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

QUINCY, Ill. — Saturday marked the first Contour Airlines flight to Chicago out of Quincy Regional Airport.

City officials, residents, and members of media departed that morning and landed less than an hour later.

After arriving at Chicago O’Hare, staff took the Quincy visitors on a tour of the airport, highlighting accessibility features, restaurants, and plans to build a global terminal.

Also showcased were more than 70 pieces of Chicago-made artwork, and larger-than-life exhibits.

Quincy Mayor Linda Moore was pleased with the inaugural flight and shared what she wants to see from the Gem City’s new airline.

“We need a consistent schedule so that travelers know that if they book a flight, they’re going to fly out,” Mayor Moore told KHQA. “We also need reliable service that if people take it they know they’re going to get where they need to go, and then, of course, service is the most important thing. You know, people don’t just fly, they want to know that there’s a bit of service should they need it along the way.”

Mayor Moore says the goal for the Quincy-Contour partnership in 2026 is 10,000 round trips to O’Hare, then expand that offering to other airports.

Contour Airlines will offer 12 weekly roundtrips from Quincy to Chicago’s O’Hare.

KHQA

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.

Quincy, IL — The Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, The District, and the Great River Economic
Development Foundation (GREDF) are inviting the community to celebrate the grand opening of their
shared home at 501 Hampshire with an Open House on Thursday, August 28, from 4:00–6:00 p.m.
The newly remodeled space represents a major step forward in collaboration between three
cornerstone organizations dedicated to driving business growth, economic vitality, and community
development in the Quincy area.

“This project has been a long time coming,” said Bruce Guthrie, President/CEO of the Quincy Area
Chamber of Commerce. “Having our organizations together under one roof makes it easier to work side- by-side, share ideas, and find new ways to help businesses grow, support entrepreneurs, and make our community an even better place to live and work.”

The move to 501 Hampshire is more than just a change of address. It creates a centralized space for
communication, collaboration, and innovation — all in the heart of downtown Quincy.
Brianna Rivera, Executive Director of The District, noted, “Being together in one building allows us to
share resources and ideas in real time, which means we can better serve our downtown, our business
owners, and our community events. It’s an exciting new chapter for Quincy.”

Kyle Moore, President of GREDF, added, “Economic Development thrives when business support, community planning, and growth strategies are connected. Our new shared home strengthens those connections and positions us to make an even greater impact on the local economy.”

The Open House Celebration will include building tours, refreshments, networking, and the opportunity
to meet the teams behind these three organizations. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will highlight the event
and symbolize the start of this new era of collaboration.

Event Details:
What: Open House Celebration for 501 Hampshire
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Where: 501 Hampshire, Quincy, IL
Cost: Free & open to the public

Quincy, IL – The City of Quincy, in collaboration with the Quincy Sports Commission and the
Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF), is now accepting site proposals from
property owners and representatives for land to be considered for the development of a new
regional sports complex.

The complex is envisioned as a hub for community recreation, youth sports, regional
tournaments, and economic development. It may include both indoor and outdoor facilities and
serve as a long-term asset for tourism and quality of life in the Tri-State region.

Proposal Submission Details
GREDF will be accepting sealed and electronic site proposals beginning today, August 11,
through 4:00 PM on September 25, 2025. Sites ranging from 5 to 55 acres will be considered,
with a preference for locations that offer build-ready terrain, utility access, and room for future
expansion.

Ideal sites should have appropriate zoning or be easily rezoned, be accessible, and minimize
environmental or topographical challenges. Proposals must include a legal property description,
site maps, zoning details, and purchase terms, among other criteria.

Selection Process
A subcommittee of the Quincy Sports Commission will evaluate proposals based on size,
location, cost, topography, and utility access. Top proposals may be invited to present to the full
commission, with a final site recommendation made to the Quincy City Council this fall.

A Vision for the Future
This RFP marks the first step in a multi-phase planning and development process that includes
site selection, facility design, operator selection, and construction planning throughout the next
year. The complex is expected to become a destination for both local residents and regional
visitors.

Electronic proposals should be submitted to gredf@gredf.org, and sealed proposals may be
mailed or delivered to:
Great River Economic Development Foundation
501 Hampshire Street
Quincy, IL 62301

On Monday, the Great River Economic Development Foundation introduced the Quincy’s calling recruitment bonus program.

GREDF President Kyle Moore said Quincy and Adams County have a worker shortage. He said current residents can help solve that program by submitting the name and contact information for someone they think might want to move to Quincy.

“We at the Great River Economic Development Foundation will then reach out to that individual, see if they’re interested, and help remove any barriers they may have to move,” Moore said. “So, a lot of times when people are moving they need a job, they may need a place to live, they may need child care, and we’re essentially going to be facilitating that.”

If someone submits a name and they move to Adams County within two years, Moore said the submitter will then be eligible for a $500 incentive.

GREDF Vice President Madison Peters said there are many resources for new Quincy residents and hopes this program will help GREDF connect with some of those new residents.

“It’s intimidating to move to a new community and so our thought is if we can make it easy for them, help them integrate, they’re going to stay and we want our employers to be able to keep their employees as long as they can,” Peters said.

GREDF also hosts a Quincy concierge program. Peters said these programs are designed to help new residents get to know Quincy and find what they need to be successful here.

The new recruitment program is first come, first serve and is limited to 10 families. Names can be submitted at quincyscalling.com.

Copyright 2025 WGEM. All rights reserved.