Adams County, IL (October 5, 2026) — The Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) is launching the second year of ScaleUp and Secure, an investment opportunity designed to connect local entrepreneurs with capital, resources, and support to help grow scalable businesses throughout Adams and Hancock counties.

The program is open to businesses and entrepreneurs located in Adams and Hancock counties with innovative ideas, scalable business models, strong leadership teams, significant market opportunities, and well-developed business plans.

ScaleUp and Secure is not a grant program. It is an investment opportunity designed to connect qualified businesses with investors seeking opportunities to support companies positioned for growth. Applicants should clearly identify their funding needs and demonstrate how an investment would be used to support the growth of their business.

ScaleUp and Secure addresses one of the most critical challenges facing growing businesses: access to capital. The program supports the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem and together, these efforts emphasize the importance of supporting high-potential businesses, strengthening the local workforce, and encouraging investment that contributes to long-term regional economic growth.

“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,” said Madison Peters, Vice President of the Great River Economic Development Foundation. “We believe in the power of local innovation and the potential of our entrepreneurial community. ScaleUp and Secure represents our dedication to empowering businesses to expand, generate jobs, and invest in the future of our region.”

Applications will be accepted October 5^th through November 23^rd. Following the application period, submissions will be evaluated through multiple stages, with participating entrepreneurs receiving coaching and guidance throughout the process. Businesses that advance through the program will have the opportunity to pitch their ventures to investors interested in supporting companies ready to scale.

To learn more about ScaleUp and Secure or submit an application, visit gredf.org/scaleup-and-secure or contact Madison Peters, Vice President of GREDF, at 217-919-6238.

QUINCY, IL — October is National Manufacturing Month, a time to recognize the critical role manufacturing plays in driving innovation, creating good-paying careers and strengthening communities. In the Tri-State region, manufacturing is an important part of the local economy, and connecting students with these career opportunities is essential to building the workforce of tomorrow.

That connection was on display Friday, October 2, as approximately 250 high school juniors and seniors participated in the 2026 Tri-State MakerFest, hosted at the John Wood Community College Workforce Development Center and area manufacturing facilities.

MakerFest is a partnership between the Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF), John Wood Community College (JWCC), and Quincy Area Vocational & Technical Center (QAVTC). The event gave students a firsthand look at careers in manufacturing, logistics and the skilled trades, while connecting them with local employers, educators and training opportunities.

Students toured manufacturing environments and the JWCC Workforce Development Center, learning about the technology, skills and education behind today’s careers. Opportunities span production, maintenance, electrical work, technology, logistics and other skilled occupations.

“Manufacturing continues to be an important part of our regional economy, and MakerFest gives students an opportunity to see firsthand the careers and technologies available right here in our community,” said Kyle Moore, President of GREDF. “Connecting students with local manufacturers and training opportunities helps them understand the many pathways available after high school while also helping employers build the workforce they need for the future.”

MakerFest is part of a broader regional effort to strengthen connections among students, educators and employers. Through workforce initiatives and partnerships, GREDF and its regional partners are working to develop the talent pipeline and help local businesses attract and retain the skilled workers they need to grow.

John Wood Community College (JWCC), the Tracy Family Foundation (TFF) and Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) are launching a new regional partnership to bring the rootEd Alliance model to Illinois. The collaboration addresses a shared regional priority: providing every student who graduates with a college and career plan after high school.
 
Beginning in late fall, the partnership will expand from Southeastern, Payson Seymour, Unity and Griggsville-Perry  to an additional three to five high schools across West Central Illinois.
 
Supporting Schools with College and Career Advisors
The rootED philosophy provides advisors who offer free, individualized college and career planning inside participating high schools and work alongside school counselors. RootEd advisors focus on postsecondary planning such as exploring careers, completing financial aid, and making college, trade school or workforce plans, which allows existing school counseling teams extra capacity to support student wellness, academic success, and other daily needs.
 
RootEd advisors serve students and schools, not any one college or institution. Whether a student chooses a community college, university, apprenticeship, career and technical education, military service or direct employment, advisors help students identify the path that best fits their goals.
 
Partnerships to Build Tomorrow’s Workforce
 
As a regional community college, JWCC is uniquely positioned to bring schools, community partners and workforce resources together. Its commitment to guided pathways initiative extends beyond enrollment at JWCC to help students across the region see and pursue the many opportunities available to them after high school.
 
“John Wood Community College has a responsibility to bring partners together around educational and workforce challenges that affect our entire region,” said Dr. Aron Potter, president of John Wood Community College. “This initiative is about making sure that every student graduates with a plan for what comes next. Our communities are stronger when every student has the support and opportunity to succeed.”
 
Making Connections with Employers
GREDF will assist with career exploration by helping rootED advisors connect students with job shadows, internships and other career experiences aligned with their interests.
 
“Connecting students with local career opportunities helps them see a future right here in West Central Illinois,” said Kyle Moore, President at the Great River Economic Development Foundation. “By connecting students with employers, job shadows and internships, we’re helping them make informed decisions about their future while strengthening our region’s workforce.”
 
2026 Pilot Project
Supported by the Tracy Family Foundation, the partnership launched a pilot program last year at four high schools. The early results include:
88 seniors received individualized advising.
100% completed one-on-one advising.
100% completed the FAFSA with support.
97% developed a postsecondary plan.
90% completed applications aligned with their goals.
84% reported confidence in their chosen pathway at graduation.
 
Investing in the Future
“This initiative is a great example of what can happen when education, philanthropy and workforce partners come together around a shared goal,” said Angie Schlater, Senior Programs Manager for the Tracy Family Foundation. “We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to pursue a meaningful future. We are proud to invest in a partnership that is expanding opportunities for students and helping more young people graduate with a career plan for what comes next.”
 
Sara Deters will serve as the rootEd regional director, leading partnerships with schools and community organizations. Chad Cleveland, Marcy Wort and Jennifer Mowen will serve as the rootEd advisors, working directly with students and families in participating high schools. Jennifer Mowen serves as an in-house rootEd advisor specifically for Griggsville-Perry High School.
 
“RootEd gives students someone in their corner who can help turn ideas into a real plan,” said Sara Deters, rootEd regional director. “Our goal is to meet students where they are, help them understand the opportunities available to them and support them as they take the next steps toward their future.”
 
RootEd Alliance was created in 2018 to help rural students access the guidance they need to plan for life after high school. With the addition of the Illinois partnership among JWCC, TFF and GREDF, rootEd advisors now serve nearly 90,000 students in 280 rural high schools across seven states. The model has helped increase the number of students pursuing college and career training, improve FAFSA completion and connect more students with opportunities that lead to successful careers.

More information about rootEd is available from Sara Deters at 217.641.4347 or sdeters@jwcc.edu.

The Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) and Hancock County Economic Development (HCED) announced a strategic partnership that brings dedicated, professional economic development services to Hancock County and connects the county to a regional network.

As the centerpiece of the partnership, GREDF is hiring a Regional Director of Workforce Development & Hancock County Business Development, a new position dedicated to supporting Hancock County businesses, leading business retention and expansion visits, and building workforce solutions tailored to local industry needs. Recruitment is underway now, and candidates from Hancock County are strongly encouraged to apply.

Through the partnership, Hancock County employers, schools, and residents will gain access to GREDF’s proven regional programs, including Career Spark, a hands-on career exploration expo for students and more opportunities which connect employers with the regional talent pipeline; and the ScaleUp and Secure program for growing businesses. GREDF will also pursue grant funding for priorities identified in the HCED Action Plan 2026.

“Successful economic development requires a regional mindset and a willingness to collaborate across community lines,” said Kyle Moore, President of GREDF. “This partnership allows us to strengthen our collective resources and create a more coordinated approach to supporting businesses, attracting investment, and developing the workforce our region needs for the future.”

For Hancock County, the partnership provides increased access to professional economic development expertise, enhanced organizational capacity, and additional tools to support existing businesses, attract new investment, and develop workforce solutions aligned with local industry needs.

“This partnership is an important step forward for Hancock County,” said Amy Bruenger, Board Chair of Hancock County Economic Development. “By working with GREDF, we are enhancing our ability to serve businesses, pursue new opportunities, and provide the resources necessary to support continued economic growth.”

Work begins immediately. This month, the partners will launch HCED’s 2026 membership drive, begin one-on-one meetings with business and community stakeholders across the county, and expand HCED’s outreach and social media presence. Hancock County businesses interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact either organization.

About GREDF

Founded in 1978, the Great River Economic Development Foundation leads business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts in Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, and collaborates regionally along the Mississippi River with Western Illinois and Northeast Missouri. GREDF’s programs include the Adams County GROW housing program, the Business Concierge service, and GREAT River FAME. Learn more at www.gredf.org.

About HCED

Hancock County Economic Development is dedicated to fostering business growth, investment, and community development across Hancock County, Illinois. Established in June 2013, the organization primarily focuses on retaining and expanding the existing businesses and workforce. Their mission is to boost the economic vitality of Hancock County, Illinois. For more information, visit www.growhancock.com.

QUINCY (WGEM) – Progress is being made in the effort to grow the childcare field in Adams County.

Adams County CAREs (Childcare Advancement and Recruitment Effort) has been running for over a year.

The Community Foundation CEO Catherine Meckes said Adams County CAREs has been working to increase the number of childcare workers by giving out scholarships, sign-on bonuses and offering internships.

Meckes said so far they have given out 32 different scholarships to John Wood Community College students pursuing a degree in early childhood education. They’ve also given out 15 sign-on bonuses to individuals entering the childcare field for the first time and their first intern will begin at Blessing’s Early Learning Center this summer.

By offering these opportunities to individuals, Meckes said she hopes to encourage people to enter the childcare field.

“Childcare is such an important field,” Meckes said. “These caregivers are dedicated, they are important, they are literally growing our next generation and so we just feel it’s vitally important to invest in them and to encourage them and to show that we are here to support them.”

Meckes said only around 50% of perceived childcare needs can be met by licensed capacity in Adams County. In 2018, that number was 64%.

The number of childcare providers in Adams County has decreased and so have the number of available slots for children who need childcare.

Meckes said the goal of Adams County CAREs is to get numbers back to where they were. They hope to bring in more childcare providers and make 250 more slots available for children.

Without good childcare, Meckes said children won’t get the care they need to grow.

“You’re being nurtured, your brain is being engaged, you’re building connections, learning how to interact with other kids and those skills, those developments are going to carry our young people through the rest of their lives and that’s all better for our community,” Meckes said.

Those interested in a scholarship, internship or sign-on bonus can find out more on the Adams County CAREs website.

The Adams County CAREs team is run by a group of local organizations. Those are listed below:

• The Community Foundation
• Moorman Foundation
• Tracy Family Foundation
• Great River Economic Development Foundation
• Tri-State Development
• Blessing Health System
• John Wood Community College
• West Central Child Care Connection
• Adams County, Illinois

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The Rural Adams Development Corporation (RADC) is celebrating more than three decades of supporting economic growth across rural Adams County.

Established in 1991, RADC was formed through a coalition of rural independent Adams County banks, alongside Adams Electric Cooperative and the Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF), with Adams Telephone Cooperative later joining the effort. The organization was created to provide low interest “gap financing” for businesses seeking to start, grow, or expand in rural Adams County outside the Quincy city limits.

Since funding its first project in June 1992, RADC has participated in 74 projects and provided more than $2.35 million in loans to support local economic development and job creation.

One of RADC’s latest success stories involves brothers Jake and Shelby Venvertloh, who purchased a building at 804 E. Wood Street in Camp Point, Illinois. The property required significant renovations before it could be leased. Financing for the improvement project was made possible through a collaborative partnership between RADC, the Two Rivers Regional Council revolving loan program, and Adams Electric Cooperative’s revolving loan fund, which also provided an additional low-rate loan to help complete the renovations.

“Projects like this show what can happen when local organizations work together to invest in rural communities,” said Mark Field, RADC member. “RADC was created to help businesses overcome financing gaps, and we’re proud to continue supporting projects that strengthen Adams County’s economy and create opportunities for future growth.”

RADC’s mission is to provide low-interest revolving loans that help create and retain jobs across rural Adams County. By partnering with local, regional, and state financing programs, RADC helps businesses secure the resources needed to launch, grow, and succeed. Click here to learn more about qualifying projects and financing opportunities.

Businesses seeking information on RADC financing can contact participating member banks or GREDF. Member banks include Central State Bank, Liberty Bank, Farmers State Bank of Camp Point, First Bankers Trust, Golden State Bank, and Town & Country Bank Midwest.

The Great River Economic Development Foundation, in partnership with the Adams County Career Guidance Team, Quincy Area Vocational and Technical Center, and John Wood Community College, hosted the 2026 Career Launch Signing Day.

Career Launch Signing Day honors recent high school and college graduates who are stepping directly into the workforce in high-demand fields such as manufacturing, nursing, logistics, truck driving, and more. The event was created to recognize and celebrate these motivated individuals who have chosen to pursue meaningful, in-demand careers within the region and have successfully secured employment with local companies.

During the ceremony, students took center stage to sign a symbolic “Work-Ready Pledge,” representing their commitment to professionalism, growth, and success in their chosen careers. Each participant received a commemorative certificate presented by the Adams County Career Guidance Team.

This year’s event recognized students from John Wood Community College who are beginning their professional journeys with local employers. These graduates exemplify the strength of the region’s workforce pipeline and highlight the opportunities available close to home.

Participating employers include Blessing Health Systems, Gardner Denver, Titan International, and General Mills. Each student will be joined by their employer during the signing ceremony, reinforcing the partnership between education and industry and celebrating the transition from classroom to career.

Career Launch Signing Day continues to grow as a signature event in Adams County, spotlighting workforce development efforts and inspiring future graduates to explore rewarding career paths within the local community.

The Adams County Career Guidance Team celebrated local educators during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8) as part of National Teacher Week, recognizing the critical role teachers play in shaping the region’s future workforce. The initiative highlighted outstanding educators while also acknowledging students who are confidently stepping into their career paths.

From a competitive pool of nominations spanning public and parochial schools across Adams County, two educators were selected for this honor: Amy Mock, a kindergarten teacher at Lincoln-Douglas Elementary School, and Diane Germann, a junior high and high school teacher at Payson-Seymour. Both were recognized for their commitment to inspiring students and helping them connect classroom learning to future career
opportunities.

On May 7th, the honorees received appreciation gifts donated by local businesses and organizations in
recognition of their impact.

“Every day, teachers educate, influence, and shape our future workforce,” said Gena Finley, Chair of the Adams County Vocational Technical Center and Program Coordinator for the Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center. “Their role in preparing students for careers in our community is invaluable. This recognition is a small but meaningful way to thank those who actively expose students to career opportunities and support their growth.”

The Adams County Career Guidance Team is a collaborative partnership that includes the Great River
Economic Development Foundation, the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, John Wood Community College (JWCC), the Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center (QAVTC), Junior Achievement, area school counselors, and local employers. Together, they are committed to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration needed to explore and pursue the wide range of careers available in the region.

Events like this underscore the importance of strong collaboration between educators, industry partners, and the community. By working together, Adams County continues to build a skilled, confident, and career-ready workforce that will support long-term economic growth and opportunity across the region.

Click here to read the bios.

Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring professionals from the tri-state area are invited to mark their calendars and save-the-date for The Briefcase, a new one-day professional development event. This business-focused event is hosted by the 501 Partnership—Quincy Area Chamber, The District, & Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF)—with collaboration from Quincy ACA Business Club. Designed to provide the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to start, grow, and strengthen a business, The Briefcase will take place on Thursday, May 28 with check-in beginning at 8:30 am. Event registration opened on March 26 and must be completed by May 14. The $100 registration fee includes six sessions presented by industry experts, a professional headshot, refreshments, and lunch. Visit bit.ly/501_Briefcase to register.

The following are the topics and presenters for the sessions: 

• Social Media/Google Business: Leah Hetzler, ReThink Media; Sally Kintz, Poole Communications
• AI: David Maples, Catapult Creative Media
• Finance & Banking: Jana Hattey, First Bankers Trust; Julie Bowen, Mercantile; Tom Hendren, Homebank; State Street Bank will also be represented.  
• Small Business Legal: Chip Owens, Hauk & Owens; Darla Rischar, SHRM; David Penn, Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu, & Mitchell 
• Workforce Development: Valerie Howell, John Wood Community College
• Business Resources: Rich Ellerman, Quincy ACA Business Club; Kenyetta McFall, Quincy Area Chamber

“We’ve created this event to serve individuals at every stage of their business journey,” stated Quincy Area Chamber President/CEO Bruce Guthrie. “From people simply exploring a business idea to seasoned business owners seeking fresh insights–attending this one-day business-focused event is essential. This event offers valuable tools they can immediately put into action.” The Briefcase will also provide multiple hands-on opportunities for attendees, along with time to network, collaborate, and build relationships with other professionals who share their goals and ambitions. Attendees are encouraged to bring a fully charged laptop/cell phone for the hands-on portions of the event.