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.
Want to stay informed? Here's how.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
January 7, 2026
U.S. economic performance in 2025 was mostly positive, with a slowing labor market at year's end. Locally, the labor slowdown started earlier. Will it end sooner? What can we expect for the regional economy in the Quad Cities in 2026?
Chamber welcomes 5 new members in December
January 6, 2026
The Chamber welcomes 5 new members in December.
Electro Freeze announces relocation to support growing customer demand
December 22, 2025
Electro Freeze®, a Welbilt® company and a global leader in frozen treat machine innovation and manufacturing, announced its intent to relocate its operations from East Moline to a new facility in Davenport. The estimated capital investment for the project is $16.3 million with 169 jobs retained and approximately 83 future jobs created.
Manufacturers: Now is the time to opt in to FAME program
December 19, 2025
Riverbend FAME Chapter needs buy-in from local manufacturers - and Grow Quad Cities is leading the charge.
Grow QC and the QC Chamber missions remain strong heading into 2026
December 17, 2025
Here’s a look at what Grow Quad Cities and the Chamber have been focused on as we head into 2026.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
December 17, 2025
One of the most consequential economic news stories of 2025 was the increase in tariffs. In this first of a two part series reviewing the events of 2025 in business and economic data, we ask what we have learned about the impact of tariffs and the prospects going forward both locally and nationally.
Chamber hosts roundtable with City of Bettendorf
December 10, 2025
This week, the Chamber hosted a local government roundtable in Bettendorf, bringing together city officials and business leaders for an open, solutions-focused discussion on the issues shaping the local business environment. Topics included the upcoming police station and transportation planning.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
December 9, 2025
Interest rates are in the news again this week, but should we broaden our policy options? At last Friday's Economic Forecast, Kevin Depew indicated that we should. Specifically, it may be time to start thinking about how fiscal policy can address economic problems that monetary policy cannot. This week, we consider why monetary policy may be hitting the limit of what it can offer and why fiscal policy can help.
Nine businesses become Chamber members in November
December 8, 2025
The Chamber extends a warm welcome to the 9 businesses that became members in November. Thank you for your unique contributions and investment in our region's success - you are making an impact.
2026 Economic Forecast: Cautiously Optimistic
December 5, 2025
“Overall, the U.S. economy is expected to hold steady going into 2026,” said Kevin Depew, RSM Deputy Chief Economist, who along with Bill Polley, Grow Quad Cities’ Senior Director of Business Intelligence, provided a grounded outlook on growth, inflation, labor markets and the risks that could shape business planning in 2026.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
December 3, 2025
This week, we continue to catch up on economic data that was delayed by the federal government shutdown. For the most part, the data showed an economy that was holding it's own after a turbulent spring and summer. There was also some encouraging news for the job market in Iowa and Illinois.
Shopping small is big win: Join our Small Business Challenge!
November 25, 2025
Join the Chamber in supporting the nationwide movement to support small businesses by exploring local shops and markets in the QC this Saturday, Nov. 29, on Small Business Saturday.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
November 25, 2025
This week, we look at the first U.S. employment statistics since the government shutdown. The headlines were positive, but concerns remain about what is happening underneath the surface. Is it enough to move interest rates lower?
Chamber hosts Iowa Governor Reynolds for Property Tax Roundtable
November 18, 2025
On Tuesday, November 18, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds traveled to the Quad Cities to meet with city, county, school and business leaders from across Scott County at an invitation-only event hosted by the Chamber. The discussion centered on opportunities to reform Iowa's property tax system ahead of the 2026 legislative session.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
November 18, 2025
Economic data releases have been delayed by the shutdown, but alternative sources have attempted to satisfy the demand for real-time labor market information. This week we look at one such source that has been around for a while and one that is fairly new. Along the way, we encounter an early argument for the government provision of economic data.
Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance and Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute partnering; Executive Director hired
November 18, 2025
The Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA), an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber, and Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute (QCMI) have joined forces to maximize the resources of both organizations to drive large-scale economic growth for the Quad Cities region. Col. Shawn Creamer (U.S. Army, Ret.) has been hired as the joint Executive Director.
Government shutdown ends
November 14, 2025
On Wednesday, November 12, President Trump signed legislation providing a temporary funding fix for the federal government, ending the shutdown.
Government contracting: What small businesses need to know
November 12, 2025
Securing a government contract can be a game changer for small business owners looking to scale, but the complex process and stringent requirements often discourage many from pursuing what could be a transformative opportunity.
Chamber events get business connections brewing
November 12, 2025
As one of our most well-attended events, Coffee MeetUp brings together business owners, professionals and familiar faces from the Chamber for the simple purpose of conversation. Coffee MeetUp is one of the many Chamber events that help local professionals engage, collaborate and move their businesses forward.
Weekly Economic Trends and Indicators
November 12, 2025
Inflation remained above the Federal Reserve's target in September. This week, we look at which goods and services are experiencing the most inflation and discuss the implications for the year ahead.
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