Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) is partnering with Illinois Department of Employment Security (IEDS) on the inaugural Warriors to the Workforce, a veteran’s hiring event. The event is free and will be held this Friday, October 21 from 4pm to 7pm in the Oakley Lindsay Center – 300 Civic Center Plaza in Quincy, IL.

“The experience, discipline and maturity offered by veterans applying for positions at our company make them an essential part of our culture,” states Daniel Henke, General Manager of Farm and Home Stores. “We feel they are an obvious choice when qualifications are even close. It’s important to us for many reasons but simply put, they make great associates with long term growth potential.”

Guests will be able to visit with several businesses of varied industries in the Lindsay and Quincy rooms, located on the second floor of the Oakley Lindsay Center. Featured businesses include:

• AFLAC,
• Blessing Health Systems,
• DOT Foods,
• Farm & Home Supply,
• Fastenal Corporation,
• Goodwill Industries,
• Illinois Veterans’ Home – Quincy,
• Manpower,
• Marion County Services,
• Mark Twain Casino,
• Niemann Foods, Inc.,
• Northwest Mutual,
• Quincy Public Schools – Transportation Department,
• Quincy Recycle,
• Quincy Workforce Service Center,
• Sinclair Broadcasting / KHQA / WICS / KTVO / KRCG,
• Schneider St. Louis Operating Center,
• Vatterott College,
• Walmart

The Inspire Works program will also be featured for patrons to learn more about starting their free online profile, and for businesses to sign up and connect with local workforce.

“As part of GREDF’s overall workforce strategy, providing an opportunity for our business partners to interact with Veterans is an important value added activity,” continues Marcel Wagner, GREDF president. “This will benefit both our companies and those who have sacrificed to serve our country as well. We owe a debt to our Veterans and this is one small way to show our appreciation.”

Great River Economic Development Foundation has partnered with USDA Rural Development to produce this first Rural Resource Rally. We invite the press to attend the Rural Resource Rally on Wednesday, October 12 anytime between 9:30a and 3p.

The Rural Resource Rally concept is to provide a way for community organizations to present and connect with several regional, state and national funding agencies at one time. Likewise, the funding agencies can learn more about projects in need of funding in the western Illinois region.

Applications were received from public entities and non-profit organizations where ten groups were selected to present their project to the funding agencies. After each presentation, individual agencies will explain possible available funding for the project presented, and contact information will be exchanged for further discussion at a later date.

“The Rally is a great opportunity to be able to present to numerous agencies at once instead of searching for each individual opportunity,” said Larry Nicholl, fundraising committee member and presenter on behalf of The Legacy Theater in Carthage, IL. “It’s great to come to one place to meet and make connections with funders for our project.”

Applications to present at the Rural Resource Rally were considered based on regional economic development strategies and impact on the western Illinois region. Eligible projects should have a regional impact with a location in Adams, Brown, Hancock, Knox, McDonough, Pike, Schuyler and Warren. Leading agency of the project must be a public entity or non-profit organization.

Presenting organizations include: BBC Rehab of Bushnell, IL Freight Depot, Grown N Gathered, Two Rivers Regional Council Healthy Homes, JWCC Southeast Education Center, Mid America Intermodal Port, Payson Community Fiber Project, Quincy Brewery & Arts, The Knowledge Center at Chaddock, The Legacy Theater and Madonna House Prevention Program.

All are welcome to join Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) and partners at GatesAir, the world’s largest broadcast manufacturing facilities, to kick off Adams County Manufacturing month. Press Conference to be held Friday, October 14, at 8:15a in GatesAir at 3200 Wismann Lane in Quincy, IL, followed by a tour.

According to the official MFG Day website, “Manufacturing Day is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.” With thousands of events around the nation, Manufacturing Day gives people an opportunity to connect with their local manufacturers and learn more about various industries. Manufactures open their doors to showcase their business and talk about common misconceptions.

GREDF president Marcel Wagner will give introductions, followed by Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center director Mark Pfleiger and John Wood Community College president Mike Elbe regarding school investment in manufacturing education. Workforce Innovation Board director, Blanche Shoup along with VP of global operations at GtesAir, Bryant Burke will address guests regarding grants that have been provided for customized training in manufacturing. The press conference will close with Mayor Kyle Moore and Deb Waldrop of the State Workforce Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to address both the City and State Proclamations for Manufacturing Day.

“The manufacturing sector provides quality job opportunities, requiring technical skills and a good work ethic,” states Blanche Shoup, director of Workforce Investment Board. “Through the efforts of the Adams County Workforce Teams these skill gaps are being addressed in Adams County and The Workforce Innovation Board of Western Illinois is excited to be a partner in celebrating Manufacturing Month.”

A Manufacturing Expo will also be held on Friday, October 14 in John Wood Community College Workforce Development Center at 4220 Kochs Lane from 12p-2p. The expo is free and open to the pubic with the following vendors:

Moss Enterprise – 3D Equipment

Advance Technology – Industrial Maintenance equipment

DEPCO Enterprises – ABB Robotics equipment

Fastenal – Industrial Supplies

MSC – Industrial Supplies

GatesAir – Products & Careers

Doyle Manufacturing – Product and Careers

Knapheide Manufacturing – Product and Careers

ADM – Products and careers

Tool Keepers – Custom Tool Kitting and Inserts

Spartan Light Metal Products – Products and careers

Juniors and seniors from thirteen (13) area schools will also take part in celebrating with tours of various manufacturing businesses, working to engage students early on with the manufacturing field.

The following businesses are participating by providing tours for our students to ask questions about the industry: Phibro Animal Health Corporation, Titan Wheel Corporation of Illinois, Hollister Whitney Elevator Corp., GatesAir, Craig Industries, Timewell Drainage Products and Midwest Patterns.

There are over 100 manufacturers in Quincy & Adams County, with 26% of the region’s workforce in manufacturing, giving us all the more reason to join in celebrating Manufacturing Day in our community.

Adams County, IL – Registration is open for the 20^th Anniversary Tri-State Development Summit, “Stronger Together,” to be held on Friday, November 18 at Iowa Wesleyan University – 601 N. Main St. Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Check in for the event begins at 9am with sessions starting at 10am. All are welcome to attend.

“Southeast Iowa and Iowa Wesleyan University in Mt. Pleasant are pleased to host The Tri-State Development Summit,” states steering committee member Dan Wiedemeier. “This is our 20^th year of bringing leaders together from the Tri-State region. We have accomplished much with this unique organization and once again this year’s Summit will provide an opportunity for those in attendance to network, exchange information and hear about what is happening in our region and the rest of the world.”

The Summit brings together hundreds of tri-state leaders in 3 states and 36 counties to define common issues; to develop an on-going dialogue to effectively address those issues; and to improve the quality of life of the entire region through economic development activities, which impacts over 700,000 people.

“We have learned that when we speak with one voice we can address issues critical to our region much more effectively,” affirms steering committee member and former City of Quincy Mayor Chuck Scholz.

Tickets for the summit are $40 and include: a morning session with state updates, networking lunch with awards and recognition, and an afternoon session with a workforce development panel. Leading the panel discussion is senior director of ACT Center for Workforce Advancement, Deb Lyons, joined by business representatives from different industries in each state.

To register and pay online, as well as see details on schedule and speakers, please visit TriStateOfMind.com/Stronger-Together, or follow the facebook event “20^th Anniversary Tri-State Development Summit” hosted by Great River Economic Development Foundation.

“This 11^th Summit marks the 20^th Anniversary of the 36 County, Tri-State Development Summit (TSDS),” confirms Patrick Poepping, steering committee member. “When I look back and see what our regional approach has done for developing 4-lane highways to and through this three state area, I find it hard to believe what we accomplished.”

Poepping continues, “We set out to improve 1,677 miles of roadway and 1,311 miles, or 78% of our regional highway priorities are complete. These modern 4-lane roadways position our Tri-State Region for important, long overdue, economic growth, and more importantly, they provide for the safer passage for our family, friends, and visitors to our TSDS Region.”

For more information about the Tri-State Development Summit, and to register, please contact Joi Cuartero Austin at JoiA@gredf.org or visit TriStateOfMind.com.

Great River Economic Development Foundation is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization with a mission to maintain and improve the economic vitality of Quincy and Adams County, IL through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses to our communities.

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Adams County, IL – Registration is open for the 20^th Anniversary Tri-State Development Summit, “Stronger Together,” to be held on Friday, November 18 at Iowa Wesleyan University – 601 N. Main St. Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Check in for the event begins at 9am with sessions starting at 10am. All are welcome to attend.

“Southeast Iowa and Iowa Wesleyan University in Mt. Pleasant are pleased to host The Tri-State Development Summit,” states steering committee member Dan Wiedemeier. “This is our 20^th year of bringing leaders together from the Tri-State region. We have accomplished much with this unique organization and once again this year’s Summit will provide an opportunity for those in attendance to network, exchange information and hear about what is happening in our region and the rest of the world.”

The Summit brings together hundreds of tri-state leaders in 3 states and 36 counties to define common issues; to develop an on-going dialogue to effectively address those issues; and to improve the quality of life of the entire region through economic development activities, which impacts over 700,000 people.

“We have learned that when we speak with one voice we can address issues critical to our region much more effectively,” affirms steering committee member and former City of Quincy Mayor Chuck Scholz.

Tickets for the summit are $40 and include: a morning session with state updates, networking lunch with awards and recognition, and an afternoon session with a workforce development panel. Leading the panel discussion is senior director of ACT Center for Workforce Advancement, Deb Lyons, joined by business representatives from different industries in each state.

To register and pay online, as well as see details on schedule and speakers, please visit TriStateOfMind.com/Stronger-Together, or follow the facebook event “20^th Anniversary Tri-State Development Summit” hosted by Great River Economic Development Foundation.

“This 11^th Summit marks the 20^th Anniversary of the 36 County, Tri-State Development Summit (TSDS),” confirms Patrick Poepping, steering committee member. “When I look back and see what our regional approach has done for developing 4-lane highways to and through this three state area, I find it hard to believe what we accomplished.”

Poepping continues, “We set out to improve 1,677 miles of roadway and 1,311 miles, or 78% of our regional highway priorities are complete. These modern 4-lane roadways position our Tri-State Region for important, long overdue, economic growth, and more importantly, they provide for the safer passage for our family, friends, and visitors to our TSDS Region.”

For more information about the Tri-State Development Summit, and to register, please contact Joi Cuartero Austin at JoiA@gredf.org or visit TriStateOfMind.com.

Great River Economic Development Foundation is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization with a mission to maintain and improve the economic vitality of Quincy and Adams County, IL through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses to our communities.

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Inspire Works kick off and press conference was held Wednesday, September 14, at 8:30a in the Oakley Lindsay Center – 300 Civic Center Plaza.

Adams County, IL – Workforce development partners on the Inspire Works Team held a press conference on Wednesday, September 14 at 8:30a in the Oakley Lindsay Center to kick off the launch of the Inspire Works program in Adams County, IL.

Inspire Works is an online resource designed to increase communication between students, job seekers, educators and employers. The goal of Inspire Works is to bring those aforementioned groups together to help individuals achieve their career goals and address the workforce development needs of our community. The Inspire Works program was made possible through a number of generous partnerships and grants.

We are excited to be launching this program through our schools, with our partners and with local participating businesses of all sizes. Having programs like Inspire Works strengthens our regional advancement in workforce development, providing important strategies and solutions.

Information regarding Inspire Works, along with participating partners and businesses, will be available at the press conference. For more information, contact Joi Cuartero Austin at GREDF (217) 223-4313.

Great River Economic Development Foundation is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization with a mission to maintain and improve the economic vitality of Quincy and Adams County, IL through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses to our communities.

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Members of the Tri-State Development Steering Committee are pleased to announce the addition of Audrain County, Missouri, which becomes the 36^th county to comprise the one “Tri-State of Mind” for western Illinois, northeast Missouri and southwest Iowa. Counties served now include 14 in Illinois, 14 in Missouri and 8 in Iowa, making the population supported over 700,000.

The inclusion of Audrain County also falls on the 20^th Anniversary of the Tri-State Development Summit, to be held on Friday, November 18 at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant, Iowa beginning at 9am, with a theme of “Stronger Together.”

“Audrain County is excited to add its voice to the 36 Counties that make up Tri-State Development,” states Audrain County presiding commissioner Steve Hobbs. “Working together, we can be a strong voice for infrastructure improvements throughout our region.”

Bringing Audrain County into the Tri-State Development region is a natural fit as Audrain County is the last county in the Mark Twain Council of Governments to join the Tri-State Development region, is a welcome addition to the Great Region designation with the USDA Rural Development, and brings one of the region’s major uncompleted Highway Corridor segments (US 54 / SW Gateway) entirely within the Tri-State Development region. Additionally, the largest city in Audrain County, City of Mexico, has representatives who have already participated in past task force and regional summits.

“Joining the Tri-State just makes good sense,” said City of Mexico manager Bruce Slagle, “we are all working for the same goal of improving the region through economic growth and improved transportation and; after all, you can accomplish far more by working together.”

The Mission of the Tri-State Development Summit is to bring together Tri-State area leaders to define common issues; To develop an on-going dialogue to effectively address those issues; And to improve the quality of life of the entire tri-state region through economic development activities.

For more information about the Tri-State Development Summit please visit our website at TriStateOfMind.org, or call (217) 223-4313.

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Adams County, IL – The Annual Meeting of the Rural Adams Development Corporation (RADC) will be held on Wednesday, July 27 at 7:30a in Marie’s Restaurant in Golden, IL.

Established by a group of bankers in rural Adams County, along with Adams Electric Cooperative, Great River Economic Development Foundation and later the Adams Telephone Cooperative, the RADC now celebrates its 25^th anniversary!

“Rural Adams Development Corporation was formed 25 years ago by forward-looking Adams County leaders to assist rural businesses.” States Terry Reuschel, President of RADC and President & CEO of Farmers State Bank of Camp Point. “RADC is proud of the cooperative spirit that has allowed RADC to assist many small businesses since then, and looks forward to continuing to positively influence Economic Development in rural Adams County for many years to come.”

The RADC provides low-rate “gap financing” for businesses wishing to start or expand in the rural parts of Adams County, excluding the city limits of the City of Quincy. Since 1992, the RADC has participated in 69 projects, with loans totaling $2,159,631.34. Interested parties may contact any member bank to access to RADC.

Types of assistance provided by the RADC include:

• Seed money, venture capital, or gap financing for which no other resource exists,
• Funding for businesses that lack adequate equity or operating history for conventional loans,
• Investment in projects that need greater owner equity in order to obtain bank or government assistance.

Anyone interested in starting or expanding a business in rural Adams County is encouraged to talk to any RADC participating bank or GREDF. RADC member banks include:

Central State Bank (Clayton)                 Golden State Bank

Farmers Bank (Liberty & Payson)        North Adams State Bank (Camp Point & Ursa)

Farmers State Bank of Camp Point       Town & Country Bank Midwest

First Bankers Trust of Mendon

For more information, contact Joi Cuartero Austin at GREDF (217) 223-4313.

Press Conference held Thursday, May 5 at 4pm in the Oakley Lindsay Center Lobby

Adams County, IL – Workforce Development Partners on the Career Guidance Team held a press conference on Thursday, May 5 at 4pm in the Oakley Lindsay Center Lobby to express appreciation to regional teachers for their help with youth work readiness initiatives in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Day, Tuesday, May 3, 2016.

In April, participating teachers were thanked for their partnership with the Career Guidance Team and encouraged to submit their information for a chance at an appreciation prize – a basket filled with free certificates and merchandise from local businesses. The winning teacher was presented their prize at the press conference.

Marcel Wagner, GREDF President provided an introduction, and Meghan Townley, of Quincy Public Schools/one of three (3) co-chairs of the Career Guidance Team presented the teacher appreciation prize. The winner was Jill Steinkamp of Washington Elementary.

Born out of the Workforce Summit a few years prior, the Career Guidance Team is sponsored by the following partners:  Great River Economic Development Foundation, John Wood Community College, Quincy University, United Way of Adams County, Inc., West Central Region Ed. For Employment System #240, and Workforce Board of Western Illinois.  

The Career Guidance Team mission is to Encourage, Educate & Connect: Encourage and foster awareness of careers; educate youth and job seekers about area career opportunities; build connections between families and local employers.

For more information regarding Career Guidance Team initiatives, contact Joi Cuartero Austin at GREDF (217) 223-4313.

Great River Economic Development Foundation is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization with a mission to maintain and improve the economic vitality of Quincy and Adams County, IL through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses to our communities.