RIADA and QCMI highlight progress advancing manufacturing and defense initiatives in the QC  

The Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA), an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber, and Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute (QCMI) announced continued progress in their joint efforts to strengthen the Quad Cities region’s manufacturing and defense ecosystem. Earlier this year, the two organizations aligned their resources and leadership to accelerate large-scale economic growth and innovation across the region. 

Col. Shawn Creamer (U.S. Army, Ret.), inaugural joint Executive Director, has announced his resignation after eight months of leadership for family reasons and hopes to return to the Quad Cities in the coming years. During his tenure, Creamer played a pivotal role in advancing collaboration between the Rock Island Arsenal and the Quad Cities community, while strengthening both organizations’ strategic initiatives. 

“Shawn’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing RIADA’s work strengthening partnerships, elevating its presence and accelerating progress toward its priorities. He leaves the organization well-positioned for what comes next, with a strong foundation and forward momentum,” said Peter Tokar III, President & CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber. “We are deeply thankful for Shawn’s dedication and leadership, and we wish him every success in his next chapter.” 

“Shawn has been an incredible leader for QCMI, growing existing relationships, forging new ones and identifying resources that can expand the institute’s impact,” QCMI Board Chair and University of Illinois System Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation Jay Walsh said. “While we are sad that he is departing, he has positioned QCMI extremely well and raised its profile in many ways. The board is grateful for Shawn’s service and leadership, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.” 

RIADA advances support for Rock Island Arsenal missions 

Under Creamer’s leadership, RIADA advanced key advocacy priorities in support of the Rock Island Arsenal – Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (RIA-JMTC). The organization successfully advocated for $80.5 million in Fiscal Year 2026 funding to support production of the next-generation Shop Equipment Contact Maintenance (SECM) vehicle and is now working to more than double that investment in the coming year. 

RIADA also supported the Arsenal’s request for a $50 million military construction project to build a new child care facility. The current facility has a capacity of 217 children but has a waitlist of nearly 100 - about a third of which are infants. The proposed expansion would consolidate three buildings into one and increase capacity to more than 300 children, providing critical support and peace of mind for the Arsenal workforce. 

In addition, RIADA is collaborating with First Army to support readiness and transformation initiatives, including advocating for congressional funding for a national mobilization study to enhance the Army’s preparedness for potential national security emergencies. 

Looking ahead, the Quad Cities Chamber, Rock Island Arsenal and Bi-State Regional Commission are partnering to develop a new economic impact study of the Arsenal. 
“I’m proud to have brought these groups together to benefit the Quad Cities,” said Creamer. “This effort will provide leaders with accurate data to inform local decisions and guide recommendations at the state and national levels.” 

QCMI expands research, partnership and workforce initiatives 

QCMI has also achieved significant milestones at the federal level, including the inclusion of $10 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act for its “Manufacturing Qualifications for Battle Damage and Repair of Army Vehicles” project. Contract negotiations with the Army are currently underway. 

In parallel, QCMI is actively working with the RIA-JMTC to expand advanced manufacturing partnerships and has submitted $30 million in research proposals aligned with defense priorities. In collaboration with the Arsenal, QCMI has also identified an additional $49 million in research projects to support Army and Department of War advanced manufacturing and industrial base modernization goals, which have been submitted for consideration in the Fiscal Year 2027 defense appropriations process. 

QCMI has also launched a regional workforce development initiative through the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN), in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northern Illinois University and Western Illinois University. Through its workforce development assessments, QCMI works directly with industry partners to identify skill gaps, emerging needs and priority areas within advanced manufacturing. These insights inform program design and ensure alignment between academic capabilities and real-world industry demand.  

Looking ahead, QCMI is expected to evolve into a more formalized platform for sustained public-private engagement. The Institute will serve as a hub that enables deeper collaboration among universities, industry and government, supporting workforce pipeline development, joint research, technology translation and commercialization efforts in advanced manufacturing. 

RIADA and QCMI are actively working to hire the next joint Executive Director and during the interim Quad Cities Chamber staff will assist with day-to-day tasks.  

About RIADA 

The Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA) is a community-led QC Chamber-affiliated 501c6 nonprofit corporation, dedicated to the support and promotion of the Rock Island Arsenal and Quad Cities region's defense industry. RIADA was established to promote the continued health and vitality of Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) as a significant contributor to our national defense and major employer in the QC. In doing so, RIADA seeks to defend the existing missions and employment on RIA and seek opportunities to add additional missions and employment. In addition, RIADA seeks to support and promote defense industries located in the QC. 

About QCMI   

The Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute (QCMI) exemplifies the strength of regional collaboration in advancing the state’s position in advanced manufacturing and defense. A strategic partnership among the University of Illinois System, Western Illinois University, and Iowa State University, QCMI has established a regional hub for advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and industry collaboration. Its work is closely aligned with U.S. Department of War priorities and supported through active partnerships with both public and private sector stakeholders.