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The Board of Directors and Staff of the Great River Economic Development Foundation

Invite you to attend our 2015 Annual Meeting

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Oakley-Lindsay Center
300 Civic Center Plaza, Quincy, Illinois

Cash Bar 5:00 p.m.

Program 5:45 p.m.

No charge to attend. No RSVP required.

The Great River Economic Development Foundation’s 2015 Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 14th in Kent Hall at the Oakley-Lindsay Center, 300 Civic Center Plaza in Quincy. Doors open and a cash bar will be available at 5:00 p.m. with the meeting beginning at 5:45 p.m.

No RSVP is required and there is no charge to attend the meeting. Members of the business community and the general public are encouraged to attend.

Current Chairman of the GREDF Board, Dan Henke, will give the 2015 Annual Meeting presentation which includes highlights from the past year. This year’s theme is “Opportunities Ahead”. GREDF president Marcel Wagner, Jr. will share an update on GREDF’s Strategic Plan which was adopted by the Board of Directors last year.

Additional speakers for the evening include Mayor Kyle Moore and Les Post, Chairman of the Adams County Board.

The Great River Economic Development Foundation exists to maintain and improve the economic vitality of the Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, region through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses to our entire region. For more information, call 217.223.4313.

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Increase visibility. Build stronger manufacturers.

DECEMBER 10, 2014
8:00AM – 12:30PM
$99pp

John Wood Workforce Development Center
4220 Kochs Lane * Quincy, IL 62305

Competition is no longer between companies; it’s between supply chains. Our volatile economy means that manufacturers have to be much more agile, flexible, and responsive to external pressures. This overview demonstrates the benefits and the approach of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Supply Chain Optimization program that helps reduce risk, increase visibility and builds stronger manufacturers.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM

Demonstrate the enemies of supply chain effectiveness including, destabilizing effects of dependency, variation, lack of supply chain visibility and forecast inaccuracy.
Provide an understanding of MEPs Supply Chain Optimization process.
Introduction to a roadmap intended to guide companies towards improved collaboration and supply chain integration.

THIS WORKING SESSION IS COMPRISED OF THE FOLLOWING KEY EDUCATIONAL ITEMS

Examine the strategic implications of a poorly functioning supply chain
Contrast (or compare) the attributes of supply chain development vs optimization
Overview of supply chain fundamentals
Introduction to application of Constraint Theory to supply chains
Interactive simulation demonstrating the Bullwhip Effect on supply chains
Introduction to the MEP Supply Chain Optimization methodology and roadmap
Discussion of supply chain successes and lessons learned

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This half-day event is intended for manufacturers interested in learning how to create a stronger base of manufacturing through Supply Chain Optimization.

WHAT WILL YOU GAIN

After this half-day session you will understand the advantages of incorporating a strategic approach to supply chain management, and how it can positively impact local and state communities, as well as to create national economic value through increased competitiveness.

REGISTER ONLINE BY VISITING WWW.IMEC.ORG/EVENTS.CFM OR CALL 888-806-4632.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Rob Newbold at 217.572.1551 or rnewbold@imec.org

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Quincy Regional Airport in partnership with Cape Air is encouraging the community to fly in a marketing campaign beginning this week. The airport will be offering incentives to the community through ticket giveaways and promotions.

Why now?

10,000 is the magic number. In order to qualify for a $1 million federal aviation grant, the Quincy Regional Airport must reach 10,000 enplanements by December 31, 2014. Airport manager Jarred Hester says there has been a six percent drop in passengers flying out of the airport this year. That means over the next five weeks, 1,205 passengers (as of 11/20/14) need to fly out of Quincy Regional Airport.

“We will be spending these last weeks of 2014 rallying community support and raising awareness of the value of the airport to our community,” Hester said. “The $1 million grant will help us maintain our infrastructure – over seven and a half miles of pavement, asphalt and concrete on our runways – and at the same time decrease our reliance on local tax payers.”

Let’s talk economic impact.

The value of the Quincy Regional Airport to our community is irrefutable. A study conducted in 2012 measured QRA’s economic output to our community at $13.8 million. Quincy Regional Airport, Cape Air and local aviation-related companies account for 70 jobs.

Private business and industry in the tri-state region rely on the services of Quincy Regional Airport and Cape Air to get their people where they need to be efficiently and economically. Round trip flights daily to St. Louis and a code-share agreement with American Airlines connects the Quincy area to the world. In our global economy, transportation infrastructure – and the ability to get places fast – is crucial. Quincy Regional Airport commercial air service is an important component of the multi-modal transportation network the region offers.

What’s in it for me? 

Based on the national average of $.59 per mile, the cost to drive to Lambert Airport in St. Louis is $75. Add to that a minimum of $7 per day to park at the airport, plus the loss of time and productivity, and you’re spending $100 or more just to get to your connecting flight.

The Solution:

Enter Cape Air and the Quincy Regional Airport. Only 15 minutes from the heart of Quincy, Quincy Regional Airport saves you time and money. Cape Air will get you to St. Louis in 45 minutes for only $52. Add to that FREE parking and shorter TSA security lines, and the money you save speaks for itself. 

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The election is over so here at GREDF, we thought it would be a good time to share this guide from the National League of Cities Center for Research and Innovation and endorsed by the International Economic Development Council. The following is an excerpt from the guide which is formatted as a “Top 10” list of things local elected officials should know about economic development in order to be effective leaders. Download a pdf of the complete guide. 

The goal of this guide is not to provide a one-size-fits-all solution to economic development or even to offer Economic Development 101. Nor does this guide contend that elected officials should be economic development experts. The goal is instead to identify fundamental ways elected officials can become informed and strategic decision-makers who can connect the policy “dots,” be effective communicators and take a leadership role in economic development. This guide is based on the premise that elected officials can and should actively participate in and lead long-term development strategies that make sense for their community. 

10 Things You Should Know 

1. Your local economic strengths and weaknesses. A stronger understanding of your community’s economic profile will help you create a realistic vision and strategies for economic development.
2. Your community’s place in the broader regional economy. With a firmer grasp of how your community fits into the broader region, you’re better prepared to work with other jurisdictions to share responsibility for regional economic success.
3. Your community’s economic development vision and goals. Local elected officials can play a key role in building consensus for a vision and goals that provide clear direction for local economic development.
4. Your community’s strategy to attain its goals. A strategic approach means linking economic development goals to specific activities, allocating a budget and staff to these activities and evaluating performance based on measurable outcomes.
5. Connections between economic development and other city policies. When crafting economic development policies, it is essential to consider how other city policies (e.g., transportation or housing) affect your economic development goals.
6. Your regulatory environment. Your community’s regulatory process should allow for timely, reliable and transparent resolution of issues facing businesses, while still remaining true to your long-term economic development vision.
7. Your local economic development stakeholders and partners. Local officials should think strategically on a project-by-project basis about who needs to be involved, the resources they bring to the table, and what it will take to get them engaged.
8. The needs of your local business community. Local officials can help create an environment that supports the growth and expansion of local businesses, primarily by opening lines of communication.
9. Your community’s economic development message.You will want a clear, accurate and compelling message that reflects your local vision and that helps ensure broad support for economic development projects undertaken by the city and its partners.
10. Your economic development staff. Local elected officials will be more effective in leading economic development activities to the extent that they forge strong relationships with staff members who work on these issues on a daily basis.

As an elected official, you make decisions every day that impact the future of your community. It is of critical importance that your decisions and actions support your community’s vision and do not work at cross purposes with existing efforts. This is particularly true in today’s rapidly changing economic environment.

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What is National Manufacturing Day?

Manufacturing Day is a coordinated occasion during which U.S. manufacturers open their doors to demonstrate the potential of modern manufacturing and foster interest in manufacturing careers. Held annually on the first Friday of October (October 3, 2014), Manufacturing Day was created to correct public perception, which doesn’t do manufacturing justice.

Manufacturing environments, which include highly trained, well-paid employees who work on state-of-the-art equipment, are commonly thought of as antiquated factories designed for low-skilled workers. Manufacturing Day addresses this misperception by giving all manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, exactly what manufacturing is – and what it isn’t. 

This change in perception is the first step in addressing one of the main challenges faced by manufacturers today – a gap in skilled labor. Manufacturing Day is an opportunity to connect directly with job seekers and students to begin to address the skilled labor shortage.

National Manufacturing Day in Quincy

John Wood Community College will host a Manufacturing Expo Friday, October 3 at the College’s Workforce Development Center, located at 4220 Kochs Lane in Quincy. The public is invited to attend from 12 to 3 p.m. free of charge.

More than 17 percent of Adams County employees are in the manufacturing sector, which is full of head-of-household careers for individuals with the right skills.

During the expo, participants will learn about the new technology used in the manufacturing industry through demonstrations and interactive displays. Robots, 3D printers, virtual welding, computer numeric control machines and state-of-the art electrical technology will be featured inside the JWCC Workforce Development Center.

JWCC instructors will demonstrate how a product is taken from concept and computer animation to its 3D prototype and production using new equipment used by regional employers.

Representatives from Midwest Patterns, Gardner Denver, Doyle Manufacturing, Kohl Wholesale, Trinity Containers, Dot Food, Michelmann Steel, MSC Industrial Supply Co., and Manchester Tank will showcase products and models during the expo. Dependable Education Products Company (DEPCO) will offer interactive demonstrations in Motor Controls, engineering, industrial electronics, advanced manufacturing and robotics. The expo will also feature Lincoln Electric’s virtual welder simulator.

Earlier in the day, more than 300 area high school students will visit the expo as part of a regional manufacturing career exploration effort. Students will visit the JWCC Workforce Development Center and tour ten manufacturing sites arranged by the Great River Economic Development Foundation. Students from QHS, Camp Point Central, Liberty, QND, Southeastern, Unity, Pittsfield in Illinois and, Highland in Missouri will tour regional manufacturing companies including Craig Industries, Manchester Tank, Knapheide, Prince Agri Products, ADM, Awerkamp Machinery, GatesAir, Hollister Whitney, Quincy Metal Fabricators, and Gardner Denver.

Information about JWCC career and technical programs, as well as admissions and financial aid will also be available. 

The event is a collaborative effort among JWCC, GREDF, Workforce Investment Board of Western Illinois and the West Central Education Regional Education for Employment System #240. 

Click here to view a pdf of the Manufacturing Day Statistics below.

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The Adams County Workforce Initiative began in April 2013 when more than 40 area leaders gathered to discuss workforce issues and create a platform for continued collaboration. Several key issues were identified during the April meeting and three teams were established to address the most critical of those issues.

Career Guidance Team: Working with businesses to convey to individuals the career opportunities and earning potential available in the Adams County region
Work Readiness Team: Developing work-ready citizens to become successful, productive members of the regional workforce
Succession Planning Team: Ensuring that as workers retire, the knowledge of those retirees stays with local companies and within the community

All three groups have been meeting regularly and as a result of those meetings have developed missions and goals specific to their area of workforce development. In this installment, let’s focus on Career Guidance.

Career Guidance Team

MISSION: 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

Activities of the Career Guidance Team include:

• Conducted survey of junior high and high school principals to assess career guidance opportunities and gaps in Adams County schools
• Conducted “Career Roadshow” pilot project at Central (Camp Point) Freshmen Orientation night, March 13, 2014
• Planning a second Career Roadshow for Spring 2015
• Conducted a meeting with Adams County school counselors to develop an implementation plan for career guidance activities 
• Hosted a joint meeting with the Work Readiness team to share both teams’ plans

The Adams County Workforce Initiative is being guided by a steering committee consisting of representatives from the Workforce Investment Board of Western Illinois, John Wood Community College, United Way of Adams County, Quincy University, West Central Region Education for Employment System #240, Quincy Public Schools, Vatterott College and the Great River Economic Development Foundation. Individuals interested in becoming a member of one of the workforce teams should contact Angela Caldwell at 217.223.4313 or caldwella@gredf.org. 

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2^nd Annual Business Survey Results Reveal Pattern in Region’s Strengths

The Survey was conducted by GREDF in partnership with City of Quincy and Adams County.

Quincy and Adams County, Illinois… 62 individuals and organizations responded to the 2014 online survey conducted by the Great River Economic Development Foundation in partnership with theCity of Quincy and Adams County. The number of completed surveys is lower than the 203 received last year, but officials still see value in the data.

The 15-question survey was designed to gauge the current business environment in our region and set benchmarks for measurable growth. Trends emerged in the areas of community strengths and weaknesses, as well as business expansion plans.

“We’ll weave the positive findings from these surveys, such as our high quality of life and building availability/cost, into the outreach messages we share with site consultants and potential developers,” says Marcel Wagner, president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation. “The weaknesses identified by survey respondents tell us that we need to continue to focus on workforce development and workforce attraction.”

When asked the community’s strengths as a place to do business, the top two strengths remained the same. 79% of survey respondents chose quality of life (down from 80% in 2013) and 53% indicated cost of living was at the top of the list (down from 64%). Strengths that moved up in this year’s list include Building Availability/Cost (43%) and Community Leadership (40%).

“The Quincy area remains an economical choice for both start-ups and established companies looking to expand their operations,” says Mayor Kyle Moore. “Not only do we offer a low cost of living and high quality of life, we also offer resources and support to help businesses succeed.”

Cost of doing business took over the number one spot in Community Weaknesses at 47%, pushing workforce/labor market to the number two spot at 44%. While the local cost of doing business is competitive, comments indicated that room for improvement exists when it comes to the State of Illinois. Workforce development is a national issue and will continue to be one of the region’s top priorities.

When asked to rate the quality and availability of workers in the area on a scale from one to seven with seven being the highest/most favorable: 56% of respondents have a favorable opinion of the quality of workers in the area (down 7% from 2013) and 64% of respondents are neutral/positive when it comes to availability of workers in the area (down 4%).

Projected employment needs trended slightly lower in this year’s survey, although remained positive overall. 26% of respondents indicated their projected employment needs are increasing compared to 36% in 2013, while 58% report their needs as stable, up 3% from 2013. With 44% of businesses surveyed planning to expand within the next three years (no change from 2013), developing a plan to attract and train a qualified workforce is essential for continued growth.

Survey respondents indicated they are experiencing recruitment issues with the following positions or skills (2013 numbers in parentheses): Scientific/Technical 41.3% (19.7%), Skilled Production Labor 32.6% (26.5%), Marketing/Sales 19.5% (17.6%), Unskilled Production Labor 17.3% (21%), Administrative 17.3% (10.8%) and Management 10.8% (12.9%). Other in-demand positions and skills include IT/programming, accounting and industrial maintenance/electricians.

This year, two questions were added to the survey to ascertain succession planning within area organizations. 40% of respondents have a succession plan in place, 24% do not have a plan, but indicated they will need to fill positions made available due to retirement in the next 5 years and 11% do not have a plan, but also do not plan to fill the positions.

“Proactive and targeted business retention and recruitment are key to the economic future of our region,” says Les Post, chairman of the Adams County Board. “We look forward to using the findings from the survey to focus the work we do with our partners in economic development and better address the challenges and opportunities the business community faces.”

Future surveys are planned to track the progress of economic development efforts.

For a quick look at the survey results, click here.

[share]Community leaders and stakeholders are making progress on a shared vision for workforce development in the Adams County region. The Adams County Workforce Initiative began in April 2013 when more than 40 area leaders gathered to discuss workforce issues and create a platform for continued collaboration. Much work has been done since that time to move workforce development forward.

Several key issues were identified during the April meeting and three teams were established to address the most critical of those issues.

1. Career Guidance Team: Working with businesses to convey to individuals the career opportunities and earning potential available in the Adams County region
2. Work Readiness Team: Developing work-ready citizens to become successful, productive members of the regional workforce
3. Succession Planning Team: Ensuring that as workers retire, the knowledge of those retirees stays with local companies and within the community

All three groups have been meeting regularly and as a result of those meetings, have developed missions and goals specific to their area of workforce development.

Work Readiness Team

Activities of the Work Readiness Team include:

• Develop and adopt a list of essential workplace skills and organize them into foundational, intermediate and advanced levels – completed
• Partner with the Workforce Investment Board of Western Illinois to validate these essential skills by obtaining employer and agency endorsements – completed
• Share the essential skills document with area agencies to ensure prospective employees are hearing the same work-ready message – ongoing
• Identify ways for candidates to illustrate/validate their work-ready skills to employers – ongoing
• Host a joint meeting with the Career Guidance team to present both teams’ plans to area employers

The Team unveiled its Essential Workplace Skills document during a press conference on Wednesday, August 27, 2014, as part of Illinois Workforce Development Week. It also shared a list of employers and agencies that have already endorsed the essential skills and made endorsement forms available to organizations interested in supporting the initiative. Employers or agencies interested in receiving a copy of the endorsement form may download a pdf here.

The Work Readiness Team will hold a series of workshops for agency representatives to provide a more in-depth introduction of the essential skills and how the Team will be promoting the skills, to those individuals working on the front lines of workforce placement and development. The schedule for the workshops is:

• September 9, 9:00 am, Quincy Senior Center
• September 17, 1:00 pm, John Wood Community College
• September 25, 3:00 pm, Quincy Workforce Service Center 

Workshops will include resources to assist agencies when preparing job seekers, group discussion on the challenges and resources to help job seekers that often have barriers to seeking and keeping employment such as those job seekers with felonies, lack of child care, and transportation issues. For more information about these workshops, contact Howard Kirchner, Director of Workforce Development, Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials at 217.222.1560 x230.

The Adams County Workforce Initiative is being guided by a steering committee consisting of representatives from the Workforce Investment Board of Western Illinois, John Wood Community College, United Way of Adams County, Quincy University, West Central Region Education for Employment System #240, Quincy Public Schools, Vatterott College and the Great River Economic Development Foundation. Individuals interested in becoming a member of one of the workforce teams should contact Angela Caldwell at 217.223.4313 or caldwella@gredf.org. 

WIU Supply Chain Management Day

Western Illinois University is holding a Supply Chain Management Day on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, on their campus in Macomb, Illinois.

The event is part of an ongoing effort to foster interaction among employers, current and prospective WIU Supply Chain Management majors and WIU faculty and staff.

In addition to attending the event and meeting with students, employers are invited to display information about their companies and share job and internship opportunities during an afternoon Career Fair.

Schedule of Events

Advisory Board: 8:00 am – 11:00 am, Stipes 501
Lunch/Set-Up: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, MAC Gym Conference Room – Spencer Recreation Center
SCM Career Fair: 12:00 pm – 4:45 pm, MAC Gym
Dinner with employer representatives, students, and faculty/staff: 5:00 pm, University Union Lamoine Room

Keynote Speaker

Mark D. Schweitzer – Managing Director of Intermodal and International Freight, Archer Daniels Midland Company

The event is free to attend, but employers are asked to register by September 3, 2014.

Click here for more information and to register.

International Industrial Environment & Sustainability Fair (FIMAI)

Join the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment’s Mission to the FIMAI in San Paulo, Brazil, November 11-13, 2014.

The FIMAI is Latin America’s most important industrial and environmental fair. FIMAI attracts global leaders in environmental technology that address sustainability efforts worldwide. Every year, over 400 exhibitors and 20,000 participants gather in Sao Paulo for this event, generating approximately $800 million in new business.

This event is geared to companies in the industrial environment technologies, including: environmental technology and services companies that offer solutions in water/wastewater treatment, energy efficiency and clean energy, hazardous waste, green building, environmental licensing and conservation, sustainability and environmental health and safety.

Illinois companies who qualify for this mission will receive:

• Trade show booth space to exhibit products
• 50%-75% reimbursement of travel costs for hotel and airfare in accordance with state and federal regulations
• Optional service for matchmaking appointments to meet prospective partners, agents and distributors
• Briefing materials
• Interpreter services
• Group ground transportation to programmed events
• Assistance with travel logistics

Space is limited to 10 Illinois companies and only 3 spots remain. Please contact Kelsey Schrenk, 312.814.8531 or kelsey.schrenk@illinois.gov, for more information regarding your company’s eligibility and participation requirements. Applications are due August 27th.

Click here to view a PDF with more information. 

JWCC Workforce Outreach Program Schedule – Fall 2014

John Wood Community College has announced its Fall 2014 Workforce Outreach Program schedule. All workshops will be held at JWCC’s Workforce Development Center, 4220 Kochs Lane, in Quincy. Email wdc@jwcc.edu or call 217.641.4971 for more information and to register.

Is Your Sales Plan Driving Your Mission?

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Winning the Talent Wars

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The Quincy Entrepreneurship Center at GREDF, in collaboration with several Quincy area organizations, is hosting an informational event for current and aspiring entrepreneurs on Saturday, August 9th. The 2nd Annual Entrepreneurship Expo will take place in the Quincy Mall Community Room from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The Expo is free and open to the public.

“We wanted to provide a one-stop learning experience for entrepreneurs at any stage of the process,” said Kimm Minnick, property manager for the Quincy Mall. “We worked with our partners to create an action-packed agenda that includes presentations and time for one-on-one interactions and specific questions.”

The day will begin with a Small Business Development Center presentation outlining the steps to starting a business – including the importance of a business plan and cash management.

At noon the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce (QACC) will announce the winner of the 2014 Business Plan Competition.

Lunch will be provided by the Quincy Mall immediately following the QACC announcement. Participants will have an opportunity to network and ask questions during this time. Stations will be set up for specific topics in the areas of financing a small business, marketing and sales, legal and tax issues, and human resources.

According to Charles Bell, director of the Quincy Entrepreneurship Center, planning the event has been a group effort. “When we initiated the event last year we wanted to get a number of organizations involved so current and prospective small business owners would have access to a wide network of local resources in one place,” Bell said. “It was so well received we decided to improve the event and hold it a second year.”

The Entrepreneurial Expo is being coordinated by GREDF in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center, Quincy Mall, Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, John Wood Community College, Quincy University, The District, Illinois WorkNet Center and the Quincy Business and Technology Center.

In addition to the presentations and small group discussions, packets of information will be available outlining where to go for further assistance, as well as information about local training opportunities and schedules of upcoming entrepreneurship events.

There is no cost to attend, and no RSVP is required. Questions may be directed to Charles Bell at GREDF – 217.223.4313 or charlesb@gredf.org, or any of the participating organizations.