GREDF rings out the old and rings in the new at annual meeting

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.”

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