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? Here's how.
QC joins Illinois EDC program to turn data into economic growth
June 26, 2026
Grow Quad Cities has joined the Illinois Economic Development Corporation’s Economic Research Center's Regional Research Pilot Program (R2P2), a new initiative designed to provide deeper, forward-looking research and economic growth planning support to communities and partners across Illinois.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
June 25, 2026
U.S. inflation numbers came in a little higher than expected in May. This week, we look at the sectors where inflation is the hottest and investigate whether recent developments could bring relief in June's data.
Project GATEWAY ushers in a new era of travel for the Quad Cities
June 24, 2026
The Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) is embarking on a transformation that will reshape the travel experience for residents, visitors and businesses across the region. Known as Project GATEWAY, this long-term modernization initiative is reimagining the facility from the ground up, creating a more efficient, accessible and welcoming environment while positioning the airport to serve the region for decades to come.
Chambers were a part of America before we were officially America
June 23, 2026
Chambers were a part of America before we were officially America -- eight years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Long before we had a Congress, a Constitution or a country, local business leaders were already gathering to strengthen their communities, support commerce and build the foundations of economic life.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
June 18, 2026
There were two significant news events in the economic world recently with the potential to affect the outlook for the second half of the year. This week, we discuss how a new Federal Reserve Chair and a drop in oil prices could impact inflation and growth in the months ahead.
Davenport State of the City address emphasizes that it’s a “New Day” for the City
June 12, 2026
Davenport Mayor Jason Gordon delivered his inaugural State of the City address on Thursday, June 11, titled “A New Day,” emphasizing the importance of neighborhood investment, organizational stability and community connection.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
June 11, 2026
U.S. job growth beat expectations in May, but the gains were not evenly distributed across sectors. This week, we look at which sectors gained the most jobs and why.
Seeking Small Business of the Year nominations
June 10, 2026
All Chamber members are encouraged to apply for the Small Business of the Year award. The winner will be recognized on August 5 during the 2026 Quad Cities Chamber Annual Meeting presented by Mediacom & Mediacom Business.
Business of Excellence Awards
June 10, 2026
All Chamber members are encouraged to apply for the Business of Excellence Award. The winners will be recognized on August 5 during the 2026 Quad Cities Chamber Annual Meeting presented by Mediacom.
Corporation of the Year
June 10, 2026
All Chamber members are encouraged to apply for the Corporation of the Year award. The winner will be recognized on August 5 during the 2026 Quad Cities Chamber Annual Meeting presented by Mediacom.
Illinois legislative season wraps up with $55.95 billion FY 2027 budget, and 395 bills approved
June 5, 2026
The Illinois General Assembly concluded its 2026 spring legislative session in the early morning hours of June 1, ending a session uniquely shaped by differing legislative calendars and priorities between the House and Senate. The General Assembly approved a $55.95 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget, supported by a projected $55.945 billion in state revenues.
RIADA and QCMI highlight progress advancing manufacturing and defense initiatives in the QC
June 4, 2026
The Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA) and Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute (QCMI)announced continued progress in their joint efforts to strengthen the Quad Cities region’s manufacturing and defense ecosystem.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
June 4, 2026
April brought a strong seasonal uptick in jobs in the Quad Cities, although seasonally adjusted numbers have been little changed over the last few months. One sector has stood out recently with consistent job growth over the last few years. This week, we identify that high-performing sector and some others that have also seen solid growth.
10 businesses join the Chamber in May
June 2, 2026
The Chamber extends a warm welcome to the 10 businesses that became members in May.
ICSC was opportunity to show off Quad Cities’ focus on mixed-use development
June 1, 2026
Grow Quad Cities joined more than 25,000 commercial real estate and retail leaders at ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) Las Vegas, held May 17–20. This year’s show aligned perfectly with Grow's new focus on mixed‑use and riverfront development across the Quad Cities.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
May 27, 2026
In the last two years, U.S. labor productivity growth has been well above pre-2020 levels. Is AI driving these productivity gains? This week, we consider the recent trends and explore why the question about AI's role in productivity is important for the economic outlook.
Illinois legislative season draws to close: What the Chamber is tracking
May 26, 2026
With only one week remaining before scheduled adjournment, activity in Springfield is expected to remain fast-paced as negotiations intensify around the state budget, Governor Pritzker’s Build Housing Initiative, and the Chicago Bears Stadium/Mega Project Bill.
Chamber’s Generation Next program challenges young leaders to make an impact through volunteerism; acts of service
May 21, 2026
The Chamber's Generation Next program wrapped up its 2026 cohort on May 20, with a group of 39 young professionals from a variety of businesses and non-profits in the area.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
May 20, 2026
Prices continued to rise in April with evidence that oil and gas price increases are spilling over into the rest of the economy. In the Midwest, inflation has been running slightly hotter than in the rest of the country, a change from previous years. This week, we look at one of the reasons for this reversal.
Amazon’s WIO4 last-mile delivery station brings jobs, economic momentum to the QC
May 15, 2026
The new 96,000 square-foot Amazon last-mile delivery station, WIO4, in Davenport brings 675 new jobs to the QC; processes over 26,000 packages per day.
Category