Quad Cities Chamber Blog | Quad Cities Chamber

Chamber attends hearing to support Middle Income Housing Bill

May 8, 2024

On Wednesday May 1, the Quad Cities Chamber traveled to Springfield to testify in support of SB2922, the Middle Income Housing Bill, a bill drafted by the Chamber to create new incentives targeted at developers to support new housing development.

Iowa Legislative Session recap

May 1, 2024

The Iowa Legislative Session is now complete. Bills passed that were supported by the Quad Cities Chamber included: Income and Property Tax Reform, Work-based Learning and the MEGA (Major Economic Growth and Attraction) Program. Read more for a comprehensive list from the Session.

Final rulings made on Overtime Salary Thresholds and Nullification of Noncompete Provisions

April 25, 2024

On Tuesday, April 23, 2024 the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued separate final rules on two major issues: Increases to Overtime Salary Thresholds (DOL) and Nullification of Noncompete Provisions. We're providing information for business owners on actions that should be taken in the short term to understand the impact of these rules and adapt.

Iowa Senate passes Major Economic Growth and Attraction (MEGA) Program

April 17, 2024

On Tuesday, April 16, the Iowa Senate passed a compromised version of the Major Economic Growth and Attraction (MEGA) Program. This closes two years of work to create a new incentive to help Iowa compete for large-scale economic development projects, defined in the bill as more than $1 billion in investment on a certified site of at least 250 acres. The bill now awaits Governor Reynold’s signature and is expected to take effect quickly thereafter.

QC Chamber attends Illinois Chamber of Commerce Day on the Hill

April 17, 2024

The Quad Cities Chamber attended the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Day on the Hill last week and discussed key issues with Illinois legislators. Multiple issues were discussed including the proposal for the elimination of the tip credit for tipped employees, budget talks and economic development incentives for the state.

Deadlines approaching on key Illinois legislation

March 27, 2024

The Chamber has been actively promoting legislation in Illinois related to housing and development, and has engaged our local legislators on additional business-related topics including a number of workplace regulations that change the employer-employee relationship. Deadlines on legislation are quickly approaching and now is our opportunity to ensure we achieve a positive outcome this session.

Iowa legislature completes 2nd funnel

March 20, 2024

Last Friday, March 15, the Iowa Legislature completed its second funnel and has determined which bills it will focus on passing this session. In other news from the Legislature, the Iowa Revenue Estimating Conference released its Estimate of General Fund Receipts. This report sets the limit for spending unless it's for the Legislature's FY25 negotiations.

Chamber travels to Springfield to continue conversations with legislators

March 20, 2024

The Quad Cities Chamber traveled to the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday, March 20 for a day of impactful conversations with Illinois top legislators and our local members of the general assembly. Discussions included the need for new programs to support middle-income housing, overregulation of employer-employee relationships and the final push for passenger rail in our region.

Quad Cities Chamber statement on President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address

March 8, 2024

President Joe Biden touched on issues impacting the Quad Cities in his State of the Union address, with both positive and negative impacts on our region. Site-readiness, workforce issues - including education and immigration - and the tax structure are all key concerns for the Quad Cities Chamber.

Chamber reacts to East Moline State of the City address

March 6, 2024

On Thursday, March 7, East Moline Mayor Reggie Freeman delivered the 2024 State of the City address, highlighting key accomplishments and priorities from the past year. East Moline's cohesive plan aligns with the Chamber's priorities, focusing on investments in downtown and riverfront amenities, as well as attracting new businesses to the area.

Chamber travels to Washington D.C. to advocate for federal legislative priorities

March 6, 2024

The Quad Cities Chamber delegation traveled to our nation’s capital this week to advocate for our federal legislative priorities meeting with U.S. Senate and House members over two days.

Chamber reacts to Moline State of the City address

February 28, 2024

In her State of the City Address, Mayor Rayapati spoke on the importance of having a balanced approach to governing that would ensure a bright future for the city. The Chamber supports the City's commitment to keeping property tax rates low, and is pleased to see its grant program succeed.

Iowa Legislature completes first funnel

February 22, 2024

Iowa's first legislative funnel is complete. Although surviving bills are not across the finish line, they have completed the first key step in becoming law. Read more about the bills the Chamber is tracking, and where they stand.

Chamber reacts to Governor Pritzker’s budget address

February 22, 2024

The Quad Cities Chamber applauds Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for a continued commitment to balanced budgets, which creates stability and certainty for businesses and residents. The Chamber sees…

Chamber Travels to Iowa Capitol

February 7, 2024

The Quad Cities traveled in force to the Iowa Capitol this week with more than 20 business and community leaders from across the region. During the trip, members met with House and Senate leaders to promote our region's pro-growth policies and position it as a great place to do business.

Legislative Overview - January 2024

January 29, 2024

With the first month of the new year coming to a close, the Quad Cities Chamber has been busy at work in Des Moines, Springfield, and Washington D.C.

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

2024 Illinois Legislative Preview

January 18, 2024

The Illinois legislature reconvened on Tuesday, Jan. 16, and the Quad Cities Chamber was in Springfield meeting with legislators to promote our priorities. As we look at our policy goals, we focus on business and economic growth, quality of place, and workforce.

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.

Statement on Governor Kim Reynolds’ Condition of the State Address

January 9, 2024

The Quad Cities Chamber is pleased to see Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ continued commitment to creating a pro-growth, pro-business environment.

2024 Iowa Legislative Session kicks off

January 9, 2024

The legislative session in Iowa kicked off this week and the Chamber will be actively advocating for QC businesses with our policy goals focused on business and economic growth, quality of place, and workforce.

IL paid leave act, H-1B visa proposal

January 4, 2024

The new Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers (PLAWA) law requires that all employees, regardless of employment status, must receive paid time off benefits. The Chamber urges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to avoid adoption requirements that would narrow eligibility for H-1B visas.

Chamber opposes Dept. of Labor rule on exempt employees

November 13, 2023

The Chamber opposes the rule change, as it would lead to a significant amount of currently exempt (not eligible for overtime) employees being either reclassified as non-exempt (eligible for overtime) or require an increase in wages to move those employees above $55,068 p er year.

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.

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.

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.