GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The GREDF strategic plan should guide the Board of Directors, staff, committees and stakeholders for a period of three years with a goal of increasing the impact of GREDF on the region by 2020. It serves as a blueprint for Board policy decisions, guiding the organization’s investment in economic development initiatives, programs and projects. The plan also provides direction by anticipating and responding to changes in the local and national economy.

OUR MISSION

The Great River Economic Development Foundation exists to maintain and GROW the economic vitality of the Quincy & Adams County, Illinois region through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses to our entire region.

OUR VISION

To preserve and enhance the business climate in the Quincy & Adams County, Illinois region through targeted and strategic economic development activities thereby maintaining and improving economic stability that has GROWTH of the regional economy as a central core for every action of the organization.

OUR VALUES

We view economic development as a collaborative process, resulting in an environment that benefits the community as well as business. To that end, we place a high value on trust, confidentiality and partnerships, and welcome the opportunity to work with businesses and organizations for the good of the entire region.

OUR FOCUS

1. Business Retention & Expansion
2. Workforce Development
3. Business Attraction
4. Marketing & Branding
5. Entrepreneurship Development
6. Membership & Sustainability

View the entire 2020 GREDF Strategic Plan including the strategies and measurements tied to each goal by clicking on the following link: GREDF 2020 Strategic Plan

Adams County, IL – Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) kicks off 2017 with their Annual Meeting on Wednesday, January 11 at the Oakley Lindsay Center (OLC), 300 Civic Center Plaza in Quincy, IL. 5pm networking and cash bar will be in the OLC lobby, with the meeting and program at 5:45pm in the Quincy Community Theater.

The meeting will highlight 2016 accomplishments, what to look forward to in 2017 and acknowledge economic development successes due to the Power of Partnership.

“Partnership in its simplest form is defined as a relationship involving close cooperation between parties to achieve a common goal,” states Marcel W. Wagner Jr. CEcD, President

of GREDF. “Partnerships in Quincy and Adams County are a powerful part of the historical fabric that has made our community successful and will be at the core of the Great River Economic Development Foundation in 2017 and beyond.”

Joining GREDF and speaking at the meeting will be City of Quincy Mayor, Kyle Moore and Adams County Board Chairman, Les Post, providing City and County updates respectively.

The presentation will also address critical workforce development efforts. “When you have employers with a vested interest in education; educational institutions who listen and produce the curriculum to prepare students for current and future needs of employers; and human service agencies with a passion for guiding people to entities who prepare them to earn head of household incomes, you can see the power of partnership at work,” states Angela Caldwell, Director, Workforce Development & Administrator, Inspire Works. “Partnering employers and educators equips students and job seekers to fill up our workforce talent pipeline. A pipeline needed to sustain and grow, current and future business and create a dynamic local and regional economic outlook.”

All are welcome to attend this celebration of Quincy & Adams County and learn about plans to maintain and grow the economic vitality of the region.

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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Adams County, IL – Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) had the privilege of being invited to present to Governor Bruce Rauner’s Rural Affairs Council, on Thursday, December 1^st during the council’s quarterly meeting. The Rural Affairs Council is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti and comprised of senior representatives from multiple Illinois agencies.

Joi Cuartero Austin, marketing & communications for GREDF gave a 10-minute presentation during the meeting and was joined by Ryan McCrady, president of Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County, as well as Jonathon D. Hallberg executive director of Jefferson County Development Corporation.

The three spoke on a regional economic development panel answering questions for the council from various Illinois agencies including, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Department of Employment Security, Finance Authority, State Board of Education, Department of Transportation and others.

The group covered topics from workforce development strategies, including working in tandem with our educational institutions and attracting/retaining millennials by investing in quality of life features, to regional development successes and challenges and the need for additional state investment incentives. Additionally, the panel was asked about suggestions for reform including workers compensation.

The Governor’s Rural Affairs Council (GRAC) was founded in 1986 by executive order to serve as a link between state and local agencies to improve the delivery of State of Illinois services, to support innovative rural development initiatives, and recommend programs and policies to help improve the quality of rural life in Illinois.

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 improve the economic vitality of Quincy and Adams County, IL through the retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses to our communities.

Adams County, IL – Guests at the Tri-State Development Summit will have an opportunity to see autopilot technology in action, to coincide with the morning session of Technology in Transportation. Demonstration rides, showcasing the autopilot feature in a 2015 Tesla, will be made available, with a reservation, immediately following the Summit on Friday, November 18 at Iowa Wesleyan University.

“In addition to an exciting transportation update come to the Summit and get a peek at the future of highway travel in our region,” states Chuck Scholz, member of the Tri-State Summit steering committee. “Driverless vehicles are not only coming, they are here, and you can experience it!”

New speakers have also been added, including Michael Gould, manager of business development for the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Gould will provide an Iowa state update. Joining him with an Illinois economic development update will be Jim Schultz, co-founder and CEO of Intersect Illinois, the newly formed organization dedicated exclusively to increasing Illinois’ competitiveness for job creation and investment.

Also new is Stuart Anderson the director of planning, programming and modal division for Iowa Department of Transportation. Anderson will present with his Illinois and Missouri counterparts, directors Randall S. Blankenhorn and Patrick McKenna respectively, to share what is driving the future of transportation in each state.

“As usual, this summit brings together high-level speakers from a variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise,” said Jason Hutcheson, a member of the Summit steering committee. “It is a great opportunity to collectively raise the bar when it comes to an economic development strategy for Southeast Iowa, West Central Illinois, and Northeast Missouri.”

For more information about the Tri-State Development Summit, and to register, please contact Joi Cuartero Austin at JoiA@gredf.org or visit TriStateOfMind.com.

Hundreds of leaders from the tri-state region of northeast Missouri, southeast Iowa and western Illinois, are scheduled to attend the Tri-State Development Summit “Stronger Together,” to be held on Friday, November 18 at Iowa Wesleyan University – 601 N. Main St. Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Registration is still open, and all are welcome to attend.

With economic development at the forefront of conversation, the Summit has invited Jay Williams, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development to be the keynote speaker during the morning session.

As the Administrator of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), Williams is charged with leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the global economy.

Prior to joining the Department of Commerce, Jay served as the executive director of the Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers. In this capacity, he worked directly with state and local stakeholders in areas affected by the changing American automotive industry to deliver federal support to ensure they returned to better economic condition.

State updates will also be given by Chris Koster, Missouri Attorney General and candidate for Governor, as well as Jim Schultz, co-founder and CEO of Intersect Illinois and former director of the Illinois Department of Commerce.

In addition, Randall S. Blankenhorn, Patrick McKenna and Paul Trombino, the three directors of transportation for Illinois, Missouri and Iowa respectively, will join guests to talk about what the future of transportation looks like for the region, and in their states. Directors will cover topics from new technologies, to how we transform how we design and build our transportation infrastructure.

New this year, guests will be able to experience transportation technology in action with a 2015 Tesla on display. Demonstration rides in the vehicle featuring the autopilot function will be available to guests of the Summit. Space is limited for the demonstration rides, and summit attendees must contact info@tristateofmind.com to reserve a timeslot.

“What an exciting time in transportation with the advent of driverless vehicles,” states Patrick Poepping, Tri-State Summit committee member. “How this, and other technological advances, effects the three DOTs in the tri-state area should make for some very interesting reports at this year’s Tri-State Development Summit in Mount Pleasant. I look forward to hearing from all three of our top transportation officials on how their departments are preparing for & implementing to these fast pace changes in the transportation field.”

Tickets for the summit are $40 and include: a morning session, networking lunch with awards and recognition, and an afternoon session.

Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) is partnering with Illinois Department of Employment Security (IEDS) on the inaugural Warriors to the Workforce, a veteran’s hiring event. The event is free and will be held this Friday, October 21 from 4pm to 7pm in the Oakley Lindsay Center – 300 Civic Center Plaza in Quincy, IL.

“The experience, discipline and maturity offered by veterans applying for positions at our company make them an essential part of our culture,” states Daniel Henke, General Manager of Farm and Home Stores. “We feel they are an obvious choice when qualifications are even close. It’s important to us for many reasons but simply put, they make great associates with long term growth potential.”

Guests will be able to visit with several businesses of varied industries in the Lindsay and Quincy rooms, located on the second floor of the Oakley Lindsay Center. Featured businesses include:

• AFLAC,
• Blessing Health Systems,
• DOT Foods,
• Farm & Home Supply,
• Fastenal Corporation,
• Goodwill Industries,
• Illinois Veterans’ Home – Quincy,
• Manpower,
• Marion County Services,
• Mark Twain Casino,
• Niemann Foods, Inc.,
• Northwest Mutual,
• Quincy Public Schools – Transportation Department,
• Quincy Recycle,
• Quincy Workforce Service Center,
• Sinclair Broadcasting / KHQA / WICS / KTVO / KRCG,
• Schneider St. Louis Operating Center,
• Vatterott College,
• Walmart

The Inspire Works program will also be featured for patrons to learn more about starting their free online profile, and for businesses to sign up and connect with local workforce.

“As part of GREDF’s overall workforce strategy, providing an opportunity for our business partners to interact with Veterans is an important value added activity,” continues Marcel Wagner, GREDF president. “This will benefit both our companies and those who have sacrificed to serve our country as well. We owe a debt to our Veterans and this is one small way to show our appreciation.”

Great River Economic Development Foundation has partnered with USDA Rural Development to produce this first Rural Resource Rally. We invite the press to attend the Rural Resource Rally on Wednesday, October 12 anytime between 9:30a and 3p.

The Rural Resource Rally concept is to provide a way for community organizations to present and connect with several regional, state and national funding agencies at one time. Likewise, the funding agencies can learn more about projects in need of funding in the western Illinois region.

Applications were received from public entities and non-profit organizations where ten groups were selected to present their project to the funding agencies. After each presentation, individual agencies will explain possible available funding for the project presented, and contact information will be exchanged for further discussion at a later date.

“The Rally is a great opportunity to be able to present to numerous agencies at once instead of searching for each individual opportunity,” said Larry Nicholl, fundraising committee member and presenter on behalf of The Legacy Theater in Carthage, IL. “It’s great to come to one place to meet and make connections with funders for our project.”

Applications to present at the Rural Resource Rally were considered based on regional economic development strategies and impact on the western Illinois region. Eligible projects should have a regional impact with a location in Adams, Brown, Hancock, Knox, McDonough, Pike, Schuyler and Warren. Leading agency of the project must be a public entity or non-profit organization.

Presenting organizations include: BBC Rehab of Bushnell, IL Freight Depot, Grown N Gathered, Two Rivers Regional Council Healthy Homes, JWCC Southeast Education Center, Mid America Intermodal Port, Payson Community Fiber Project, Quincy Brewery & Arts, The Knowledge Center at Chaddock, The Legacy Theater and Madonna House Prevention Program.

All are welcome to join Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) and partners at GatesAir, the world’s largest broadcast manufacturing facilities, to kick off Adams County Manufacturing month. Press Conference to be held Friday, October 14, at 8:15a in GatesAir at 3200 Wismann Lane in Quincy, IL, followed by a tour.

According to the official MFG Day website, “Manufacturing Day is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.” With thousands of events around the nation, Manufacturing Day gives people an opportunity to connect with their local manufacturers and learn more about various industries. Manufactures open their doors to showcase their business and talk about common misconceptions.

GREDF president Marcel Wagner will give introductions, followed by Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center director Mark Pfleiger and John Wood Community College president Mike Elbe regarding school investment in manufacturing education. Workforce Innovation Board director, Blanche Shoup along with VP of global operations at GtesAir, Bryant Burke will address guests regarding grants that have been provided for customized training in manufacturing. The press conference will close with Mayor Kyle Moore and Deb Waldrop of the State Workforce Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to address both the City and State Proclamations for Manufacturing Day.

“The manufacturing sector provides quality job opportunities, requiring technical skills and a good work ethic,” states Blanche Shoup, director of Workforce Investment Board. “Through the efforts of the Adams County Workforce Teams these skill gaps are being addressed in Adams County and The Workforce Innovation Board of Western Illinois is excited to be a partner in celebrating Manufacturing Month.”

A Manufacturing Expo will also be held on Friday, October 14 in John Wood Community College Workforce Development Center at 4220 Kochs Lane from 12p-2p. The expo is free and open to the pubic with the following vendors:

Moss Enterprise – 3D Equipment

Advance Technology – Industrial Maintenance equipment

DEPCO Enterprises – ABB Robotics equipment

Fastenal – Industrial Supplies

MSC – Industrial Supplies

GatesAir – Products & Careers

Doyle Manufacturing – Product and Careers

Knapheide Manufacturing – Product and Careers

ADM – Products and careers

Tool Keepers – Custom Tool Kitting and Inserts

Spartan Light Metal Products – Products and careers

Juniors and seniors from thirteen (13) area schools will also take part in celebrating with tours of various manufacturing businesses, working to engage students early on with the manufacturing field.

The following businesses are participating by providing tours for our students to ask questions about the industry: Phibro Animal Health Corporation, Titan Wheel Corporation of Illinois, Hollister Whitney Elevator Corp., GatesAir, Craig Industries, Timewell Drainage Products and Midwest Patterns.

There are over 100 manufacturers in Quincy & Adams County, with 26% of the region’s workforce in manufacturing, giving us all the more reason to join in celebrating Manufacturing Day in our community.

Adams County, IL – Registration is open for the 20^th Anniversary Tri-State Development Summit, “Stronger Together,” to be held on Friday, November 18 at Iowa Wesleyan University – 601 N. Main St. Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Check in for the event begins at 9am with sessions starting at 10am. All are welcome to attend.

“Southeast Iowa and Iowa Wesleyan University in Mt. Pleasant are pleased to host The Tri-State Development Summit,” states steering committee member Dan Wiedemeier. “This is our 20^th year of bringing leaders together from the Tri-State region. We have accomplished much with this unique organization and once again this year’s Summit will provide an opportunity for those in attendance to network, exchange information and hear about what is happening in our region and the rest of the world.”

The Summit brings together hundreds of tri-state leaders in 3 states and 36 counties 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 region through economic development activities, which impacts over 700,000 people.

“We have learned that when we speak with one voice we can address issues critical to our region much more effectively,” affirms steering committee member and former City of Quincy Mayor Chuck Scholz.

Tickets for the summit are $40 and include: a morning session with state updates, networking lunch with awards and recognition, and an afternoon session with a workforce development panel. Leading the panel discussion is senior director of ACT Center for Workforce Advancement, Deb Lyons, joined by business representatives from different industries in each state.

To register and pay online, as well as see details on schedule and speakers, please visit TriStateOfMind.com/Stronger-Together, or follow the facebook event “20^th Anniversary Tri-State Development Summit” hosted by Great River Economic Development Foundation.

“This 11^th Summit marks the 20^th Anniversary of the 36 County, Tri-State Development Summit (TSDS),” confirms Patrick Poepping, steering committee member. “When I look back and see what our regional approach has done for developing 4-lane highways to and through this three state area, I find it hard to believe what we accomplished.”

Poepping continues, “We set out to improve 1,677 miles of roadway and 1,311 miles, or 78% of our regional highway priorities are complete. These modern 4-lane roadways position our Tri-State Region for important, long overdue, economic growth, and more importantly, they provide for the safer passage for our family, friends, and visitors to our TSDS Region.”

For more information about the Tri-State Development Summit, and to register, please contact Joi Cuartero Austin at JoiA@gredf.org or visit TriStateOfMind.com.

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

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Adams County, IL – Registration is open for the 20^th Anniversary Tri-State Development Summit, “Stronger Together,” to be held on Friday, November 18 at Iowa Wesleyan University – 601 N. Main St. Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Check in for the event begins at 9am with sessions starting at 10am. All are welcome to attend.

“Southeast Iowa and Iowa Wesleyan University in Mt. Pleasant are pleased to host The Tri-State Development Summit,” states steering committee member Dan Wiedemeier. “This is our 20^th year of bringing leaders together from the Tri-State region. We have accomplished much with this unique organization and once again this year’s Summit will provide an opportunity for those in attendance to network, exchange information and hear about what is happening in our region and the rest of the world.”

The Summit brings together hundreds of tri-state leaders in 3 states and 36 counties 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 region through economic development activities, which impacts over 700,000 people.

“We have learned that when we speak with one voice we can address issues critical to our region much more effectively,” affirms steering committee member and former City of Quincy Mayor Chuck Scholz.

Tickets for the summit are $40 and include: a morning session with state updates, networking lunch with awards and recognition, and an afternoon session with a workforce development panel. Leading the panel discussion is senior director of ACT Center for Workforce Advancement, Deb Lyons, joined by business representatives from different industries in each state.

To register and pay online, as well as see details on schedule and speakers, please visit TriStateOfMind.com/Stronger-Together, or follow the facebook event “20^th Anniversary Tri-State Development Summit” hosted by Great River Economic Development Foundation.

“This 11^th Summit marks the 20^th Anniversary of the 36 County, Tri-State Development Summit (TSDS),” confirms Patrick Poepping, steering committee member. “When I look back and see what our regional approach has done for developing 4-lane highways to and through this three state area, I find it hard to believe what we accomplished.”

Poepping continues, “We set out to improve 1,677 miles of roadway and 1,311 miles, or 78% of our regional highway priorities are complete. These modern 4-lane roadways position our Tri-State Region for important, long overdue, economic growth, and more importantly, they provide for the safer passage for our family, friends, and visitors to our TSDS Region.”

For more information about the Tri-State Development Summit, and to register, please contact Joi Cuartero Austin at JoiA@gredf.org or visit TriStateOfMind.com.

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

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