As the Tri-State Development Summit draws near, Mississippi River updates, along with an education panel focused on workforce joins the program. The 2019 Tri-State Development Summit (TSDS) brings together leaders from southeast Iowa, northeast Missouri and western Illinois to discus common issues, creating an ongoing dialogue, and improving the quality of life for the region.

This year, the TSDS will be held Friday, October 25 at 9:00 AM in the Oakley Lindsay Center, 300 Civic Center Plaza, hosting a theme of Innovation Through Collaboration. Speed networking and tunnel tours will be offered Thursday, October 24 at 5:00 PM in the Dick Brothers Brewery Stock House, 929 York, for additional time for guests to make contacts.

Tickets are $45, or $10 for students and include Thursday networking and Friday Summit plus lunch. Reservations for Thursday evening networking are required.

Mike Klinger, chair of the Upper Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri Rivers Association and Robert Sinkler, retired U.S. Army Colonel of the Army Corps of Engineers, will give Mississippi River Updates. Respectively, their topics include Without Flood Control, Nothing Else Matters and Creating a Port For The Tri-State Region.

“The major economic engine of the tri-state area is agriculture, and it is our River that makes the United States competitive, getting our products to the world market,” remarks Mike Klingner. “The bottom land soils adjacent to the Upper Mississippi River are some of the richest and most productive in the nation, and the world, and without flood control, nothing else matters.”

Kicking off the Workforce and Lobbying presentations is an education panel entitled, Developing Our Talent Pipeline. The panel will discuss how our education institutes are helping workforce grow in M.A.T.H. (Manufacturing, Agriculture, Transportation and Healthcare), which are major industries for our region. Moderating the panel is Jim Hansen, Missouri State Representative and retired educator. Joining the panel are Quincy University president, Brian McGee; Culver Stockton College Academic Dean, Loren Schellenberger; John Wood Community College President, Michael Elbe; and Southeastern Community College, Michael Ash.

U.S. Senators and Representatives from Illinois, Missouri and Iowa are also scheduled to speak in person, or previously recorded messages, with the keynote being given by Ray LaHood, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and U.S. Representative for Illinois 18^th congressional district. His son, U.S. Representative Darin LaHood, will introduce Mr. Ray LaHood.

“We are so fortunate to have former Congressman and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood with us as this year’s Summit keynote speaker,” states Michael J. Inman, City of Macomb Mayor. “Congressman LaHood has spent his entire life in public service and part of the hallmark of his service has been his ability to promote partnerships, work in a collaborativeway and reach across divides to solve many, many problems.” Mayor Inman continues, “To me it’s fitting that he is our keynote speaker since that is what the mission of the Summit has been since its inception over 30 years ago….that we succeed best when we work as a region, coming together, collaborating with one another to solve our problems.”

Morning session will also include Illinois Agriculture Director, John Sullivan on Rural Broadband, with a tri-state panel to follow on the Complexity of Connectivity. The Afternoon sessions will conclude with leaders from all three states with brief, impactful and educational presentations on workforce and lobbying.

Registration, along with a detailed list of speakers and their topics can be found at www.TriStateOfMind.com.

Currently, 36 counties comprise the one “Tri-State of Mind” for western Illinois, northeast Missouri and southwest Iowa. Counties served now include 14 in Illinois, 14 in Missouri and 8 in Iowa, making the population supported over 700,000.

The Mission of the Tri-State Development Summit is to bring together Tri-State area leaders to define common issues; To develop an on-going dialogue to effectively address those issues; And to improve the quality of life of the entire tri-state region through economic development activities.

For more information about the Tri-State Development Summit please visit our website at TriStateOfMind.com, or call (217) 223-4313.

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Adams County, IL – Mike Elbe, president of John Wood Community College was the next guest speaker for the Adams County Works Transition Planning Team Quarterly Seminar held on Wednesday, October 9 from 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM at the Patio Restaurant – 133 S. 4^th St.

This quarter, President Elbe spoke on “Networking – More Than Meeting New People” and his experience in building relationships. “Networking is a vital leadership skill that needs to be developed through a process over time,” states President Elbe. “At this event, I will be sharing my 4 Levels of Networking and provide strategic examples of how to advance your networking skills.“

Along with President Elbe’s work with John Wood Community College, he serves on several boards including the Chamber of Commerce, Great River Economic Development Foundation, United Way of Adams County, the Workforce Investment Board and Tri State Development Summit. He recently was recognized for his community service by being selected the 2018 Joe Bonasinga Award recipient and was honored by Phi Theta Kappa in April, 2018 as the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction, PTK’s most prestigious award for college presidents. He was nominated for this award by the student members of our local chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

The seminars are free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Angela Caldwell at caldwella@gredf.org.

The Adams County Works Transition Planning Team has a mission to Advance current workers by “Nurturing current employees to help advance their level of workplace essential skills to sustain and grow the organization’s competitive advantage.” The team meets the 3^rd Wednesday of each month at 9:O0 AM in the Oakley Lindsay Center.

Great River Economic Development Foundation is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization with a mission to maintain and GROW the economic vitality of the Quincy and Adams County, IL region through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses to our entire region. For more information, contact Joi Cuartero Austin at GREDF (217) 223-4313.

Innovation Through Collaboration is the theme for the 2019 Tri-State Development Summit (TSDS), to be held Friday, October 25 at 9:00 AM in the Quincy Community Theatre located inside the Oakley Lindsay Center, 300 Civic Center Plaza, Quincy, IL 62301. Registration is now open.

Special keynote and guest speakers include Ray LaHood, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and U.S. Representative for Illinois 18^th congressional district; Nikki Budzinski, Senior Advisor to Illinois’ Governor Pritzker; and John Sullivan, Illinois Agriculture Director.

“One thing I’ve learned as a farmer, business owner, legislator and now as Director of the Illinois Department of Ag is the importance of bringing together community leaders when there are problems needing solved,” said John Sullivan, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “The Tri-State Development Summit was created by community leaders and has been improving the quality of life for individuals and businesses in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri for over 20 years.”

Morning session will include a three-state panel on “The Complexity of Connectivity,” moderated by Executive Vice President of the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance, Kristi Ray. Ms. Ray also sits on the steering committee of the Summit and is the TSDS Broadband Task Force Chair. She will be joined by Tim Fencl, General Manager & CEO of Danville Mutual Telephone Company; Bob Winsel, CEO of Ralls County Electric Cooperative and Jim Broemmer, Chief Executive Officer, Adams Fiber / Adams Telephone Co-Operative.

“Connecting our rural communities is fundamental to all aspects of growth and prosperity for our region,” states Mr. Fencl. “Broadband is an essential piece of the puzzle in making the Tri-State area a better place to live, work, and play.” Fencl continues, “The Summit brings together key partners that are all working to improve the areas of connectivity, housing, transportation, economic development, and tourism. Our region is better off because of the Tri-State Summit and the work it continues to foster.”

The afternoon sessions are impactful, educational presentations focused on workforce and lobbying. Topics and speakers include:

• “Creating a Common Workforce Language Between Education, Business, and Industry” by Dennis Fraise | COO, Lee County Economic Development Group in Iowa
• “Jobs, Jobs, Everywhere a Job… But Where Are All The People?!” by Kyle Moore | Mayor, City of Quincy, Illinois
• “Integrating Immigration Into Workforce Solutions” by Jeremy Hess | Director of Economic Development, Greater Burlington Partnership in Iowa
• “The Power of Lobbying” by Aaron Baker | Vice President, Clout Public Affairs in Missouri.

“The Tri-State area is most effective when it speaks with one voice,” said Aaron Baker. “By working together and learning best practices, we can continue to make this a better place to live and work.“

New this year an additional networking opportunity will be held the evening before the Summit on Thursday, October 24 at 5:00 PM in the Dick Brothers Brewery Stock House & Museum, located at 929 York St. in Quincy, IL. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in a hosted speed networking experience, as well as history and tunnel tours of the Brewery. Appetizers and cash bar will be available.

Business partnerships, which include tickets, are available and registration is open at www.TriStateOfMind.com. $45 ticket includes program lunch + Thursday tours & networking.

Currently, 36 counties comprise the one “Tri-State of Mind” for western Illinois, northeast Missouri and southwest Iowa. Counties served now include 14 in Illinois, 14 in Missouri and 8 in Iowa, making the population supported over 700,000.

The Mission of the Tri-State Development Summit is to bring together Tri-State area leaders to define common issues; To develop an on-going dialogue to effectively address those issues; And to improve the quality of life of the entire tri-state region through economic development activities.

For more information about the Tri-State Development Summit please visit our website at TriStateOfMind.com, or call (217) 223-4313.

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Tour Celebrating Manufacturing Day

Adams County, IL – National Manufacturing Day is Friday, October 4, 2019. According to the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute on www.MFGday.com, taken alone, manufacturing in the United States would be the ninth-largest economy in the world. Over the next decade, nearly 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will likely be needed, with 2 million expected to go unfilled due to the skills gap.

In Quincy & Adams County, we share a similar story of manufacturing growth and available opportunities. To bring awareness to our business needs, Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) and its partners are celebrating Manufacturing Day, as well as the annual Tri-State MakerFest, with a press conference and facility tour on Friday, September 27 at 10 AMat Manchester Tank, 3400 Wismann Lane, Quincy, IL. All are welcome for the tour. However, reservations, closed toe shoes and pants are required to take the tour. You may RSVP to: joia@gredf.org| (217) 223-4313.

“MakerFest is a great way to celebrate our local manufacturing companies,” states Corrie Eifert, General Manger of Manchester Tank Quincy. “This is a great event to teach students and the public about what is being built in our community daily.” Eifert continues, “It’s a great opportunity to visit with our future leaders and help them understand the variety of career paths our industry has to offer them, right here in the Tri States.”

Marcel Wagner, GREDF President, will begin the press conference followed by Workforce Innovation Board (WIB) Director, Blanche Shoup. HOMEBANK President, Mark Hayes, will speak on the upcoming MakerFest, and Mayor Kyle Moore will present the Manufacturing Day Proclamation. The press conference will conclude with words from Manchester Tank Operations Manager, Keith Norris, and tours of the facility will be offered immediately following the press conference.

“Connecting our students with our local manufacturing, logistics and skilled trades organizations is an important goal for MakerFest,” states Angela Caldwell, Director of Workforce Development at GREDF. “So far, over 300 students from 9 area high schools will participate and get to know these local employers, with the public welcome at 1:30 PM.”

Space is available for businesses that want to participate in the Tri-State MakerFest. This year, MakerFest will celebrate manufacturing, logistics and skilled trades. MakerFest is Wednesday, October 2 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMin the Oakley Lindsay Center, 300 Civic Center Plaza. 9:00 AM is the Student Open House and 1:30 PM the event is open to the public. A S.T.E.A.M. Bridge Building Competition between four schools and six teams will also be held at 11:00 AM during the Student Open House.

Participating businesses and organizations include:

Archer Daniels Midland

Blessing Rieman College of Nursing

Craig Industries

Dot Foods, Inc.

GatesAir

Hollister-Whitney Elevator

HomeBank

Knapheide Manufacturing

Manchester Tank

Operating Engineers Local 965

Peoria Area Electrical JATC

Phibro Animal Health

Plumbers and Pipefitters/Local 25

Quincy Area Vocational & Technical Center

Quincy University

Sparks Maintenance

Titan International, Inc.

Workforce Innovation Board

MakerFest is presented by HOMEBANK, sponsored in part by Ameren, and in partnership with GREDF, John Wood Community College, Workforce Innovation Board of Western IL, and West Central Region Education for Employment System #240 / Quincy Area Vocational & Technical Center.

For more information, contact Joi Cuartero Austin at GREDF (217) 223-4313.

Great River Economic Development Foundation is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization with a mission to maintain and GROW the economic vitality of the Quincy and Adams County, IL region through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses to our entire region.

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We welcomed all to attend the Heroes at Heartland Check Presentation on Wednesday, September 4 at 10:00 AM outside Titan International, Inc. corporate office – white house on the corner of 28^th St. and Cedar.

“Titan has been fortunate to be a part of Heroes at Heartland from the beginning and we are extremely happy to see how it’s grown the last few years,” said Steve Hathaway, general manager, North America Wheel Division, Titan International. “We are happy to support such a great event for our local veterans – especially with employing so many veterans ourselves.”

This year, the Heroes at Heartland steering committee, led by Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) and partners, decided to award four (4) organizations for their continuing efforts towards veteran services. Awards to organizations total $5000 and include: Great River Honor Flight ($2000), Tri-State Warrior Outreach ($2000), Dot Foods Veterans Committee partnering with 2×4’s For Hope ($500), and the Mississippi Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America ($500).

Heroes at Heartland took place on Saturday, August 3 with over 225 veterans and their family members attending. 50+ volunteers, including several side-by-side owners, donated time, talents and use of their off road vehicles, giving rides to guests.

Additionally, as a thank you, drivers were entered into a raffle for a set of ATV tires courtesy of Titan International, Inc., or a $500 gift card from Outdoor Power. Both businesses have been major sponsors of Heroes at Heartland.

The program will opened with a welcome by Titan International, North America Wheel Division, general manager, Steve Hathaway, followed by Quincy Mayor Kyle Moore and Adams County board chair, Kent Snider, closing with a check presentation to each group by GREDF president, Marcel Wagner.

Great River Honor Flight | recognizing American Veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington DC to see their memorials at no cost.

Tri-State Warrior Outreach | dedicated to helping Veterans in the Quincy and surrounding areas with unmet needs.

Dot Foods Veterans Committee + 2×4’s For Hope| both organizations are partnering together for the 2×4’s for Hope Mt. Sterling Tiny Home build in October.

Mississippi Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America |for their Veteran volunteer efforts and preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

The Tri-State Development Summit (TSDS) Steering Committee is pleased to announce the addition of three new members helping to shape the upcoming Summit to be held Friday, October 25 at 9:00 AM in the Quincy Community Theater, inside the Oakley Lindsay Center, 300 Civic Center Plz.

New steering committee members include Michael Elbe, Paul Dennison & Corey J. Mehaffy. Full bios can be found at: www.TriStateOfMind.com.

Michael Elbe is President of John Wood Community College and has served in that role since 2014. Community involvement includes: On the board of Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, Great River Economic Development, United Way of Adams County and the Workforce Investment Board.

Paul Dennison is the owner of KILJ AM/FM Radio and was named Iowa Broadcaster of the year in 2005. Community involvement includes: On the board of Healthy Henry County Communities, Iowa Arts Council and Enhance Henry County Foundation.

Corey J. Mehaffy is the new president of the Northeast Missouri Economic Development Council. Community involvement includes: Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation, C.J. Mehaffy, LLC, Growth Services Group and GSG Hospitality Group.

“I have been involved with the TSDS for many years now,” states Corey J. Mehaffy. “It is important for community leaders and other stakeholders in the tri-state area to gather on a regular basis to discuss common issues in an effort to identify the best paths forward. The TSDS provides attendees an opportunity to network with other leaders in the tri-state area forming important collaborations that have positively impacted a number of key projects in the area over the years. TSDS provides an opportunity to leverage the strengths our entire region creating a stronger collective business case for new investment than we could effectively accomplish independently.”

Also new this year, the TSDS offers guests an opportunity for more face time to get to know one another, building relationships crucial to forming tri-state partnerships and working together. Evening networking will be Thursday, October 24 at 5:00 PMin Dick Brothers Brewery, 929 York St., and include appetizers, as well as history and tunnel tours of the underground caverns.

Business partnerships, which include tickets, are available and registration is open at www.TriStateOfMind.com. $45 ticket includes program lunch + Thursday tours & networking.

Currently, 36 counties comprise the one “Tri-State of Mind” for western Illinois, northeast Missouri and southwest Iowa. Counties served now include 14 in Illinois, 14 in Missouri and 8 in Iowa, making the population supported over 700,000.

The Mission of the Tri-State Development Summit is to bring together Tri-State area leaders to define common issues; To develop an on-going dialogue to effectively address those issues; And to improve the quality of life of the entire tri-state region through economic development activities.

For more information about the Tri-State Development Summit please visit our website at TriStateOfMind.com, or call (217) 223-4313.

On Wednesday, August 14 from 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM the Adams County Works Transition Planning Team will hosted their 3^rdQuarter Seminar, “Financing Your Future.” The event took place at the Oakley Lindsay Center Lindsay Room at 300 Civic Center Plaza, Quincy, IL.

Speaking to the group was Wealth Advisor, Craig Moncey of IPI Wealth Management, Inc., and co-chair of the Adams County Works Transition Planning Team. Topics included:

• Get a Financial Life: Setting and monitoring financial goals and building wealth so that you have control over your future.
• Get Financially Smart: Identifying and avoiding mistakes that people make as their career blossoms.
• Get the Credit You Deserve: Understanding credit and debt to use it to your advantage – not the other way around.
• Get a Financial Plan: Saving early and often to prepare for the curveballs life throws at you.

For nearly 20 years, Craig’s focus has been on helping individual clients and their professional advisors implement financial planning strategies. Prior to joining the Investment Planners, Inc. team, Craig helped identify potential risk management situations, designed contemporary solutions, and participated in joint meetings with advisors’ clients and their other professional advisors at Brokerage Unlimited, Inc., in St. Louis, MO.

The leadership seminars are free and open to the pubic.

The Adams County Works Transition Planning Team has a mission to Advance current workers by “Nurturing current employees to help advance their level of workplace essential skills to sustain and grow the organization’s competitive advantage.” The team meets the 3^rdWednesday of each month at 9:O0 AM in the Oakley Lindsay Center.

Heroes at Heartland returns to the beautiful grounds of Harpole’s Heartland Lodge in Nebo, IL on Saturday, August 3 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Great River Economic Development Foundation will join with several event partners to open registration at a press conference on Friday, June 14 at 10:00 AMin Outdoor Power Inc., 2703 Broadway in Quincy, IL. All are welcome to attend the press conference where registration will be open for those who wish to attend Heroes at Heartland in August.

Heroes at Heartland is free to attend for veterans, active duty military personnel and their families, however, registration is required. The event features outdoor activities such as off road side-by-side rides, archery and trap shooting, as well as a picnic lunch. Proceeds from the event go towards our local Honor Flight and Tri-State Warrior Outreach.

Last year we hosted over 200 veterans, military personnel and their families, as well as over 100 volunteers, including 48 side-by-side owners donating their vehicles and time. To register and participate in activities, or as a volunteer for the event, please visit www.heroesatheartland.us.

Celebrating our regions next Career & Technical All Stars!

Partners on the Adams County Works Career Guidance team are hosting the first Career Launch Signing Day on Wednesday, May 22 at 4:00 PM in the Quincy Community Theater inside the Oakley Lindsay Center – 300 Civic Center Plaza, Quincy, IL. The event celebrates students entering the workforce, and is in partnership with Great River Economic Development Foundation, John Wood Community College and Quincy Area Vocational and Technical Center.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend and celebrate these students, who chose an in demand regional career, and are now being hired by a local employer. At the Career Launch Signing Day students becoming newly hired employees, along with the companies they work for, will sign an empowering work ready pledge. Each newly hired student will also receive a special certificate from the Adams County Works (ACW) team and partners.

“The faculty and staff at John Wood take pride in watching our students succeed,” states Kristen Foster, on the ACW team and Coordinator Student Navigator of Career Services at JWCC. “It is our pleasure to recognize our student’s accomplishments and to help our local workforce leaders hire and retain a skilled workforce. Being a part of an event that highlights our Career and Technical programs, our local industry partners, and our accomplished students is a win-win-win!”

The event recognizes students entering into careers in transportation, distribution & logistics (TDL), manufacturing, health science and agriculture. Current employers participating include: Archer Daniels Midland, Blessing Hospital, Knapheide Manufacturing, and Quincy Medical Group, with others joining.

The Career Guidance Team mission is to 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.

The Career Guidance Team is sponsored by the following partners:  Great River Economic Development Foundation, John Wood Community College, Quincy University, United Way of Adams County, Inc., West Central Region Ed. For Employment System #240, and Workforce Innovation Board of Western Illinois.

Recognizing teachers on National Teacher Appreciation Day!

Teacher appreciation and recognition was on Thursday, May 9 at 4:00 PM in the Oakley Lindsay Center lobby, 300 Civic Center Plaza, Quincy, IL. Workforce development partners on the Career Guidance Team hosted and award two area teachers with prizes from local businesses.

“Everyday, teachers are educating, informing, influencing and shaping our future,” states Gena Finley, co-chair of the Adams County Works Career Guidance Team and program coordinator for Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center. “They play such a vital role in the lives of children. This is just a very small way to let them know we appreciate everything they do for their students and their community. They deserve so much more!”

Additionally, teachers received a classroom party, where guest speakers will talk to students about future opportunities in our community. The Great River Economic Development Foundation hosts each party as a way to thank teachers, as well as engage students with area employers and future opportunities.

Prior to the press conference, teachers were encouraged to submit their information for a chance at the appreciation prize. 86 teachers submitted information from Adams County Public and Parochial Schools, and winners drawn at random.

Angela Caldwell, GREDF workforce development director provided an introduction about the importance of education and how it prepares students for work, and a representative on the Career Guidance Team presented the teacher appreciation prizes.

The Career Guidance Team mission is to 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.

The Career Guidance Team is sponsored by the following partners:  Great River Economic Development Foundation, John Wood Community College, Quincy University, United Way of Adams County, Inc., West Central Region Ed. For Employment System #240, and Workforce Innovation Board of Western Illinois.