Blog

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. 

Want to stay informed, sign up for our weekly enews.

New Members
Fourteen businesses become Chamber members in April
May 9, 2024
The Chamber extends a warm welcome to the 14 businesses that became members in April.
New Members
Chamber welcomes 12 new members in March
April 10, 2024
The Chamber gives a warm welcome to the 12 businesses that became members in March. We thank you for your unique contributions and investment in our region's success.
Hob Nosh 2023
Sip, sample, mix and mingle at Hob Nosh 2024
March 27, 2024
Get set to kick your networking game up a notch. The Chamber's most anticipated after-hours event is almost here and you won't want to miss it. Hob Nosh, presented by Mediacom Business and TBK Bank, is making its return on Thursday, April 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf. 
New members
Chamber welcomed 20 new members in February
March 13, 2024
Chamber membership numbers are strong as we begin 2024.
Chamber office
Chamber office update
February 13, 2024
We’re excited to share that the Quad Cities Chamber office will be moving this spring/summer.
Peter Tokar III
Q & A with Chamber President and CEO, Peter Tokar III
February 7, 2024
​​​​​​As Peter Tokar III, MBA, MEDP settles into his new role as the President & CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber, we asked him a few questions about the community he just stepped into, and what his thoughts are about our area and its status as a "best kept secret." Tokar comes to the Quad Cities most recently from McKinney, Texas where he was President & CEO of the McKinney Economic Development Corporation.
Welcome New Members
Chamber welcomes new members
February 7, 2024
The Quad Cities Chamber gives a warm welcome to 13 local businesses that became members in December 2023 and January 2024. 
Terri Smith
Events Coordinator Terri Smith retires
January 31, 2024
The Chamber bids a fond farewell to Events Coordinator, Terri Smith. Terri's memorable smile, positive attitude and constant presence at Chamber events for the past 10 years will be missed by staff and members alike. 
Thank you LaDrina Wilson
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.
Peter Tokar III
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.
Welcome to our newest members
Welcome new members Sept.-Nov. 2023
December 5, 2023
We welcomed 18 new members in September - November and you're encouraged you to reach out and get to know these businesses.
Membership & Events team
Meet the Membership & Events team
November 14, 2023
There’s a new team at the Quad Cities Chamber with the launch of the Membership & Events department, which will play a pivotal role in the Chamber’s efforts to support and promote our local business community. With six full-time team members, they will work directly with our members to manage and maximize the benefits of their memberships.
Amazon ribbon cutting
“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.
deere harvester welding
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.
Makers on the Move Bus Tour
“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. 
Quad Cities River Bandits Philanthropy
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.
New Quad Cities Chamber members August 2023
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.
2024 Legislative Survey
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.
Deere recycling efforts
QC, That’s Where Companies Commit to Pursuing Sustainability
August 22, 2023
Companies everywhere are evaluating how their operational practices impact the world, especially the regions in which they’re located. The Chamber spoke with two Quad Cities businesses, John Deere and 3M, who are executing policies and practices to champion long-term sustainability and create positive outcomes in the community. 
Generation Next image of first cohort
Generation Next announces first cohort
August 21, 2023
Generation Next is a brand new program bringing together the best and brightest mid-career professionals to prepare them for careers as community leaders, and the first cohort is all set to embark on their journey. We're proud to announce the first cohort for Generation Next.
Larry Anderson Regional Champion of Change
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 business of the year
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.
Arron Sutherland Volunteer of the Year
Arron Sutherland and Nicole Watson-Lam honored as Co-Volunteers of the Year
August 10, 2023
Arron Sutherland and Nicole Watson-Lam were named Co-Volunteers of the Year. Their success in sparking new economic growth opportunities and improving quality of life in downtown Rock Island is what makes them Co-Volunteers of the year. 
New Chamber website
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.
new members graphic
Glad you could join us. Welcome June & July new members!
August 1, 2023
The Quad Cities Chamber welcomed eight new members in June and July. Thank you to each of these organizations for their unique contributions and investment in our region's success- you are making an impact.