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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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Chamber welcomes 10 businesses as new members in July
August 18, 2025
The Chamber extends a warm welcome to the 10 businesses that became members in July.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
August 12, 2025
Revisions to labor market data made the most recent employment report a larger news story than usual. However, readers of this blog may not have been too surprised as we pointed out the potential for revision last month. This week, we examine why this happens and what it means for the nation and the region.
Annual Meeting 2025: Together we’re building what’s next
August 6, 2025
At the 2025 Annual Meeting, we answered the question: What's next for the Chamber?
Annual Meeting keynote address: SBA tools businesses can leverage right now
August 6, 2025
At the Quad Cities Chamber’s 2025 Annual Meeting, we had the distinct honor of hearing from Lisa Shimkat, Associate Administrator for the SBA’s Office of Field Operations—and currently also serving as Acting Associate Administrator for Manufacturing and Trade. Her keynote was a reminder that building strong, resilient businesses is not just about growth—it’s about continuity, community and planning for the future.
Five honored with Chamber Ambassador Emeritus
August 6, 2025
During the Quad Cities Chamber 2025 Annual Meeting, five ambassadors were honored with a new designation - Chamber Ambassador Emeritus. This honor was given to long-term ambassadors who’ve generously served as volunteers for 10 years or more.
Jeff & Regina Goldstein named Regional Champions of Change
August 6, 2025
The Regional Champion of Change award was presented to Jeff and Regina Goldstein at the Quad Cities Chamber's 2025 Annual Meeting.The couple are founders of the Jeff and Regina Goldstein Foundation. Jeff Goldstein is the Chairman and CEO of Alter Logistics, and is the fourth generation to lead the company, which was established by his grandfather and great-grandfather in 1898.
ALM Positioners honored as 2025 Business of the Year
August 6, 2025
The Quad Cities Chamber honored ALM positioners as Business of the Year at its 2025 Annual Meeting.
Headquartered in Rock Island, ALM Positioners has been in business for 42 years and continues to stand out as a leader in high-tech manufacturing and innovation. Under the leadership of President and CEO Patrick Pollock, the company has achieved exceptional year-over-year growth, doubling its sales in the past three years and expanding its workforce.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
August 5, 2025
U.S. GDP increased at a 3% annual rate in the 2nd quarter, but was this report really as good as the headline? Is spending by consumers and businesses keeping pace with expectations? This week, we examine these questions and discuss the impact of the latest employment report on the path of interest rates.
Help Rock Island remove the fire sprinkler mandate for new homes
August 5, 2025
Contact the Rock Island City Council to help them fully remove the mandate on requiring fire sprinkler systems in all new one and two-family homes built in Rock Island. The ordinance will be up for a second reading at the next council meeting on August 11. Visit the Chamber's Advocacy Action Center to instantly send an email to all council members.
We think you’re a big deal
July 30, 2025
At the Quad Cities Chamber, every ribbon cutting and business celebration we host is more than just the big scissors and a photo op—it’s a symbol of growth, momentum and pride in our region.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
July 29, 2025
A large spike in the trade deficit in advance of tariffs this spring pushed the value of the dollar down, much to the relief of exporters. With imports returning to normal levels, will the dollar claw its way back up? This week we consider the relationship between tariffs and the dollar that are critical to regions like the Quad Cities with so many trade connections.
Chamber roundtables encourage business leaders to dig deeper into local issues
July 23, 2025
Our team continues to advocate for businesses by creating a bridge between local elected officials and Quad Cities business leaders. This summer, roundtables were held in Illinois in East Moline, Moline and Rock Island. Similar events will be held in Iowa after the local elections in November.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
July 22, 2025
The Midwest economy slowed more than other parts of the country in the first quarter. What is the explanation, and what does this mean for the Quad Cities region in the second half of the year? This week, our mid-year review continues with a look at the regional economy.
Fifteen businesses become Chamber members in June
July 15, 2025
The Chamber extends a warm welcome to the 15 businesses that became members in June.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
July 15, 2025
This week, we look back at the economic news of the first half of 2025. Trade policy seems to have dominated the news, especially since April. Have there been or will there be significant effects on economic performance resulting from tariff changes? Are there other factors affecting the outlook?
Federal Tax Legislation is a win for the local business community
July 10, 2025
For several years, the Quad Cities Chamber has advocated for certainty and the extension of key federal tax provisions for employers. Last week, President Trump signed legislation into law that includes a permanent extension of all the Chamber’s tax priorities.
InternQC connects young talent from around the globe
July 10, 2025
The Chamber’s 2025 InternQC program is connecting young talent with the people, places and experiences that make the Quad Cities a unique, friendly and accessible place to live and work.
Through a…
Local Students Explore Careers in Forging on Chamber-led tour in Waterloo
July 9, 2025
The Quad Cities Chamber recently led a student tour to John Deere Waterloo Works Foundry and the Foundry 4.0 Center at the University of Northern Iowa, giving 13 students from the Rock Island YWCA summer program and 5 adults a hands-on look at careers in casting, forging and advanced manufacturing.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
July 8, 2025
Two major national employment reports pointed in opposite directions in June. While hiring may be slowing nationally, layoffs are also less frequent. In the Quad Cities, seasonal summer hiring was just enough to keep employment levels nearly steady. This week, we look at the details behind the headline numbers.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
July 1, 2025
First quarter U.S. nonfarm business productivity decreased by 1.5%. U.S. Manufacturing productivity, which is especially important in the Quad Cities, was up by 4.4%. Why does productivity matter in the fight against inflation, and what do these numbers mean for policy?
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