JWCC participates in Tri-State Maker Fest with interactive demonstrations for students

QUINCY — As part of Manufacturing Month, John Wood Community College (JWCC) welcomed hundreds of area high school students to its Workforce Development Center (WDC) for interactive tours and demonstrations as part of the Tri-State Maker Fest held Friday, Oct. 3.

The event was designed to spark student interest in high-demand, high-wage manufacturing and technical careers by giving them a first-hand look at modern equipment, hands-on learning and pathways to rewarding jobs. Students toured JWCC’s recently expanded WDC — home to advanced manufacturing, robotics, welding, computer-aided design, HVAC truck driver training, and more — in addition to visiting area manufacturers to see classroom concepts applied in the workplace.

“Maker Fest is about connecting students to real opportunities in our region,” said Dave Hetzler, JWCC Dean of Career and Technical Education, in a press release. “By combining interactive demonstrations at JWCC with tours of local employers, students see how their education translates into in-demand skills and great careers close to home.”

Hetzler added that career paths in the trades are becoming more attractive to students and families.

JWCC’s Workforce Development Center reported a 34% increase in enrollment growing from 147 unduplicated students last year to 198 this fall. He credited the 2024 expansion of the college’s training facility, the launch of Illinois’ first Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) chapter and connections with regional employers and high schools as part of the increase.

At JWCC’s WDC, students experienced the following during Makerfest:

• Interactive demonstrations in industrial maintenance, machining, welding,  HVAC and electrical systems.
• Presentations on career pathways in advanced manufacturing, transportation, logistics, and technical trades
• Information about Great River FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education), a unique earn-and-learn program that allows students to work for local manufacturers while completing JWCC’s Industrial Maintenance Technology degree.

In addition to the WDC experience, students will tour participating regional manufacturers, further connecting classroom concepts with real-world production.

Muddy River News: October 3, 2025

The Great River Economic Development Foundation Launches Program to Help Businesses Scale and Secure Their Future

Adams County, IL (Oct. 6, 2025) – Applications are now open for ScaleUp and Secure, a program by the Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) aimed at connecting entrepreneurs with capital and support to grow scalable ventures. The program, targets businesses and entrepreneurs located in Adams County with innovative ideas, scalable business models, strong leadership teams, significant market opportunities, and well-developed business plans.

The mission of ScaleUp and Secure is to empower entrepreneurs by addressing the critical challenge of securing capital. The program supports the startup ecosystem in alignment with the Quincy Next Strategic Plan, enhancing the local labor market through the development of high-potential businesses and facilitating capital investment to boost the regional economy.

ScaleUp and Secure is more than just a business development initiative; it represents a strategic step toward building a stronger, more innovative, and resilient local economy.

“We believe in the power of local innovation and the potential of our entrepreneurial community,” said Madison Peters, Vice President of the Great River Economic Development Foundation. “ScaleUp and Secure represents our dedication to empowering businesses to expand, generate jobs, and invest in the future of Adams County.”

Once applications close on December 16th, each submission will be evaluated and coached through multiple stages to determine which businesses will be invited to pitch to investors. The program is designed to be more than just a funding opportunity; it is a comprehensive support system focused on fostering the growth and development of local businesses. Selected applicants will have the opportunity to showcase their business to investors eager to fund businesses ready to scale up.

ScaleUp and Secure is part of the Great River Economic Development Foundation’s ongoing investment in sustainable economic development, to support high-growth entrepreneurs and fostering a vibrant, inclusive business ecosystem. To learn more about the program and submit an application, interested parties are encouraged to visit the website or contact Madison Peters, Vice President of GREDF, at 217-919-6238.