Our QC community ‘is really strong and really special’

The QC is the heart of the Midwest, a proud, forward-thinking family of communities connected by one of the world’s most renowned rivers, 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.

DeGreve grew up in the QC and always thought she’d move away until she found herself standing on the Augustana College campus. “I just fell in love with it and thought to myself that everything I love is right here, so why leave?”

While working on her marketing and communication degree, she completed two internships with Deere & Company and after graduation, accepted a job with the Fortune 100 giant that was founded and remains headquartered in the QC. As a 24-year-old communications specialist, she tackles internal-facing communications supporting many different areas of the company, including its global vision, sustainability report, quarterly earnings, supply management and Deere Aviation.

“When I started with Deere four years ago, I was scared to come into a company that's been in existence for almost 200 years. I came in as a young person trying to prove myself, and I didn’t want to rock the boat too much, so I didn’t share my ideas. Then people started asking to hear my ideas. They listened and even elevated those who have allowed me to make positive change. The company has really supported and encouraged me to just be myself and bring my whole self to work, and through that process, I’ve become my best self,” DeGreve said.

“My goal is to leave the company better than I found it, to make a positive impact,” she said, adding that the statement on the company’s website, “We run so life can leap forward,” really resonates with her. “I feel extremely tied to that because through the work I do, I can move things forward in some way, whether it is making someone’s day a little better or communicating news that will make someone’s work experience better or help shift the culture,” she said.

The company also celebrates and elevates her personal passion: boosting awareness and acceptance of mental health. While in college, DeGreve launched the student organization The Gray Matters Collective and brought her peers together to talk openly about mental illness. Now, a nonprofit, eight high schools across the region and St. Ambrose University have a Gray Matters chapter. She’s presented a TED Talk on mental health and suicide prevention and presented to thousands of Deere employees across the world.

“The response from the QC community was overwhelming. When they heard about Gray Matters, they rallied around this movement. They lifted it up and supported the work we were doing and that was special to me. People really wanted to help and to help this community, and it wasn’t just during Mental Health Awareness Month, it is every month,” DeGreve said.

The QC is an authentic community that pursues connection. “The people here are completely down to earth, really genuine, humble people,” she said.  “And I just feel like anywhere you go, whether it's a restaurant or even if you're just walking along the river, people are so kind and curious.”

“It is a perfect mix of big city and small town. You get a feel of both, but it's just this really happy medium where you can be the best version of yourself because you have people who will support you and there are opportunities to grow,” DeGreve said.

QC residents also enjoy and respect their natural connection to the outdoors. She explained, “Businesses here understand corporate responsibility and social responsibility in terms of the environment and this community really understands that with great power comes great responsibility,” she said. “We do have great power to make change because people here care so much about each other and the environment, and we have some really, really important landmarks to take care of like the river and our beautiful parks that people love. Taking care of the environment is something we take seriously because we want to see the Quad Cities grow and thrive and become even more beautiful.”

At its heart, this family of communities in which DeGreve calls home embraces a set of values that mirror her own. “Absolutely, 100%. When I think about diversity, equity and inclusion, I believe the QC does such a good job. We can always do better, too. I'm always considering other people’s perspectives and how their life is different from mine, whether it's socioeconomic, gender, or just embracing other people’s brains. There are seminars and presentations offered all the time in the Quad Cities. I am constantly invited to learn more. All of that aligns with my personal goals and my beliefs. I’ve always felt tied to this region because that is who I am. I know what I stand for and the QC really reflects that,” she said.

Quad Citizens share an easy rhythm of everyday life; an openness that makes people feel welcome, valued and respected; a pleasing balance of urban and natural; and a choice of things to do where people can gather with neighbors and friends and feel they belong.

“This region has something for everyone. No matter who you are, where you’ve been, where you come from, or where you are going and your path in life, there is always a place for you here. Regardless of anything, you can come here and feel supported and loved, and feel seen and heard. People give you the support and encouragement to do something and do it really well, and oftentimes, I don’t think you can get that in other places,” DeGreve said. “The QC community is really strong and really special.”