Quad Cities Chamber Blog

The underlying issue of a lack of workforce in some cases may be a barrier to employment - access to high-quality, affordable childcare. “During several site visits with manufacturers, the topic of workforce eventually comes up,” said Chris Caves, VP, Business & Economic Growth for the Chamber. “We’ve learned that workforce shortages can have many nuances, and one key factor is lack of childcare for employees.” Recently, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced a new Child Care Business Incentive Grant Program to incentivize employer investment in childcare.

The QC is the heart of the Midwest, a proud, forward-thinking family of communities connected by the mighty Mississippi. Young professionals like Haley DeGreve love it here because they want to be part of its roots and reach-- to live in a place that is as genuine as it is quirky, a region where they can start something and make a difference, where they enjoy an open-minded network and drive that makes the region a hub of ambition for a new generation.

Deere & Company is sponsoring the first class of IGNITE to introduce high school students and adult learners to Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 skills, careers and the many opportunities available to them. Registration is now open and seats are limited. Offered by Black Hawk College, this new, multi-module program enables high school and adult learners to develop critical foundational skills in advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0.

The Iowa Legislature adjourned the Second Session of the 89th General Assembly in the early hours of May 25th, after a nearly month-long gridlock. Governor Kim Reynolds and leadership in both the House and Senate worked to find a compromise on key policy issues including the FY 2023 budget, Iowa’s bottle bill, tax reform, pharmacy benefit managers, and education savings accounts (ESA). Agreements were reached on all priorities with the exception of ESA.

The talent shortage is a challenge that we are collectively tackling with businesses, organizations and members throughout the region. Collaboration is key, and there is one more thing you can do. Post your Member Job Opportunities for free on our website.

An affordable cost of living, great ground-level business opportunities, a thriving arts and music scene, a welcoming local community — these and other winning factors merge to make the Quad Cities a great place to live, work and play.

When contracts with national retailers were cut back, the destination for popcorn and all things snacking went from supplying gift baskets to big-box stores around the country to providing personal and corporate gifts directly to consumers. Jody Britton, Owner & CEO, Sweet Tooth Snacks, has since opened two storefronts and hired more than 25 employees to keep up with QC and national market demand.

Arts Alley, the public alleyway at 1719 2nd Ave. in Downtown Rock Island, will undergo a major facelift thanks to a $267,181 grant award to the Quad Cities Chamber and City of Rock Island from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

Kyle Carter has earned the newly established designation of Certified Leader in Place Management by the International Downtown Association (IDA). Carter is the Quad Cities Chamber Vice President, Place Management and Executive Director of the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP). The IDA certification recognizes Carter demonstrates the deep knowledge necessary to lead a place management organization.

Five innovative companies headquartered in the QC distribute products and services throughout the U.S. Whether making KETO pizza crusts, creating cutting-edge websites, supporting dental practices through niche IT, providing essential engineering services to build amazing structures or designing beautifully packaged specialty popcorn and sweets, these businesses are thriving in the heart of the Midwest.

The Quad Cities Chamber asked tenured leaders from across the QC to step up and make a commitment to be part of the solution to the talent shortage, as individuals and for the region. Only collectively will we reach the goal of growing our population to 500,000 by 2030. During the most recent Business Forum: Growing Our Region, participants took part in table discussions to share best practices, develop ideas and discuss solutions on how to grow the QC workforce. Each person committed to putting at least one of those into play within their business or in our community.

The connections Gerry Anne Hayes made during internships in the QC drew her back to the region from Chicago. She’s launched her career in the Quad Cities and a path to leadership in the professional development program at Vibrant Credit Union. The Chamber's intern QC program helps businesses attract and retain talent and Hayes said it also was a good way to learn about local businesses, several of whom she now regularly interacts with as part of her job at Vibrant.

The QC is the heart of the Midwest, the sweet spot for industry and creativity, where two states and one mighty Mississippi River are home to a family of communities. The region attracts investors and entrepreneurs because it holds an inventive imagination that embraces the arts, entrepreneurship and global aspirations. QC offers an open-minded network and drive that make the region a hub of ambition, innovation and creativity for a new generation.

Are you looking for ways to promote your organization to other businesses? The Quad Cities Chamber offers ad opportunities for Chamber members on our website, in our enews and as part of our podcast. During Small Business Week (May 2-6, 2022), you can take advantage of discounted ad packages.

Small business owners are propelled by their passion, whether it is going global with a new product or a service they provide. Molly Mayfield and Maria Ramos are propelled by a passion as well; to do everything they can to help minority and women-owned businesses and start-ups succeed. The women were formally introduced to the QC as new business advisors for the region’s two Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) during a media conference – an appropriate announcement to make during National Small Business Week.

Small businesses are the heart of our downtowns, giving each city core a unique personality that keeps people coming back. The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) and Downtown Bettendorf Organization (DBO), both Quad Cities Chamber affiliates, support these small businesses through grant programs that create momentum for additional investment and growth.

The economic impact the Rock Island Arsenal has on our region is massive. During our most recent Legislative Event, Matthew Herrmann, Senior Advisor with The Roosevelt Group, said the Arsenal's total defense spending in the QC totals $532 million. The Arsenal supports an estimated 5,170 direct jobs in the region which result in an additional $313 million in ripple effects, including another 2,340 QC jobs.

When we announced the 2022 Regional Advocacy Priorities it came with a commitment that we’d work tirelessly to advance and ensure the success of businesses throughout our region. You told us what was most important to you and we listened and took your voice to the state capitals in Illinois. Our collective, regional efforts lead to results, triumphs we should celebrate. And as always, there is more work to do but we are happy to provide this summary of wins for the QC and the traction we gained.

The Quad Cities Chamber launched the podcast, In the QC, to broaden our reach and yes, brag. QC, that’s where good people, with good ideas, achieve great things. Produced by the Chamber’s Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, Lindsay O’Brien, the podcast is now sharing the stories of our region, businesses, start-ups and creatives on a global platform.

More than 60 Quad Cities students made a commitment to their future at the High School Apprenticeship Signing Day event when they signed letters of intent with 19 employers in six fields of work. The students, who are enrolled in the Registered High School Apprenticeship Program (RHSAP), build technical and professional skills in the classroom and through on-the-job learning with partner companies, many of which are seeking to build their future workforce.