Blog
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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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Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
February 27, 2024
Productivity was up in the U.S. economy in the fourth quarter of 2023 both for the manufacturing sector as well as the rest of the economy. The increase in productivity comes even as manufacturing output declined in the quarter. What is the reason for this, and what implication does it have for the fight against inflation? We answer these questions this week with an eye toward what to expect in the months ahead.
Chamber reacts to Bettendorf State of the City address
February 22, 2024
On Wednesday, Feb. 21, Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher delivered the 2024 State of the City address. Many of the initiatives he highlighted align with the Chamber’s local legislative agenda.
Iowa Legislature completes first funnel
February 22, 2024
Iowa's first legislative funnel is complete. Although surviving bills are not across the finish line, they have completed the first key step in becoming law. Read more about the bills the Chamber is tracking, and where they stand.
Chamber reacts to Governor Pritzker’s budget address
February 22, 2024
The Quad Cities Chamber applauds Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for a continued commitment to balanced budgets, which creates stability and certainty for businesses and residents. The Chamber sees…
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
February 20, 2024
Economic news has been better than expected, and that has consequences for bond yields. Why has the 10-year Treasury note been on a roller coaster ride lately, and what does it mean for consumers and small businesses? This week, we continue our focus on financial markets and look at how the bond market responds to changing expectations.
Chamber office update
February 13, 2024
We’re excited to share that the Quad Cities Chamber office will be moving this spring/summer.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
February 13, 2024
On Friday, the S&P 500 stock index reached 5000 for the first time in its history. What does it mean for Main Street when Wall Street is hitting record highs? This week we put the stock market into perspective by explaining some of the reasons for the recent gains and how these events impact consumer and business confidence and spending.
Q & A with Chamber President and CEO, Peter Tokar III
February 7, 2024
As Peter Tokar III, MBA, MEDP settles into his new role as the President & CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber, we asked him a few questions about the community he just stepped into, and what his thoughts are about our area and its status as a "best kept secret." Tokar comes to the Quad Cities most recently from McKinney, Texas where he was President & CEO of the McKinney Economic Development Corporation.
Made in Illinois grant program announced, Chamber integral in creation
February 7, 2024
Last week, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced with the Governor’s Office the Made in Illinois Grant Program. The creation of this funding tool was a direct result of the Chamber's Business & Economic Growth team relentlessly advocating for matching grant funding for manufacturing in Illinois.
Chamber welcomes new members
February 7, 2024
The Quad Cities Chamber gives a warm welcome to 13 local businesses that became members in December 2023 and January 2024.
Chamber Travels to Iowa Capitol
February 7, 2024
The Quad Cities traveled in force to the Iowa Capitol this week with more than 20 business and community leaders from across the region. During the trip, members met with House and Senate leaders to promote our region's pro-growth policies and position it as a great place to do business.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
February 6, 2024
Strong job growth continues at both the national and local levels. The U.S. economy added 353,000 jobs in January--much more than expected. Meanwhile, the Quad Cities economy added 1,000 jobs over the course of 2023. However, the sectors that gained the most jobs nationally were not the same as those that gained the most locally. This week we examine both national and local employment and consider the implications.
Events Coordinator Terri Smith retires
January 31, 2024
The Chamber bids a fond farewell to Events Coordinator, Terri Smith. Terri's memorable smile, positive attitude and constant presence at Chamber events for the past 10 years will be missed by staff and members alike.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
January 30, 2024
Once again, economic data came in better than expected. U.S. real gross domestic product rose 3.3 percent in the fourth quarter, well above expectations. While consumer spending was high, inventory growth decreased reflecting a slowdown in manufacturing in the last part of the year. How will this news affect interest rates in 2024? This week we examine the market's reaction to the news.
Legislative Overview - January 2024
January 29, 2024
With the first month of the new year coming to a close, the Quad Cities Chamber has been busy at work in Des Moines, Springfield, and Washington D.C.
Illinois Hydrogen & Tech Hub designation
January 29, 2024
Illinois was awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the Midwest Hydrogen Hub. The $1 billion award hopes to foster a healthy economic environment for the hydrogen production market and create clean energy jobs across the Midwest region.
Site Selection Magazine gives #1 rankings to Illinois & Iowa for workforce development
January 28, 2024
Site Selection Magazine ranked both Illinois and Iowa #1 for workforce development in 2024 for their respective regions.
Chamber reacts to Rock Island State of City address
January 24, 2024
On Monday, Jan. 22, Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms presented the 2024 State of the City address. Thoms highlighted many items the Chamber supports that align with our legislative agenda’s goals including: supporting small business; encouraging long-term planning for growth, supporting implementation of complete streets in the urban core; promoting redevelopment and revitalization of blighted neighborhoods
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
January 23, 2024
Once again economic data came in better than expected with U.S. industrial production up 0.1 percent in December. However, performance was mixed across various industries in 2023. This week, we look at the numbers from 2023 and consider how they moved market expectations for interest rate cuts in 2024. Will rates remain "higher for longer?"
Chamber names participants for 3rd Leadership QC cohort
January 19, 2024
The Chamber’s third Leadership QC cohort is slated to begin on Thursday, Jan. 25. This group of 12 community-minded leaders and change-makers from the area's business and non-profit world will have a chance to discuss and facilitate solutions to our community's most challenging business and social issues.
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