Business Survey Results Reveal Region’s Strengths and Areas for Growth

[share]203 individuals and organizations responded to the online survey conducted by the Great River Economic Development Foundation in partnership with the City of Quincy and Adams County. The 13-question survey was designed to gauge the current business environment in our region and set benchmarks for measurable growth.

“I am glad to see so many of our Adams County businesses take the time to fill out the survey and share their ideas and concerns,” says Adams County Board Chairman, Les Post. “Business retention and recruitment are key to the economic future of Adams County and the results of this survey will help outline the needs of the business community and give us good guidance to help make improvements.”

When asked the community’s strengths as a place to do business,80% of survey respondents chose quality of life and 64% indicated cost of living was at the top of the list. Both of these factors, along with the local economy (44%) and community leadership (41%) contribute to the region’s attractive business climate.

The workforce/labor market ranked number one in respondents’ eyes at 43%, closely followed by the cost of doing business (40%) when it comes to the community’s weaknesses. The area’s low unemployment impacts the availability of a qualified workforce which is why workforce development will continue to be one of the region’s top priorities. While the local cost of doing business is competitive, comments indicated that room for improvement exists when it comes to the State of Illinois.

When asked to rate the quality and availability of workers in the area on a scale from one to seven with seven being the highest/most favorable: 63% of respondents have a favorable opinion of the quality of workers in the area and 68% of respondents are neutral/positive when it comes to availability of workers in the area (choosing four and above).

Workforce development again comes into play with 36% of respondents indicating their projected employment needs are increasing, while 55%report their needs as stable. With 44% of businesses surveyed planning to expand within the next three years, developing a plan to attract and train a qualified workforce is essential for continued growth.

Survey respondents indicated they are experiencing recruitment issues with the following positions or skills: Skilled Production Labor (26.5%), Unskilled Production Labor (21%), Scientific/Technical (19.7%), Marketing/Sales (17.6%), Management (12.9%) and Administrative (10.8%). Other in-demand positions and skills include IT/programming, accounting and “professionals”.

“The results show that Quincy’s quality of life and inexpensive cost of living make it an attractive place to do business,” says Mayor Kyle Moore. “Now we must continue to work with GREDF, the County and our education partners to address the workforce needs of our business community.”

“This survey has been a proactive collaborative effort to recognize businesses for their commitment to the area, as well as develop a deeper understanding of business opportunities and impediments to growth,” says GREDF president, Marcel Wagner. “Our organization looks forward to continuing to partner with City and County officials to address the issues raised in the survey in meaningful and measurable ways.”

Future surveys are planned to track the progress of economic development efforts.

Click here for a 1-page overview of the 2013 Business Survey Results.

Mr. Wagner Goes to Washington

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The recent trip to Washington, DC, for the Congressman Aaron Schock Fly-In was a very productive event for GREDF and our region. Mayor Kyle Moore, Amy Looten, Executive Director of the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, and GREDF’s own Marcel Wagner traveled together and had the opportunity to discuss important issues facing our region with a number of legislators.

To prepare for the Washington trip, the GREDF staff prepared a document entitled, Critical Issues for the Quincy and Adams County Region, to present to legislators. Key issues highlighted in the document include:Presentations from Congressional Representatives and Senators provided insights into how national issues impact Quincy and Adams County.

• Funding for local workforce programs
• Tri-State Highway Priorities including the completion of the Macomb Bypass
• TIGER 5 Grant Application on behalf of the Mid America Intermodal Authority Port District
• USDA Great Region designation
• M-94 Corridor (Upper Mississippi Connector) Marine Highway designation
• Water Resources Development Act of 2013 passage and funding

While in Washington, Mayor Moore joined Marcel in a meeting with Patrick Souders, Chief of Staff for Senator Dick Durbin, to discuss issues and opportunities facing the Quincy and Adams County region, including those highlighted in our Critical Issues document. During the meeting, Marcel emphasized the need for these issues to be addressed to ensure the long-term growth and success of our city, county and region.

The action-packed trip also included GREDF meetings with the Chief of Staff for Congressman Joe Kline of Minnesota; a representative from the Office of Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin; and Congressman Rod Davis of Illinois. These three states along the Mississippi River share concerns about the critical importance of our lock and dam infrastructure and how the future of the inland waterways system is key to the long-term strength and security of the nation.

We look forward to continuing the discussion about the critical issues facing our region with our elected leaders at home, in Springfield and in Washington.

A collaboration of GREDF, the City of Quincy and Adams County

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Economic development is not an endeavor of a single person or even a single organization. Successful economic development is a collaborative and aggressive process. That’s why GREDF, in partnership with the City of Quincy and Adams County, has developed a business survey to help gauge the current business environment in our region.

By filling out our short, 13-question survey, you are providing feedback we will use to improve the economic vitality of our region, resulting in an environment that benefits our communities as well as the businesses that call our communities home.

Take the Survey

Thank you for filling out our survey. We value your feedback. For more information about how GREDF can assist with your business, please contact us at 217.223.4313 or gredf@gredf.org.

Marcel W. Wagner, Jr., CEcD
President, Great River Economic Development Foundation

Kyle Moore
Mayor, City of Quincy

Les Post
Chairman, Adams County Board

Summit Brings Leaders Together to Develop a Vision for Long-Term Change

[share]Last week more than 40 leaders came together to discuss workforce development issues in Adams County and to develop a shared vision for long-term change. The event facilitator assisted the group with identifying and prioritizing the area’s workforce challenges and building a framework for future collaboration.

Participants included representatives from secondary and post-secondary education, regional and local development groups, staffing services and a number of community-based agencies that all have some involvement in workforce development.

The United Way of Adams County, the Workforce Investment Board of Western Illinois, John Wood Community College and GREDF hosted the event because we recognize the importance of maintaining a skilled and reliable workforce in our area.

“The availability of skilled labor has become a key factor in site selection and expansion decisions,” noted GREDF President Marcel Wagner. “Our ability to retain and attract businesses directly impacts the well-being of our region and the ability of our families to be financially self-sufficient.”

You may recall our last eDevelopments included findings from a recent survey conducted by Area Development Magazine detailing top site selection factors. Labor costs and availability of skilled labor ranked number one and number three respectively.

A steering committee is being assembled to build strategies and address the challenges and goals identified by the group. If you or your organization is interested in being a part of this steering committee, please contact Megan Backs at 217.223.4313 or meganb@gredf.org.

Site Selection Priorities and Our Messaging

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I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the members, partners and residents in the Quincy region as I become part of this wonderful community. I am pleased and privileged to serve as the new President of the Great River Economic Development Foundation.

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Quincy Grade School Receives International Recognition for Efforts

[share] Last week GREDF celebrated our partners in economic development at our 2013 Annual Meeting.

We saluted and thanked the people, organizations and businesses that are involved in projects and efforts that drive economic development in our region. We thought it was appropriate to highlight many of the partnerships Jim Mentesti spent his career building on the night we celebrated his retirement.

Below is a link to a pdf of GREDF Board Chairman, Tim Finlay’s, speech, as well as a link to the visual presentation. Just click the arrow at the bottom of the screen every time you see an *asterisk* in the pdf to follow along.

Tim talked a lot about partners in his remarks, but there are so many more. Too many for him to mention by name. Please know that it has been our pleasure to work with all of our partners over the years. It is their hard work and dedication that makes the Quincy and Adams County area a great place to live, work and raise a family.

As Tim said in closing, “We all know that 2013 is likely to be a challenging year. We also know that based on our track record, our resources and our people, we will rise to the occasion, view challenges as opportunities and grow… together.”

Annual Meeting Speech

Annual Meeting Presentation

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[share] Quincy, Illinois.  August 29, 2012…The Board of Directors of Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) and James E. Mentesti, its President, today announced that he has chosen to retire after 27 years of service to GREDF and Tri-State area.  Phil Conover has been named interim President.  Mr. Mentesti will continue to support GREDF’s mission as a consultant during a transitional period.

[share] July unemployment figures in Adams County rose by 0.1% over June, but remain slightly lower than a year ago. At 6.8%, Adams County is tied for the second lowest unemployment in the state of Illinois.

The City of Quincy’s July unemployment rate is 7.4% which is up 0.3% over last month, but down 0.1% from a year ago in July.

Unemployment figures are available at the Illinois Department of Employment Security website.