered his “State of the State Address” on Feb 1st.  He focused on the need for jobs and economic growth but touched on a variety of other topics. 

Click here to download a text version of the Governor’s speech.

Reaction to State of the State

Many leaders across the state have said while the Governor did highlight several of the issues facing our state, he didn't offer any solutions. Click here  to read some of the responses from various regional leaders.

Click here to watch a video response from Jim McConoughey.

Economic Development Summit

The 2012 Regional Economic Development Summit was a big success.  Nearly 200 regional leaders joined together to discuss regional successes and challenges in economic development.  The event was hosted by the EDC.  Click here to watch video from the event. 

Visit us on Facebook for photos from the event.

Click here to read the event news release.

Click here to download speaker presentations from the event.  

"Open" How To Make & Keep Jobs in Your Community

The EDC has released a 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.  But this isn’t just a book - it is a program that will engage local residents in moving their communities and regions forward.  Click here for details on the book

Click here to watch interview with co-author Jessica Moroz.

2012 State of the City-Peoria

Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis addressed the community last month at the Peoria Chamber's 2012 State of the City Address.  The Mayor shared some of his visions for 2012 saying there is a need for serious discussions regarding the challenges that remain in front of us.  He highlighted the City Manager’s plan, downsizing of city staff, PASS FORWARD initiative, crime and more.  Click here to download a text version of the mayor's speech.  Visit us on Facebook to see photos from the event.

Reaction to State of the City-Peoria

We caught up with a few of the attendees after the event to find out what they thought of the 2012 State of the City Address.  Overall they felt the city of Peoria is on the right path and the Mayor's speech addressed the proper issues.  Click here to watch their video responses. 

Welcome Mayor Rahm Emanuel

The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to Peoria for a luncheon event on Wednesday, March 7 at the Peoria Civic Center.  Mayor Emanuel will be speaking about an array of topics relating to the state of Illinois. Tickets are $40 for Chamber members and $50 for non-members.  Click here to reserve your seat. 

Peoria Is Top Real Estate Market

The Greater Peoria Region is one of the Top 10 Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2012.  “While popular culture often portrays Peoria as the quintessential American city, the area's overall economy is rather exceptional when compared with the nation as a whole”, according to Inman News.  The Greater Peoria Region ranks #6 on the 2nd annual real estate report.  
Click here for more details on this report. 

Youth Leadership

Each month we talk with regional leaders about the importance of being involved and what it takes to be an effective leader.  This month we're looking at youth leadership.  Ben McCauley is the new Government Affairs intern for the Peoria Chamber and a student at Eureka College.  Ben tells us why being a leader is important to him and about the valuable lessons he's learning.  Click here to watch this month's Leadership interview.

Mood-O-Meter

The February Mood-O-Meter is about technology.  We want to know what kind of technology you use and what you prefer.  Do you like texting or emailing?  Do you prefer to use social media or to talk on the phone?  Click here to participate in the monthly Mood-O-Meter and tell us what you think.  You could win a $25 gift certificate to the Butcher Block Steakhouse & Bourbon Bar for participating.