2020 marks new era for Quad Cities Chamber

Not only is 2020 the Quad Cities Chamber’s 10th anniversary, but it also marks the beginning of a new era for the organization.

In alignment with the Q2030 regional vision, we haven’t changed our goals for the coming decade (to grow the region’s population, increase gross regional product (GRP) and serve more businesses), but our path to get there looks a little different.

Over the last year, we’ve worked to streamline our organization, reduce internal silos and create efficiencies to maximize the impact of our resources on the region’s economic growth and your success.

Most recently the Chamber merged with its longtime economic development arm called Quad Cities First, establishing a new Chamber team to fulfill the full spectrum of business and economic growth needs. In addition to some adjustments to the Chamber staff to best serve our market segments, the Chamber Board of Directors will expand to include local government and K-12 officials to help lead our efforts.

“It’s great to have everyone on the same team so we can speak and act with one voice,” Chamber President & CEO Paul Rumler said. “It’s the best way to advance business and economic growth in the region."

Other organizational changes include:

• The alignment of Grow Quad Cities – Iowa and Grow Quad Cities – Illinois as the Quad Cities Chamber Foundation, a regionally focused 501c3 fundraising arm of the Chamber.
• The Rock Island Arsenal Development Group is now affiliated with the Chamber, and its new name is the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance. Its primary focus is economic growth on Arsenal Island.
• The dissolution of the Chamber’s Illinois Growth Political Action Committee (PAC) and the Iowa Growth PAC. A new federal PAC, unaffiliated with the Chamber, is being created to support candidates and issues in the Quad Cities region. The Chamber will continue to collect voluntary contributions from area businesses to give to the new PAC, but the Chamber will not issue political endorsements or direct financial contributions to candidates for public office.

The Chamber is also proceeding on its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) journey. This past February the Chamber Board adopted a framework to build on internal competencies, better serve customers and create lasting impact in the region. One example of this work is the Chamber’s recent creation of a DEI Toolkit to help businesses build or enhance their own DEI plans.

“I’m excited the Chamber has already prioritized DEI, and we are on our way to embedding it into our organizational strategy,” Rumler said.

In the face of economic uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic, the Chamber has adapted and evolved over the last several months. Just like we advise other businesses, we are cutting back where possible, conserving cash to make it through. Because of these measures, grants from area foundations and the continued support and investment from our members and sponsors, the Chamber remains in a stable financial position.

Adversity has prompted the Chamber to refine its focus and purpose, too. As we aspire to achieve our Q2030 goals, the Chamber remains committed to creating a prosperous regional economy where all can thrive and facilitating business growth through these unique services:

• Advocacy
• Business connections
• Financial assistance
• Business intelligence
• Promotions
• Regional marketing
• Leadership development
• Placemaking

“This past year has been called many things, and from my perspective, it’s truly been a defining year for the Chamber,” Rumler said.