Greater Peoria Economic Development Council

Greater Peoria Economic Development Council
Name	Greater Peoria Economic Development Council
Formation	2013
Type	Economic development organization
Headquarters	Peoria, Illinois
Region served	Greater Peoria
Key people	Chris Setti (CEO)
Website	https://greaterpeoriaedc.org/

Greater Peoria Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit organization that serves as the primary economic development agency for the Greater Peoria region in Illinois. Formed through a merger in 2013, it leads efforts to attract new investment, support existing businesses, and foster regional collaboration across a five-county area. The organization works closely with the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, local governments, and major employers like Caterpillar Inc. and OSF HealthCare to drive strategic growth and diversification.

History and formation

The organization was established in 2013 through the consolidation of the Peoria Area Economic Development Council and the Heartland Partnership, which itself housed the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. This merger was designed to create a unified, more efficient entity to address the region's economic challenges and opportunities. The formation was driven by regional business and civic leaders seeking to streamline efforts following the Great Recession and amid shifts in the local industrial base. Key figures in its founding included leaders from Bradley University, Caterpillar Inc., and local government bodies across Peoria County and Tazewell County.

Mission and strategic goals

The core mission is to strengthen and grow the economy of the Greater Peoria region by attracting new companies, supporting business expansion, and enhancing regional competitiveness. Strategic goals focus on key sectors identified as growth opportunities, including advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, healthcare innovation, and logistics. A central pillar of its work is talent attraction and retention, aiming to reverse population trends and build a skilled workforce. The organization also emphasizes creating an inclusive economy and improving the region's overall quality of life to make it more attractive for investment.

Key initiatives and programs

Major initiatives include the Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network, which supports local manufacturers through collaboration and workforce development. The Grow Greater Peoria talent attraction campaign works to market the region to professionals and recent graduates. The organization manages several foreign-trade zones and site selection services through its Peoria Area Economic Development Council legacy programs. It also administers the CEO Council, which convenes top executives from major employers like UnityPoint Health and Komatsu America Corp. to guide regional strategy. Specialized programs assist startups and small businesses with resources and connections.

Organizational structure and leadership

The organization operates under a board of directors composed of executives from major regional corporations, public sector officials, and leaders from institutions like Illinois Central College and the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Day-to-day operations are led by a professional staff, with Chris Setti serving as the Chief Executive Officer. Funding is derived from a combination of private sector investors, public sector contracts, and grants from entities like the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The structure includes dedicated teams for business attraction, existing industry services, research, and marketing.

Economic impact and regional role

The council plays a central role in coordinating economic development across a five-county region encompassing Peoria County, Tazewell County, Woodford County, Stark County, and Marshall County. Its efforts have been instrumental in securing major projects, such as expansions at the Peoria International Airport and investments in the Dirksen Congressional Center research park. The organization's research and data analysis inform public policy and infrastructure decisions, influencing projects like the Illinois River revitalization. It is a key partner in regional marketing, often collaborating with Discover Peoria and local municipal governments to promote the area's assets.

Partnerships and collaborations

The council maintains extensive partnerships with local, state, and federal entities, including the U.S. Economic Development Administration and Illinois Innovation Network. It works closely with the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce on advocacy and business climate issues. Critical private-sector alliances include ongoing collaboration with Caterpillar Inc., OSF HealthCare, and Rivian on workforce and supply chain initiatives. The organization also partners with educational institutions like Bradley University and Eureka College on talent pipeline programs. Regional collaborations extend to entities like the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission and the Illinois Central College for coordinated community development efforts.

Category:Economic development organizations in the United States Category:Organizations based in Peoria, Illinois Category:2013 establishments in Illinois