Quad Cities Chamber Blog

Industrial production (IP) was up slightly in the U.S. in January, but manufacturing IP has shown little movement in the last several months. How do the national trends correspond to the manufacturing labor market in the Quad Cities? Have we seen this before? This week we look back at a similar labor market from a decade ago that shows the potential for growth.

In celebration of National Entrepreneurship Week, aspiring business owners and innovators in the Quad Cities have an opportunity to turn their ideas into reality. Tippie College of Business is partnering with Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) and the Eastern Iowa Small Business Development Center to bring the University of Iowa Venture School program to Davenport this spring. Registration ends February 28, with cohort beginning March 3. Attendance is limited to 8 teams, so now is the time to sign up.

As February comes to a close, the Chamber is busy advocating for our business community in the Illinois and Iowa legislatures and on the federal level in Washington D.C. Below is our mid-session update. 

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker presented the Budget & State of the State address to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly, touching on issues that are top priorities for the Quad Cities business community.

Most people have noticed the rise in egg prices lately, but what are the other prices that are affecting overall inflation? This week, we look at what prices are up the most in January and what this means for the economy going forward.

The Quad Cities Chamber traveled to Des Moines this week with over 20 member businesses and community leaders to advocate for pro-business, pro-growth policies. Chamber members advocated for a broad range of issues, including forthcoming legislation to reorient the State’s economic development incentives – one of the Chamber’s featured priorities aligning with our 2025 Legislative Agenda. 

The U.S. economy added 143,000 jobs in January, mostly in the service sector. Locally, the Quad Cities labor market has been gradually recovering from the declines of the last year. This week, we dig into the recent job numbers and consider what they mean for the inflation picture.

The Chamber extends a warm welcome to the 9 businesses that became members in January. Thank you for your unique contributions and investment in our region's success - you are making an impact. We…

The Chamber is tracking important legislation on the federal and state levels. We encourage you to stay engaged and get involved through the Quad Cities Chamber’s Bill Tracker and our Action Alert Center.

Moline's 'practical progress, positive growth’ reflects the city’s many accomplishments in 2024, and sets the stage to tackle key issues in 2025 that align with the Quad Cities Chamber's legislative priorities.

U.S. economic growth slowed slightly in the 4th quarter as GDP rose a moderate 2.3% after adjusting for inflation. This week we examine the strengths and weaknesses identified in the latest data and consider what this means for the road ahead.

The City of East Moline has been awarded a $128,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Regional Site Readiness planning program. The funding will support development efforts for the I-80/I-88 Industrial Site.

Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms presented the State of the City address on Tuesday, January 28. Thoms focused on themes of community partnership and downtown revitalization, issues of high importance for the business community, and that align with the Chamber’s legislative goals.

What do record gains in the stock market mean for economic performance in the nation and the region? It's all about expectations for economic growth. Interest rates have been slow to fall, but more people are coming to believe growth can continue even at higher interest rates. Does this hold true for the Quad Cities region? This week, we examine that important question.

Iowa and Illinois kicked off their legislative sessions this month, with legislation and executive priorities beginning to be announced. 

Ryan Sempf, Executive Director of Government Affairs for the Chamber, traveled to the nation’s Capitol as part of the events surrounding the inauguration of President Donald Trump. During the visit, the Chamber represented the Quad Cities business community at the “Midwest is the Best” inaugural gala and attended several informal receptions on Capitol Hill leading up to the inaugural ceremonies.

Export growth slowed in 2023 and 2024. However, the Quad Cities continues to outperform similar sized metro areas in terms of export value. This week, we look at recent trade data and name the industries where the Quad Cities is among the national leaders in exports.

Results from a nationwide public opinion poll indicate chambers of commerce are vital to the prosperity of their communities. The Harris Poll survey, conducted on behalf of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), finds 81% of U.S. adults agree that their local chamber of commerce is a trusted resource and partner for businesses.

The Chamber is pleased to see Gov. Reynolds remarks on taxes, unemployment insurance, energy & infrastructure and child care during her address.

Seven businesses became new Chamber members in December.