Greater Peoria Economic Development Council

?? Reflecting on our recent Economic Development Forum, Jay Garner, an #econdevhero himself, has a special message to share during Economic Development Week! Discover his insights on the vital role of economic development and our ongoing efforts to empower our community. Let’s keep the momentum going! Watch the full video #EconomicDevelopmentWeek #PeoriaGrowth #IEDC #EconDevHeroes Development Counsellors International International Economic Development Council U.S. Economic Development Administration Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

We are proud to welcome Epic Medical, an internationally recognized medical device manufacturer based in Singapore, to the Greater Peoria region. With a $25 million investment in a new facility in Pekin, Epic Medical is bringing 100+ new jobs to the area and expanding its global footprint in a big way. Epic Medical develops state-of-the-art solutions for infusion therapy, closed system transfer devices, and pharmacy compounding — helping health systems around the world improve safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes. Their decision to expand into Pekin is a major endorsement of our region’s workforce, infrastructure, and growth potential. This is more than a new facility — it’s an economic and social boost for the entire region. As the site becomes operational, the benefits will ripple outward into the supply chain, local employment, and innovation economy. Special thanks to the City Of Pekin, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Intersect Illinois, Ameren, Illinois American Water, and all others who contributed to making this a reality. We’re proud to have helped pave the way for this success through strategic support and regional collaboration ?? Read more: https://ow.ly/MEkJ50VqSYb #GreaterPeoria #EpicMedical #EconomicDevelopment #AdvancedManufacturing #PekinIL #HealthcareInnovation #GPEDC #GlobalInvestment

We’re excited to share our latest Weekend Update! ?? This week, participants from the Peoria and Pekin Chamber Community Leadership Schools toured the Illinois Capitol and learned firsthand about state policymaking. Greater Peoria also moved into the Sweet 16 round of Midwest Madness, a startup ecosystem competition—thank you to everyone voting! ??? Don’t miss the upcoming IDOT grant conference to support local transportation projects, and SpringBoard 2025, a premier event advancing soybean-based innovation and commercialization. Read more: https://ow.ly/1HYI50VpRYj #EconomicDevelopment #GreaterPeoria #Innovation #LeadershipDevelopment #StartupEcosystem

?? IDOT’s Special Programs Assistance Conference Comes to Peoria – May 22–23 The Illinois Department of Transportation is making a stop in Peoria to help local organizations and communities explore funding opportunities for infrastructure and transportation projects. This is a valuable chance to connect with IDOT staff and learn how to strengthen your approach to future funding applications. ?? Learn more and register: https://ow.ly/BYtV50VpNOO #InfrastructureDevelopment #CommunityInvestment #PeoriaProgress #IDOT Tri-County Regional Planning Commission

?? Still time to register for SpringBoard 2025—Illinois Soybean Association’s flagship event uniting researchers, investors, and industry leaders to spark innovation in bio-based, non-food products derived from soybeans and other crops. SpringBoard is all about collaboration and commercialization—driving new opportunities and expanding the market for sustainable, ag-based materials. This event is a strong example of how agricultural innovation fuels economic development and future-ready solutions. ?? Register today: https://ow.ly/5nvQ50VpMPN #AgTech #SpringBoard2025 #BioBasedInnovation #SustainableGrowth

?? NFW Recognized as a Top Global GreenTech Company by TIME ?? We’re proud to celebrate Natural Fiber Welding, a Peoria-grown innovator, for earning a spot on TIME’s list of the World’s Top GreenTech Companies of 2025. NFW is revolutionizing the world of sustainable materials with high-performance, plastic-free alternatives that are transforming the fashion, automotive, and consumer goods industries. Their global recognition reflects not only their mission-driven innovation but also the strength of Greater Peoria as a hub for climate-forward tech. Congratulations to the team at NFW for putting Peoria on the global stage for sustainability and innovation! ?? Explore the full list here: https://ow.ly/IMJC50Vp9jl #Greentech #Sustainability #PeoriaInnovation #NFW #ClimateLeadership

We’re excited to share our latest Weekend Update! This week, Peoria welcomed SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler for the national launch of the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative. We also supported Meals on Wheels alongside Mayor Rita Ali, highlighted voting in Midwest Madness, and shared a volunteer opportunity for Junior Achievement’s virtual CareerSpark: You’re Hired! career exploration. A big congratulations to Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey, GPEDC board member and President of ICC, on her induction into the Central Illinois Business Hall of Fame! ?? Explore the full update here: https://ow.ly/rY2C50Vm9ty #EconomicDevelopment #GreaterPeoria #Innovation #WorkforceDevelopment

?? Meals on Wheels: A Community Effort! ????? Today, our team stood alongside local leaders, including the Peoria Mayor- Dr Rita Ali, to support Neighborhood House of Peoria's Meals on Wheels program during Community of Champions Week for March for Meals. Together, we helped pack, prepare, and deliver meals to homebound seniors who rely on this essential service. ?? Why it matters: Programs like Meals on Wheels are funded in part by the Older Americans Act, which supports essential services that allow seniors to remain in their homes with dignity. With increasing demand, it’s critical to support organizations like Neighborhood House to ensure older adults have access to nutritious meals and a caring network. ?? Take Action: Learn how you can support Meals on Wheels and other vital programs: https://lnkd.in/g9jzxC7J #MarchForMeals #MealsOnWheels #CommunityOfChampions #SupportOurSeniors #EconomicWellBeing #CorporateSocialResponsibility #CommunityLeadership

?? A must-attend event for entrepreneurs & innovators! Join us at Distillery Labs for Rock Stars… Revisited, a live panel podcast taping featuring startup leaders and industry disruptors. This is your chance to hear real stories, learn valuable insights, and expand your network. ??? Featured Panelists: ? Kathryn Spitznagle (Rock Star Millennials) ? Danielle Scarzello (gener8tor gBETA) ? Caroline LaHood (ColorForge) ? Nate Domenighini (gener8tor) ? Samm Hutchison (Bear’s Bites) ? Jennifer Rosa (Pretendly) ?? Wednesday, March 26th ?? 5:00 PM Refreshments & Networking | ?? 5:30 PM Panel & Q&A ?? Distillery Labs, Peoria, IL ?? FREE & open to the public! ?? RSVP here: https://ow.ly/zUBi50Vk7oQ This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insights from successful entrepreneurs and business leaders—don’t miss out! #RockStarsRevisited #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Networking #LivePodcast #Innovation

?? Peoria’s Ag Lab: Driving Innovation in Agriculture & Sustainability ?? For decades, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS)—better known as Peoria’s Ag Lab—has been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries, from pioneering penicillin production to advancing bio-based materials. This latest podcast explores how the Ag Lab’s research is shaping the future of food production, sustainability, and agricultural technology. Learn how Peoria continues to be a hub for scientific innovation with real-world impact. ?? Listen here: https://ow.ly/OG2q50Vk2RJ #AgTech #PeoriaInnovation #SustainableAgriculture #ScientificBreakthroughs