Quincy, IL — [January 8, 2026] Adams County is experiencing a significant wave of economic growth as 47 new businesses have opened across the county. The Great River Economic Development Foundation, the Quincy Area Chamber, and The District jointly announced the milestone, highlighting continued momentum and confidence in the local economy.

The new businesses represent a wide range of industries, including retail, professional services, hospitality, technology, and more. This expansion strengthens Adams County’s economic diversity while creating new jobs and opportunities for residents. The growth further reinforces the region’s reputation as a vibrant, business-friendly place to invest, work, and grow.

To better support this momentum, the Great River Economic Development Foundation, the Quincy Area Chamber, and The District have relocated to operate under one roof at “The 501”. By working side-by-side, the organizations are enhancing collaboration, sharing ideas, and developing new strategies to support business growth, entrepreneurship, and overall community development.

As part of this effort, they have developed a Business Start-Up Guide, designed to provide valuable resources, step-by-step guidance, and key community contacts to help navigate the often-complex process of starting a business. Entrepreneurs interested in receiving a copy of the guide are encouraged to contact any of the three organizations.

Together, the organizations congratulate and welcome all new business owners to the Adams County business community. These new enterprises not only strengthen the local economy but also enrich the community by bringing fresh ideas, services, and products to residents and visitors alike.

While there is no perfect way to track every new business opening, efforts are continually made to maintain an accurate count. Business owners who may have been missed are encouraged to contact one of the organizations to be included.

Quincy Area Chamber: 217.222.7980
The District: 217.228.8696
Great River Economic Development Foundation: 217.223.4313

2025 New Businesses

217 Beauty Vitality
30hot Studio
Amazon Fulfillment
Aspire Institute Cosmetology & Spa
Atlas Slice
Bark Ranger Pet Care
Blu Orchid Studio
Bouncin Around Party Rentals
BR And Co.
Calftown Condos and Event Center
Casa Leon
Clean Machine Auto Detailing
Craftsmen Trailer
Crumbs
Doggie Paddlers
Dojo of Do Well
Fifth & Park Events
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
GRM Wilco
High Five Spoke Shop
HWY 24 Gaming Parlor
Indian Grill House
Integrity Community Taxi
Milan Laser Hair Removal
Paddle Up
Performance Sport & Spine
Qboba
Quarter Castle Arcade
R.P. Lumber
Roost Coffee Co.
Shandi’s Coffee & Creams
Shortybias Cleaning
$lots of Fun/Easy Money
Sunmed Modern Wellness
Table 18 Cafe and Catering
Tabletop Treasure Games
The 19th Hole
The Coffee Coop
The Flower Girl
The KB Co.
The Mercantile Sweets & Goods
Topstitch Auto & Body Upholstery
Tribble Vapors
Weppler’s Diesel & Automotive Repair
What’s the Niche
Wiemelt’s Bait and Tackle Shop
Wil$on’s

GREDF Highlights Growth, Workforce Initiatives and Major Economic Wins at Annual Meeting

QUINCY — The Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) marked a year of significant progress in workforce development, housing, business growth and community investment during its annual meeting, celebrating both recent accomplishments and outlining priorities that could shape the region’s economy for years to come.

In his fifth year with the organization, GREDF President Kyle Moore opened the evening by recognizing the foundation’s board of directors for their guidance and service, with special thanks to retiring board members. Outgoing Board Chair Allen Shafer was singled out for his leadership over the past two years, praised for his hands-on approach, mentorship and commitment to Quincy and Adams County.

Chris Russell of Knapheide Manufacturing will be the new GREDF board chairman.

Outgoing board members are Shafer, Mark Hayes, Kyle Venvertloh, Ricci Dula and Leslie Sieck, while Bill McCleery, Stacey Juilfs, John Johannes, Brady Frericks and Tanner Freiburg join the board.

GREDF reported five consecutive years of membership growth, with 144 investors supporting the organization in 2025. Leaders also credited the foundation’s staff — Vice President Madison Peters, Director of Workforce and Community Development Cole Schwarts, and longtime team member Nikki Albright — for driving programs forward.

“Economic development is about connections — about working together to identify opportunities, collaborate and innovate,” Moore said.

Talent, Housing and Childcare

Addressing longstanding workforce challenges, Moore emphasized a targeted approach to talent attraction and retention. The foundation launched its ReConnect to Quincy initiative, partnering with alumni organizations from Quincy University, John Wood Community College, Quincy Public Schools and Quincy Notre Dame to reach individuals with existing ties to the area. The relaunched Quincy’s Calling campaign now includes a $500 referral bonus for Adams County residents who help recruit newcomers.

At the same time, GREDF has expanded efforts focused on employee retention, offering programs such as the Quincy Concierge, professional development partnerships, community engagement events and the new Lean Into Leadership program for emerging women leaders.

Housing and childcare — once peripheral issues in economic development — took center stage. A comprehensive housing study revealed Adams County will need 1,500 new housing units over the next decade. In response, a $1 million investment from the Adams County Board launched the Adams County GROW program, resulting in 21 developers investing $5.6 million and bringing 83 new housing units to market.

Childcare access has also improved through the Adams County Cares program, a collaboration between the county, businesses and private donors. In less than a year, the initiative helped create 102 new childcare slots, addressing a critical barrier to workforce participation.

Workforce Pipeline and Business Growth

GREDF continues to strengthen the workforce pipeline through student-focused initiatives such as Tri-State Makerfest, Jobs in the Gym and Career Launch Signing Day. New programs introduced in 2025 included Career Spark, a hands-on career exploration event for junior high students, which reached 350 students from 11 schools in its first year and will expand to more than 900 students next year.

The foundation also reported success in supporting entrepreneurs through its Business Concierge Service, which assisted more than 100 business owners in the past year. As a result, Adams County welcomed 44 new businesses in 2025. Looking ahead, GREDF plans to launch ScaleUp and Secure, a pitch-style program designed to help entrepreneurs access private investment capital.

Major Wins and Looking Ahead

Among the year’s headline achievements were the opening of Amazon’s last-mile distribution facility, adding 300 jobs; the reopening of the Locust Street rail spur after eight years; reauthorization of Quincy’s Economic Growth Fund; and the city’s designation as a Rivers Edge district, unlocking access to significant state and historic tax credits.

Looking toward 2026, Moore identified several “difference makers,” including the potential development of a regional sports complex that could attract tens of thousands of visitors annually, the need for proactive zoning to support multifamily housing, and the shortage of move-in-ready industrial space.

Ultimately, Moore emphasized that the region’s success depends on continued collaboration.

“The ultimate difference maker is you,” he said. “When ideas turn into action, the results speak for themselves.”

Muddy River News