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Quad Cities Chamber Blog
QC, That's Where the Quad Cities Chamber and area businesses in our family of communities are advancing regional prosperity and advocating for economic growth along the Mississippi River.
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Celebrating our team during Economic Development Week
May 8, 2024
May 6 - 10 marks Economic Development Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the pivotal role of economic progress in shaping communities. Created by the International Economic Development Council, we celebrate not only the significance of this week, but also the exemplary leadership of the Chamber's team of experts who spearhead our economic development initiatives.
QC, That’s Where livability matters
May 8, 2024
In the realm of economic development, traditional metrics like job growth and infrastructure investment remain critical - but the emphasis on livability has emerged as a defining factor in attracting businesses, talent and investment to communities. For those of us who love the QCs, we see the area as a great place to raise a family, afford a home and enjoy a growing cultural scene. Here are a few of the reasons why a region’s quality of life is not just a luxury, but a strategic necessity for sustainable economic development.
Parr Instrument breaks ground for $22 million expansion project
April 12, 2024
Quad Cities legacy business, Parr Instrument Company broke ground for its $22 million expansion in Moline on Friday, April 12. The company, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, will more than double the size of its existing operation at 211 53rd St., Moline.
Sorensen, Miller-Meeks introduce bill to create manufacturing jobs
April 12, 2024
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) introduced the bipartisan Opportunities for Non-developed Sites to Have Opportunities to be Rehabilitated for Economic Development (ONSHORE) Act. The ONSHORE Act establishes the Critical Supply Chain Site Development Grant Program. This program, managed by the Department of Commerce, offers grants to help communities and other eligible groups get sites ready for manufacturing projects in industries that are considered strategically important.
QC Veteran Network connects veterans and employers
April 3, 2024
The Quad Cities Veteran Network has been active in the Quad Cities for the past five years, hosting monthly meetings at local establishments. Founded by Bryan Miller (SERCO) and Dave Underwood (John Deere), the organization serves as a mechanism for helping veterans find jobs after leaving the military.
New Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center flourishing
March 29, 2024
The greatly anticipated Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center at 2022 Research Parkway in Davenport opened in October 2023, and in the months since, has employed 1,500 Quad Citizens with plans to hire 300 more in the next month. Jobs at the location offer full and part-time positions starting at $17.50/hour, plus industry-leading benefits. Innovative programs for hourly employees like Career Choice prepay tuition to enhance employees' education and skills training.
Chris Caves completes Certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals
March 13, 2024
Chris Caves, Vice President, Business & Economic Growth at the Chamber received her Certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals. This joint certificate program empowers professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the intersection of economic and workforce development while closing education gaps. Each certificate recipient completed an intensive and comprehensive 6-week curriculum,
Quad Cities recognized for economic development projects in Mississippi River Corridor
March 13, 2024
The Quad Cities region ranked in the Top 10 Mississippi River Corridor metros by Site Selection Magazine. The rankings, which include all metro regions along the Mississippi River corridor, are based on corporate facility investment projects that meet certain criteria.
Iowa 80 Group celebrates Distribution Center opening
March 6, 2024
The Iowa80.com Distribution Center celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday, Feb. 27. This $20 million capital investment includes a state-of-the-art warehouse equipped with advanced technology and an additional 132,921 square feet of available space for lease.
Hickey Global to help Chamber tackle site readiness
February 28, 2024
Hickey Global Economic Development Consulting, a full-service economic development consulting firm, met with the Chamber and its economic development partners this week. David Hickey, Managing Director of Hickey & Associates, and Barry Matherly, President & CEO of Hickey Global, toured sites in both the Iowa and Illinois Quad Cities.
Made in Illinois grant program announced, Chamber integral in creation
February 7, 2024
Last week, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced with the Governor’s Office the Made in Illinois Grant Program. The creation of this funding tool was a direct result of the Chamber's Business & Economic Growth team relentlessly advocating for matching grant funding for manufacturing in Illinois.
Illinois Hydrogen & Tech Hub designation
January 29, 2024
Illinois was awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Midwest Hydrogen Hub. The $1 billion award hopes to foster a healthy economic environment for the hydrogen production market and create clean energy jobs across the Midwest region.
Site Selection Magazine gives #1 rankings to Illinois & Iowa for workforce development
January 28, 2024
Site Selection Magazine ranked both Illinois and Iowa #1 for workforce development in 2024 for their respective regions.
Chamber reacts to Rock Island State of City address
January 24, 2024
On Monday, Jan. 22, Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms presented the 2024 State of the City address. Thoms highlighted many items the Chamber supports that align with our legislative agenda’s goals including: supporting small business; encouraging long-term planning for growth, supporting implementation of complete streets in the urban core; promoting redevelopment and revitalization of blighted neighborhoods
Dr. LaDrina Wilson’s farewell message
January 12, 2024
The Quad Cities Chamber gives a heartfelt thanks to Dr. LaDrina Wilson for leading our team over the past 18 months as the Chamber’s CEO. Hear from LaDrina as she bids us farewell and recaps her 18 months with the Chamber.
Bill Ratzburg retires, influential in creating Manufacturing Hub
December 12, 2023
The Quad Cities Chamber congratulates Bill Ratzburg on his retirement! We thank him for creating the Manufacturing Hub and providing guidance to help manufacturers throughout the region.
New President & CEO of Quad Cities Chamber announced
December 6, 2023
The Quad Cities Chamber announced Wednesday that Peter Tokar III, MBA, MEDP will be the next President & CEO starting mid-January 2024. Tokar brings over 17 years of experience serving economic development organizations and municipalities in large markets where regionalism has been a key component of success. He has worked closely with chambers, state and local economic development practitioners, site selectors and elected officials, as well as raised funds from public and private sector sources.
Return to lower inflation and more normal financial market conditions predicted for 2024
December 1, 2023
Kevin Depew, RSM Deputy Chief Economist, was the keynote speaker at the Quad Cities Chamber’s Economic Forecast and provided an in-depth analysis of the national and regional economy to help QC businesses prepare for the coming year.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
November 14, 2023
Payroll jobs increased in the Quad Cities metro area during the month of September, but so did the unemployment rate. While this seems strange, there is a straightforward explanation. This week we examine how this can happen and what indicators to look for in the coming months to determine whether this is a simply an adjustment to a sustainable equilibrium or something more.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
November 7, 2023
Last Friday's report on the U.S. labor market was characterized by many analysts as a "Goldilocks" report--not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Payroll employment increased by 150,000 in October, well below the recent average. We discuss the implications for manufacturing and the prospects for a "soft landing" this week.
CP Supply brings first of its kind printing machine to North America
November 1, 2023
There’s a new first of its kind in North America, and it resides in the Quad Cities at Bettendorf-based CP Supply - a manufacturer of custom-printed corrugated cardboard and corrugated plastic…
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
October 31, 2023
U.S. real gross domestic product increased at a robust 4.9 percent rate in the third quarter. Consumer spending and increases in inventories contributed the most to growth. This week we explain what this means for the path of interest rates going forward and how the Federal Reserve will respond to this news.
“Better Together” Amazon launches MLI1 in Quad Cities
October 25, 2023
Amazon celebrated the soft launch opening of their Quad Cities facility with a ribbon cutting. The facility is the latest generation of Amazon fulfillment centers covering over 2.3 million square feet on six floors with over 12 miles of conveyance.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
October 24, 2023
How important is manufacturing to the region's GDP? For four of the six counties in the Chamber's service area, manufacturing's share of GDP is at or above the national average. Nearly one out of every five dollars of GDP in the region can be attributed to manufacturing. As manufacturing month continues, we highlight manufacturing's share of GDP in each of our six counties.
QC, That’s Where manufacturers helped build our region & continue to evolve
October 19, 2023
QC, That’s Where manufacturing helped spark the emergence of our region and continues to build the foundation for our future. It’s where hundreds of manufacturers are creating our region’s legacy as a manufacturing hub while simultaneously creating products that fuel the global economy.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
October 16, 2023
In recognition of manufacturing month, we will feature data on manufacturing this week and next. As of BLS data from May 2022, there were 15,540 people working in production occupations in the Quad Cities metro area, representing nearly 9% of the jobs in the region. When you consider the additional occupations that support the companies in this space, the number of jobs dependent on manufacturing is even larger. This week, we’re breaking down the QC’s top manufacturing occupations and their median wages.
“Makers on the Move” bus tour celebrates QC manufacturers’ contributions to our region
October 11, 2023
The Makers on the Move bus tour came to the Quad Cities to celebrate Illinois manufacturers and their contributions to the state’s largest industry during this Manufacturing Month, making stops at some of our region’s premier manufacturing sites along the way. The tour brought industry advocates, educators, economic development organizations, public officials and other manufacturing stakeholders to the Quad Cities to showcase our innovative manufacturing sector and the high-tech, diverse manufacturing opportunities available in our region.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
October 10, 2023
On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that nonfarm payrolls in the U.S. increased by 336,000 jobs in September—well above the expectations of most analysts. Conventional wisdom says that a blockbuster labor report like this would lead to higher interest rates. However, the conventional wisdom might be wrong this time. This week, we go behind the headline and explain the reason for this and what it means for manufacturing.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
October 2, 2023
What does the value of the dollar have to do with economic activity in the Quad Cities? Because the local economy is more reliant on export manufacturing than the average metropolitan area in the U.S., the Quad Cities regional GDP fluctuates with the value of the dollar. This week, we take a look at the numbers behind this phenomenon.
QC, That’s Where Businesses Champion Lasting Change Across our Community
September 28, 2023
QC, That’s Where local organizations are elevating the region through charitable initiatives that have a lasting impact. Through a variety of unique efforts, businesses are paving the way for a brighter future in the Quad Cities by championing the region they call home. We chatted with the Quad Cities River Bandits, IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union and Whitey’s Ice Cream to learn why they believe in the Quad Cities, and how they’re manifesting their belief through giving back to the community.
2024 Public Policy Survey Reveals Valuable Insights from Local Business Leaders
September 27, 2023
Our 2024 public policy survey received more than 100 total responses from our membership. The information we received will directly impact our legislative agenda and help our Business Advocacy Council tap into the needs of the Quad Cities business community. Below, you’ll find some of the highlights from the survey and the actions the Chamber is taking to address them.
New Operations Manager ready to make an impact in Downtown Rock Island
September 27, 2023
The Rock Island Downtown Alliance has an expanded arsenal of resources with recent additions to personnel, equipment and technology – all designed to boost the new organization’s impact on the downtown. The Downtown Alliance doubled its workforce in September with the hiring of Operations Manager De’Andre Robinson, and there’s great excitement about the impact he’s bringing to the new role.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
September 26, 2023
The U.S. economy continues to experience robust growth, which could cause interest rates to remain higher for longer. This week, we take a look at why the financial markets reacted so negatively to last week's Federal Reserve meeting and whether recent developments have impacted the outlook for the rest of the year and beyond.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
September 20, 2023
If you feel like the price of gasoline has been rising lately, it is not your imagination. After spending most of the past nine months in a fairly tight range, U.S. retail gasoline prices broke out of that range in August, rising to $3.954 per gallon. What does this sudden rise in the price of gas portend for the fight against inflation and economic prospects for the rest of this year and next year?
QC, That’s Where Downtown Leaders are Making a Place that Residents Love
September 14, 2023
The Chamber's downtown placemaking organizations are working every day to make QC downtowns a place that people want to live, work and play in. Let's dive into what's being planned in downtown Rock Island, Davenport and Bettendorf.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
September 13, 2023
How well did some of the Quad Cities' key industries recover from the 2020 COVID-19 recession? According to data recently released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Quad Cities experienced a robust recovery during 2021, especially in some of our largest industries. In this week's report, we look at the numbers for construction, manufacturing, and logistics.
Davenport, Bettendorf Students Give Back to their Communities through Bike Racks Project
September 7, 2023
During the 2022-23 school year, welding students from Davenport West High School and Bettendorf High School created 40 bike racks, 20 each to be installed in their respective downtowns. Their inventive efforts are having a positive impact on our region while equipping each student with real-world skills and showing them the power they have to create change in their communities.
Glad you could join us. Welcome new August members!
September 6, 2023
The Quad Cities Chamber welcomed six new members in August. Thank you to each of these organizations for their unique contributions and investment in our region's success- you are making an impact.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
September 5, 2023
Financial markets were anticipating several important pieces of economic data leading up to the Labor Day weekend. There was more evidence that labor demand is decreasing, helping to bring labor markets back into equilibrium. While this should diminish inflationary pressure, the Federal Reserve's key inflation indicators remain uncomfortably high. Is there still hope for a "soft landing?"
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
August 29, 2023
Wage growth in the Quad Cities area was slightly below the national average in 2022 in most occupations. However, for certain occupations in high demand industries wage growth was higher than the national average, reflecting the tightening labor market in these key industries. While hiring seems to be slowing relative to the early part of the post-COVID recovery, the strength of wage growth suggests that the demand for labor remains high. In this week's installment, we look at the numbers for these key industries.
Fall 2023 Chamber Event Series: Become Immersed in the QC Business Community
August 29, 2023
No matter your industry or interests, the Chamber Fall Event Series is empowering our members to connect and build relationships with QC businesspeople and leaders. At each event, we provide a stage for you to gain timely, relevant information that ties to the success of your business and our region. Come get connected with fellow members and to fresh ideas so we can create a common thread for our business community to take steps forward towards elevating our region.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
August 22, 2023
The Quad Cities labor market is showing signs of cooling. Unemployment rose slightly in June, and both employment and labor force remain below pre-COVID-19 levels. How much more recovery in labor force should be expected as the economy finds a "new normal?" That is a tricky question as the "gig economy" has made employment statistics harder to interpret. This week, we take a look at those numbers and discuss the "missing" labor force.
Make your voice heard: Take the 2024 Public Policy Survey
August 22, 2023
Each year, we ask Chamber members to complete a short survey to gain insight on issues important to the regional business community. Share your voice and complete the 2024 Public Policy Survey now.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
August 15, 2023
The U.S. trade deficit decreased in June as imports fell while exports held steady. The strong U.S. dollar has been good for consumers, but not for export manufacturers. The Fed's campaign of interest rate hikes and the strength of the U.S. economy relative to the world have kept the dollar strong. A pause in interest rate increases would be welcome news for exporters in the region. What will it take to return the dollar to it's former levels?
Larry Anderson honored with Regional Champion of Change award
August 10, 2023
The inaugural Regional Champion of Change award was awarded to Larry Anderson during the 2023 Chamber Annual Meeting. The Quad Cities is a better place thanks to Anderson’s efforts in building up the community, and he’s the perfect example of what can be accomplished when we invest in our home communities.
Per Mar honored as 2023 Business of the Year
August 10, 2023
Per Mar was awarded Business of the Year at the Chamber's Annual Meeting. Per Mar’s commitment to growth and providing first-class customer service is what makes them this year’s Business of the Year.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
August 8, 2023
The U.S. labor market may be starting to show signs of slowing down in response to rising interest rates. Manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, and temporary help were among the sectors with job losses in July. The threat of recession still remains even as businesses report solid earnings. What effect does this have on the Fed's next move on interest rates?
New Chamber website provides the resources you need, whenever you need them
August 2, 2023
The new Chamber website is now live, and we're here to explain all the features that will make your journey more efficient and enjoyable. The new website will play a key role in providing our members with useful online resources, educating site visitors on the opportunities available in the Quad Cities region and attracting new businesses and talent to the region.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
August 1, 2023
The US economy continues to grow at a healthy rate with a 2.4% increase in real GDP in the second quarter, up from 2.0% in the first quarter. As expected, the Federal Reserve raised short-term interest rates another 1/4 of a percent. Inflation appears to be cooling without much of a slowdown in economic activity. How long can this continue? Wall Street earnings and incoming economic data will hold clues.
Interns working hard, playing hard during InternQC
July 26, 2023
The Quad Cities is a place where residents work hard so that they can play hard, and the 2023 InternQC program has given summer interns a taste of the vibrant lifestyle offered in the region through events that showcase the QC's plethora of opportunities.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
July 25, 2023
There was encouraging news on inflation in June as the Consumer Price Index rose by only 0.2%, which is lower than the average of the last few months. Core inflation and expectations of future inflation also moderated. The question still remains as to how this will impact the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions for the rest of the year.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
July 21, 2023
The Quad Cities job market continues to be strong with 2500 jobs added during the month of May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Leisure and hospitality, government, and professional and business services saw the most gains. Manufacturing jobs are close to a fifteen-year high. However, labor force participation remains below pre-COVID levels.
Site consultant collaborates with QC leaders, provides valuable regional insights
July 18, 2023
The Chamber hosted a national site consultant to gain insights on the QC region’s competitive advantages and strategies leaders can implement to make the QC a more attractive place for business. Over two days, the Chamber team facilitated meetings between the consultant and QC regional executives and leaders through roundtable discussions, factory tours and meetings with regional executives.
2023 Bi-State Legislative Session Recap
July 12, 2023
The State Legislatures of both Iowa and Illinois have concluded their legislative sessions, with consequential legislation passing both Chambers in each state. As a bi-state regional economy, legislation passed in both states impacts all businesses. Here's the legislation you need to know about.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
July 4, 2023
The employment numbers for the month of May in the Quad Cities were "good," but not quite "great." Manufacturing as well as leisure and hospitality have surpassed pre-pandemic employment, but the same cannot be said of all sectors. Labor force participation, especially in services other than leisure and hospitality has lagged even as job growth in the region continues to be robust.
Seeking Business of the Year nominations
June 28, 2023
All Chamber members are encouraged to apply for the Business of the Year award. The winner will be recognized on Aug. 10 during the 2023 Quad Cities Chamber Annual Meeting presented by IMEG Corp.
Seeking Regional Champion of Change nominations
June 27, 2023
All Chamber members are encouraged to apply for the Regional Champion of Change award. The winner will be recognized on Aug. 10 during the 2023 Quad Cities Chamber Annual Meeting presented by IMEG Corp.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
June 20, 2023
The Federal Reserve held their interest rate target constant last week on the heels of good news on the inflation front. Core inflation remains stubbornly high, which likely means more rate increases later in the year. Perhaps the best part of the news is that inflation expectations continue to fall.
New Business Legislation Emerges from Illinois Legislative Assembly
June 16, 2023
After three years of truncated legislative sessions, the Illinois General Assembly adjourned in the early morning of May 27. Several important pieces of legislation were tracked throughout this cycle involving port districts, healthcare and employment laws. Here is a summary of the top legislation we tracked this year that could impact the people and businesses of the Quad Cities.
Quad Cities Downtowns are Overflowing with Summer Events in 2023
June 14, 2023
Just days away from the official start of Summer 2023, the heat has already arrived and the season’s festivities are underway in the Quad Cities. Here’s what’s going on in QC downtowns.
Laborshed study surveying Quad Cities residents
June 6, 2023
The Quad Cities Chamber is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Quad Cities area.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
June 5, 2023
The U.S. economy added another 339,000 jobs in May, but the report was not all good news. Manufacturing jobs were flat, and unemployment rose significantly. This complicates matters for the Federal Reserve's upcoming decision on interest rates. While the robust labor market suggests another rate increase may be in order, there is mounting evidence that the economy could slow down enough in the second half of 2023 to warrant a pause in rate hikes.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
May 31, 2023
Last week, we examined the recent history of economic growth in the Quad Cities area. This week, we take a historical perspective on the local labor market. By looking at employment and labor force numbers, we can see how the Quad Cities labor market has been shaped by demographic factors as well as national events such as recessions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Iowa Lawmakers Close 2023 Session
May 24, 2023
The First Session of Iowa’s 90th General Assembly adjourned Thursday, May 5, 2023. Here is a summary of the top legislation we tracked this year that could impact the Quad Cities, organized by Chamber priorities.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
May 22, 2023
This week, we look at the recent history of economic growth in the Quad Cities area. In the 20 years since 2001, real GDP growth in the Quad Cities Chamber service area has averaged about 0.8% per year, growing from about $21.3 billion to $24.9 billion (in 2012 dollars) over that period of time.
What is your QC, That’s Where?
May 17, 2023
The Chamber asked Quad Citizens to provide their QC, That’s Where statements at Hob Nosh, and the responses didn’t disappoint. Each response provided a unique insight into the region’s meaning to the people who call it home.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
May 15, 2023
The CPI for all urban consumers increased, but at a lower rate than expected, giving markets some hope that the Federal Reserve could pause interest rate increases. As of Monday, May 15, the probability of a pause at the June FOMC meeting sits at 75.8%.
70+ QC high school students sign apprenticeships with local companies on Signing Day
May 11, 2023
Over 70 Quad Cities students signed letters of intent to launch their careers in their home region with QC employers during the High School Apprenticeship Signing Day celebration.
Welcome to the newest Chamber Members!
May 9, 2023
Welcome New March & April Chamber Members! The Quad Cities Chamber welcomed 12 new members in March and April. Thank you to each of these organizations for their unique contributions and investment…
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
May 8, 2023
The U.S. labor market continues to defy expectations with 253,000 jobs added in April and unemployment moving slightly lower to 3.4%. However, job openings were down again in March, which suggests a slowdown in job growth in the second half of the year. What are the implications for the economy?
Illinois House passes resolution for Moline-Chicago passenger rail
May 3, 2023
On Tuesday, May 2, the Illinois House adopted Rep. Gregg Johnson's resolution (HR0167) to urge Gov. Pritzker to make a formal request to the National Transportation Board (NTSB) regarding the QC passenger rail project.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
May 1, 2023
Gross domestic product increased 1.1% in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2023 amid signs of a slowing economy. However, a significant drawdown of inventories suggests that firms have begun to prepare for lower demand. The Federal Reserve meets this week for another interest rate decision. How soon before they pause the rate increases?
Atlas Roofing announces plans for manufacturing plant in Clinton
April 25, 2023
With the support of the Chamber, Atlas Roofing Corporation, a leading North American manufacturer of building products, recently announced its new $200 million asphalt shingle manufacturing facility will be built in Clinton.
John Deere Supplier Diversity Meet & Greet connects QC suppliers with Deere
April 25, 2023
John Deere, in partnership with the Chamber, hosted a Supplier Diversity Meet & Greet, where local suppliers were invited to create or build upon their business relationships with Deere. Eleven local suppliers met face-to-face with decision makers from Deere.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
April 24, 2023
In this third in a series on the Quad Cities economy, we examine wages levels in key industries. We find that wages for many of the occupations most concentrated in the Quad Cities are slightly lower than the national average. However, this is balanced by the lower cost of living here compared to other parts of the country.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
April 17, 2023
In this second of an ongoing series on the structure of the Quad Cities economy, we highlight the occupational groups with the highest relative concentrations compared to the national average. Manufacturing is at the top of the list with certain types of manufacturing several times more concentrated here than on average.
New leaders welcomed to Chamber leadership team
April 12, 2023
The Chamber is pleased to announce that the leadership team is now fully staffed with the addition of three new members. The new leaders come from diverse backgrounds that will make them vital members of the team, including decades of experience and expertise in their fields and proven track records of success.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
March 31, 2023
The key takeaway is that each one of the six counties in our service area saw growth in real GDP in 2021.
Rock Island Downtown Alliance Board Approved
March 28, 2023
Board members for the newly created Rock Island Downtown Alliance were appointed by Mayor Mike Thoms and approved by City Council on March 27, 2023. This marks the next successful step in launching a place management organization affiliated with the Quad Cities Chamber to manage Rock Island’s new downtown Special Service Area.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
March 24, 2023
Manufacturing employment had a good year in the Quad Cities, and the local unemployment rate fell from 5.3% to 4.5% from January 2022 to January 2023. However, continued interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve could pose issues for both the national and local economy in the year ahead.
Minority Business Panel shows challenges facing minority entrepreneurs
March 23, 2023
The journey of an entrepreneur is filled with obstacles at every turn, and solutions to those challenges are hard to come by when you lack a support network. Last week, the Chamber held our first ever Minority Business panel, where attendees learned about the entrepreneurial journeys of four Quad Cities minority business owners who discussed their unique insights regarding challenges they’ve faced as minority businesspersons.
Illinois announces Back to Business grants for creative arts, hotels & restaurants
March 22, 2023
Illinois announced the continuation of the Back 2 Business program with $175 million in three new grant opportunities for creative arts, hotels and restaurants.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
March 17, 2023
On March 10th, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a key player in the world of start-up financing, failed due to a run on its deposits. The resulting fallout in the financial markets this week has cast uncertainty on the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decision and the likelihood of recession.
New Business Legislation in Iowa and Illinois
March 16, 2023
At the beginning of this year, legislation went into effect or was signed into law to take effect in both Iowa and Illinois. Let's dive into how companies can benefit from these new business incentive opportunities.
Illinois enacts mandatory paid leave
March 15, 2023
Illinois is now the third state to require businesses to grant employees paid time off for any reason. According to the bill, which will become law on Jan. 1, 2024, employees will accrue one hour of paid time off for every 40 hours worked, with the ability to accrue up to 40 hours.
Tamales for Hope illustrates the fighting spirit of a successful entrepreneur
March 15, 2023
Tamales for Hope is one of the Quad Cities’ greatest small business stories. Owner, Carmen Lopez has overcame challenges that go far beyond the typical small business growing pains.
Government Affairs Update
March 14, 2023
The Chamber traveled to Springfield to meet one-on-one with Illinois legislators. The team met with IDOT Secretary Omer Osman to discuss the Moline-Chicago passenger rail project. Here's what he told us.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
March 10, 2023
The U.S. trade deficit increased by about $1 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis (about 1.6%) in January, moving from $67.2 billion to $68.3 billion. Exports jumped by 3.4% from $249.0 billion to $257.5 billion, which was the largest monthly increase since April.
Weekly Economic Trends & Indicators
March 3, 2023
Wage growth slowed for the third consecutive month in January, according to the BLS. Average earnings across all private (non-government) occupations were $33.03 per hour, up from $32.93 in December.
Passenger rail next steps
February 27, 2023
The Chamber has been a longtime advocate in supporting and securing state and federal funding for passenger rail.
PCT Ebeam and Integration expanding Davenport facility
February 27, 2023
PCT Ebeam and Integration, a global-reaching electron-beam technology company, is expanding its operations in the Quad Cities by doubling the size of their existing 30,000-square-foot facility.
Weekly Economic Trends & Indicators
February 24, 2023
A report this week by the real estate firm Redfin stated that the total value of U.S. homes fell by $2.3 trillion from June to December 2022 (decline of 4.9%).
Connecting QC youth with jobs
February 22, 2023
Hundreds of young adults attended the QC Mayors' Young Adult Hiring Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 21. Held at Bettendorf's Waterfront Convention Center, the aspring adults had the opportunity to meet with Quad Cities area businesses to learn more about the diverse job opportunities available in the Quad Cities.
Quad City Steamwheelers Reverse Job Fair seeking employers
February 22, 2023
The Quad Cities Chamber is teaming up with IowaWORKS to host the second Quad City Steamwheelers reverse hiring fair on March 13, an event where QC employers will get the opportunity to meet with Steamwheeler athletes who are seeking job opportunities that fit with their professional football schedule.
Government Affairs Update
February 20, 2023
An Iowa bill, SF 167, is a re-write of Iowa's child labor laws that would update allowed work duties. The bill would expand the allowable hours of work and expand school driving permits to include places of employment for kids aged 14-16.
Weekly Economic Trends & Indicators
February 17, 2023
Inflation continues to be a stubborn problem for the U.S. economy. This week saw two important data releases from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Chamber will provide place management services for downtown Rock Island
February 14, 2023
The Chamber is pleased to announce a partnership with the City of Rock Island to provide place management services for downtown.
Government Affairs Update
February 13, 2023
Gov. Pritzker will present his State of the State and budget address to the Illinois legislature this week. An Iowa bill that would limit the monetary award to patients involved in medical malpractice lawsuits is waiting on Gov. Reynolds' signature.
Weekly Economic Trends & Indicators
February 10, 2023
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nonfarm business sector productivity in the U.S. increased 3.0% in the fourth quarter of 2022.
2023 Employee Retention Credit
February 9, 2023
Businesses may be surprised to learn how many organizations (all types and all sizes) are eligible for ERTC and how large the total dollar amount an eligible organization can receive.
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