October is Manufacturing Month and in Greater Peoria there is much to celebrate. Our region has long been considered the earth moving capital of the world and being the hometown of Caterpillar is a badge worn with pride. While the region’s economy has diversified over the past few decades, we can never lose sight of the importance of manufacturing as a foundational element. Manufacturing businesses and employees underline the rest of our local economy: retail, banking, education. Even the healthcare sector -- now our largest industry in terms of employment -- recognizes this. Healthcare is ultimately a service industry and relies heavily on our manufacturing businesses and workers for the provision of this service.  
The good news is that manufacturing is alive and well and Greater Peoria. Over 24,000 people work in the manufacturing industry. While it is popular to believe the sector isn't growing, the current number of manufacturing is actually 10.2% higher than in 2017. The jobs span from assembly to machining to engineering and require anywhere from a welding certificate to a doctorate degree. Though Caterpillar is still the dominant employer with around 12,000 local employees, there are dozens and dozens of other companies that are working in this industry.
Thanks to everyone involved with CareerSpark this year! It was once again a big hit, bringing in 4,600 eighth grade students from all over the region.

The video featured here is a brief sampling of the student experience at this year's event. Stay tuned for the full video in the coming weeks.
On October 15th, over 700 community members convened at the Peoria Civic Center for The Big Table: Greater Peoria. As anyone that attended could tell you, there was a great feeling of positivity and excitement throughout the day.

This inaugural event focused on 4 main topics

  • Workforce Development & Education
  • Quality of Life & Place
  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship
  • Diversity & Inclusion

Brief video recaps like the one to the right were produced for each session. They can be viewed at www.BigTableGP.com. You can also sign up for updates from the event and get info on future events.
According to data released by the International Trade Administration, Peoria was the top exporting MSA of machinery manufacturing goods in 2018.

With over $6.3B in machinery exports, this put Peoria above several major metro areas, including Chicago, Houston, Detroit, and Dallas Fort-Worth. 
The Greater Peoria EDC is launching a new initiative on the Future of Work, specifically on Remote Work or the Work from Anywhere movement. Please watch the video below from our Director of Innovation and Startups, Andrew Ngui, for more details.

If you are a remote worker currently residing in the Greater Peoria Region, we would love to connect with you.
Learn about steps to take now to keep your business running if disaster strikes with this free one-hour webinar offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 30  |  9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Where: Anywhere! Join via Skype or dial in
Peoria is up 6 spots from last year on the 2019 Best of the Midwest: Startup Cities Rankings. This puts the region # 36 overall and # 31 in startup activity.

The Midwest is experiencing a surge in tech startups and the Peoria region is keeping pace.
Bradley University’s Turner School of Entrepreneurship is hosting its 2nd Annual Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Convergence Conference this November. The conference will feature nationally known entrepreneurs and subject matter experts.

When: November 18 | 8:30AM – 2:00PM
The Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network (GPMN) continues to grow and strengthen its membership. Each week, we will highlight one member with a brief profile featuring the key features you need to know about each.

Don't miss the quarterly opportunity to gather with the growing network of people, businesses, and organizations engaged in building a strong regional food system! 

When: October 25 | 9AM - 11AM
Peoria Innovation Alliance, GPEDC, Peoria Area CVB, and Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce a Greater Peoria Homecoming event aimed at showcasing the region’s growth, new developments, and quality of life improvements for visiting family members and out-of-town friends visiting for the Thanksgiving holiday.

When: November 29 | 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Where: Peoria Made
More Good News in Greater Peoria