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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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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 show was opportunity to show off Quad Cities mixed-use assets
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.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
May 13, 2026
Headline job growth in the U.S. beat expectations in April, but some sectors gained more than others. In the Quad Cities, employment has cooled slightly since January, but remains well above late 2025. What part of the Quad Cities job market is the hottest right now? This week, we answer that question and put it in the national context.
Local chambers help bridge the trust gap
May 13, 2026
A recent study by Edelman, a global communications firm, shows that trust in national institutions continues to decline. People are placing more value in the relationships closest to them -- co-workers, employers, neighbors and local organizations. That shift creates both a challenge and an opportunity for chambers of commerce, which have long served as relationship builders within their communities.
10 businesses join Chamber in April
May 12, 2026
The Chamber extends a warm welcome to the 10 businesses that became members in April.
Iowa legislative season ends with compromises on annual budget and property tax reforms
May 6, 2026
Iowa’s 91st General Assembly completed its work last weekend, reaching compromises on a $9.6 billion annual budget and property tax reform before adjourning. Governor Kim Reynolds now has 30 days to sign or veto them.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
May 6, 2026
U.S. GDP rebounded in the first quarter from a lackluster fourth quarter. However, the 2% overall growth rate hides the fact that some areas are slowing down or even contracting, while others are super hot. This week we dig into the details in the GDP numbers and what they say about where the economy is going.
Iowa and Illinois state houses remain active with deadlines approaching
April 29, 2026
The Iowa and Illinois state houses have passed key procedural milestones, but remain actively at work with budget negotiations and procedural deadlines looming. The Chamber continues to closely track the Property Tax Reform Bill in Iowa, as well as the Middle Income Housing Grant and Passenger Rail in Illinois.
More than 7,200 small businesses keep the QC economy rolling
April 29, 2026
Next week, May 3 – 9, marks National Small Business Week -- a time to recognize the entrepreneurs and small business owners who keep local economies moving. In the QC, the impact of small business is not only visible, it’s measurable. And the numbers may surprise you.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
April 28, 2026
Midwest agricultural exports were up in the 4th quarter of 2025 as were total exports for the region. Nationwide, the trade deficit was slightly higher in February, but it was lower than it was a year ago. This week, we look at key exports for the Quad Cities in the context of national trends.
What importers need to know about accessing tariff refunds
April 24, 2026
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has begun refunding importers who have paid now-illegal tariffs. Importers and authorized customs brokers may now begin using the CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) tool, once they complete several important steps in accessing the portal.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
April 22, 2026
Inflation is back in the news as tensions in the Middle East have caused oil prices to spike. Does this eliminate any chance of an interest rate cut this year? This week, we examine which parts of the economy are seeing the greatest inflation surge and what to look for going forward.
Quad Cities Chamber advocates for regional priorities on Capitol Hill
April 17, 2026
Members of the Quad Cities Chamber and a delegation of local business leaders met with Iowa and Illinois members of Congress to advance federal priorities that support economic growth, workforce readiness and long-term regional competitiveness.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
April 15, 2026
January is typically the seasonal low for employment in the Quad Cities, but after seasonal adjustment the numbers are showing signs of improvement. Plus, the latest data revisions going back to 2024 show that the Quad Cities gained more jobs than originally estimated. This week, we discuss where the gains and losses were the largest and what it means going forward.
A strong Board helps QC Chamber be a unifier and amplifier
April 15, 2026
“Strong boards create strong chambers, and strong chambers build strong local economies,” said Peter Tokar III, President & CEO of the Chamber. “We’re here to serve all the businesses of the Quad Cities. It’s important that Board leadership reflects the diversity of our local business community from all angles.”
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