Greater Peoria Economic Development Council

10/30/2026

That’s a wrap on CareerSpark’s 10th year! 🎉

More than 4,000 eighth graders explored over 100 careers this week at the Peoria Civic Center, from robotics and health care to agriculture, construction, and public safety. As one student told 25News, it was “overwhelming... in a good overwhelming way.” We’ll take it!

Our CEO Chris Setti shared a favorite CareerSpark story: his youngest daughter went in its second year and is now a nurse. That’s what ten years of CareerSpark looks like.

Huge thanks to every volunteer, employer, and sponsor, and to Junior Achievement of Central Illinois for a decade of partnership!

See you next year!

Read more from 25News WEEK: https://ow.ly/14Vz5102vLb

10/29/2026

We love to see our local businesses expand! This is exciting news for River City Construction, LLC and Greater Peoria.

We are excited to introduce the official page for River City Building Group!

Established in 2026 as a strategic expansion of The RCC Group, River City Building Group represents our continued commitment to sustainable growth, client-focused solutions, and new opportunities across expanding markets and geographic regions.

The RCC Group is a family of companies that includes River City Construction, LLC, providing traditional construction and self-perform services; River City Building Group, LLC, focused on strategic project delivery; River City Design Group, LLC, providing design services; A & H Steel, specializing in steel er****on; MR Mason Contractor, LLC, providing masonry services; RCC Service Group, supporting companies across the organization; and RCC Foundation, supporting workforce development and talent pipeline initiatives.

Follow our page for company updates, project highlights, and career opportunities!

10/29/2026

CareerSpark day two is happening right now! 🎉

More than 4,000 eighth graders are at the Peoria Civic Center this week exploring careers in health care, manufacturing, agriculture, IT, and more, all hands-on, at the 10th annual Greater Peoria CareerSpark.

A huge thank you to every volunteer and employer who showed up for these students, and to our partners at Junior Achievement of Central Illinois for ten amazing years. The future workforce of Greater Peoria is walking these aisles today. 💪

https://ow.ly/F42L51024aE

10/28/2026

We are heartbroken by the loss of Laura Cullinan.

Through her leadership of the Gilmore Foundation, Laura championed Greater Peoria in countless ways: health care, education, the arts, and the organizations that care for our neighbors. She believed deeply in this community, and so much of what makes it stronger carries her mark.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and everyone at the Gilmore Foundation.

10/23/2026

Missed the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship Small Business Awards? Now you can see it for yourself! 🏆

The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at Bradley University made this video to honor our own Sally Hanley, its 2026 Small Business Advocate of the Year. It’s a great look at the work she does every day in the community, helping local businesses grow.

Congratulations again, Sally!

See all of this year’s winner videos on the Turner Center’s website: https://theturnercenter.org/client-awards/

10/23/2026

New career pathways are coming to the Illinois River! ⚓

Illinois Central College has joined nine other colleges across Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri in a new consortium to train workers for careers in river ports, terminals, and freight logistics. The Maritime Administration - MARAD has named it a center of excellence for maritime workforce training.

These are good-paying jobs that keep goods moving across the country, but many people don't know they exist. This partnership is designed to change that, especially for young people and rural residents who want a strong career without leaving home.

As Peoria Mayor Rita Ali put it, “We need to build a world-class workforce right here along the Illinois River.”

Read more from WCBU: https://ow.ly/uu685100AC2

10/14/2026

CareerSpark is in the news, and we still need volunteers! 🎉

WCBU, Peoria Public Radio, featured Greater Peoria CareerSpark ahead of its 10th anniversary, October 28 and 29 at the Peoria Civic Center. Organized by Junior Achievement of Central Illinois and the Greater Peoria EDC, it will bring more than 4,000 eighth graders together to explore careers in health care, manufacturing, agriculture, IT, and more.

The Illinois State Board of Education even lists CareerSpark as a career readiness best practice. Pretty great for something that started right here!

Volunteering is easy. Shifts are about three hours, either morning or afternoon, and require no special skills. In our CEO Chris Setti’s words, all it takes is “a great attitude and a winning smile.”

Sign up here: https://ow.ly/McmF50ZXFta

Read the coverage: https://ow.ly/htuO50ZXFt9

10/14/2026

Big news from Bradley University! 🎓

Bradley has received a $3 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand student support and promote responsible AI use in teaching and learning.

The funding will strengthen advising and accessibility services, help redesign courses, and use AI-assisted tools to spot students who may need extra academic help early, so they get support before they fall behind. Students should start seeing the new systems by next school year.

More students succeeding at Bradley means more skilled graduates ready to build careers right here in Greater Peoria. Congratulations, Bradley!

Read more: https://ow.ly/iiyq50ZXFbj

10/13/2026

Greater Peoria is tied for No. 1! 🏠

Apartments.com ranked Peoria the top small U.S. city for renters getting the most for their money in 2026, tied with Cedar Rapids, Iowa, out of 180 metros analyzed.

Here is why: a one-bedroom in Peoria costs just 9.3% of the area’s median income, about 40% below the national average. Average rent is $818 a month, and housing costs run about 30% below the U.S. average.

Good jobs, great parks, the Illinois River, and a cost of living that lets your paycheck go further. Not a bad combination. 💪

See the full list: https://ow.ly/aA1W50ZXj3v

Choose Greater Peoria

10/08/2026

Join us in congratulating Sally Hanley! 🏆

Last night, Sally was named Small Business Advocate of the Year at the 2026 Turner Center Small Business Awards, hosted by the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at Bradley University

As our VP of Programs and Business Assistance Director, Sally works every day to connect local business owners with the resources and support they need to grow. We're proud to see the entrepreneurship community recognize that work.

Congratulations to Sally and to all of this year’s award winners!