Greater Peoria Economic Development Council

06/05/2026

Happy Friday, Greater Peoria! 🎉 Before you head into the weekend, make sure June 18 is on your calendar.

Greater Peoria AgTech Connect is coming to Alto Ingredients, Inc. in Pekin for a morning session on the future of agriculture and economic opportunity in our region. Registration is open.

🔗 Register: https://ow.ly/PCVk50Z839b

Turner Center for Entrepreneurship Bradley University Distillery Labs Illinois Central College Morton Economic Development Council Peoria NEXT Innovation Center gener8tor Illinois Innovation Network

06/04/2026

Have you ever been to Alto Ingredients, Inc. in Pekin? 🏭

This month's AgTech Connect is hosted right there, a leading regional producer of specialty alcohols and high-value ingredients with deep ties to Central Illinois agriculture.
Come see the space and join the conversation on June 18!

🔗 Register: https://ow.ly/PNpx50Z6CAO

Turner Center for Entrepreneurship Bradley University Distillery Labs Illinois Central College Morton Economic Development Council Peoria NEXT Innovation Center gener8tor Illinois Innovation Network

06/03/2026

The deadline just got extended, so there is still time.

The Mama Susie's Scholarship, offered by the Illinois Manufacturers' Association's Education Foundation, supports immigrant women in Illinois who are building careers in manufacturing. One $5,000 award goes to a woman doing the work, pursuing her education, and helping shape where the industry is headed.

To qualify, she should be a female Illinois resident who identifies as an immigrant, is enrolled at an Illinois college or trade school, and is currently working at an Illinois manufacturing facility.
If that sounds like you or someone you know, do not wait. Applications are due June 8, 2026.

Apply here: https://ow.ly/3UYE50Z7fgI

06/02/2026

What do a taco salad and the global economy have in common? Fred Hochberg can tell you.

The former head of the Export-Import Bank is coming to Peoria to make the case that trade is not the four-letter word people think it is. And he is bringing it home, talking about what trade actually means for the manufacturers and farmers right here in Central Illinois.

Monday, June 15. 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Distillery Labs, 201 SW Adams.

Heavy hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, and a ticket that comes with his book. We are honored to co-sponsor alongside the Peoria Area World Affairs Council (PAWAC).

Grab your spot: https://ow.ly/UsCF50Z6E7L

06/02/2026

Save the date! 📅 Greater Peoria AgTech Connect is coming to Alto Ingredients, Inc. in Pekin on June 18 — and we want to see you there. Registration is open now at the link below.

🔗 https://ow.ly/PNpx50Z6CAO

Turner Center for Entrepreneurship Bradley University Distillery Labs Illinois Central College Morton Economic Development Council Peoria NEXT Innovation Center gener8tor Illinois Innovation Network

06/01/2026

We had a great visit with IMA member Nestlé in Morton last month, touring their facility and presenting them with an Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) grant on behalf of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.

The Morton facility is also celebrating 160 years of manufacturing in Illinois! Nestlé provides the finest ingredients, operational knowledge and uncompromised support for its operators. Learn more about the company’s incredible history: https://www.nestleprofessional.us

Pictured: Dan Keith, Facility Manager Nestle Morton; Fernanda Zarate, Training Manager Nestle Morton; Randy Prince (IMA); Dick Peplow, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council

05/28/2026

We were proud to help celebrate a century’s worth of excellence along with our friends from the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. CNH is a great example of the intersection of manufacturing and agriculture.

IMA recently had the pleasure of visiting CNH Industrial’s facility near Peoria to present the company with the IMA’s Centennial Manufacturer recognition.

With roots dating back to 1842, CNH Industrial has spent more than 180 years developing innovative equipment and technology that support the essential work of farmers and construction professionals around the world. Today, the company continues to advance agriculture and construction through cutting-edge machinery, sustainable solutions, and ongoing investment in research and development. The Goodfield facility serves as a major manufacturing, R&D, and logistics hub, producing agricultural implements and construction equipment that help drive efficiency and productivity across industries.

Congratulations to the entire CNH Industrial team on this remarkable milestone and their continued investment in Illinois manufacturing! https://www.cnh.com/Our-Company

[PICTURED: Randy Prince (IMA); Brian Damm, CNH Facility Manager; Dick Peplow, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (EDC)]

05/27/2026

Q2 birthdays, celebrated in style! 🎉

The GPEDC team gathered at Saffron Social today for a lunch to honor our spring birthday crew.

Good food, great company, and a reminder that the people behind the work make all the difference.

Happy Birthday Chris, Carolyn, Cynthia and David!!

Thanks to Saffron Social for the wonderful hospitality!

05/25/2026

Today we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice is the reason our communities can grow, our businesses can thrive, and our region can keep building toward a stronger future. Greater Peoria is what it is today because of them.

We remember. We're grateful. We carry their legacy forward. 🇺🇸