The Quad Cities Chamber hosted four national site consultants for a familiarization tour at the end of June 2022. During their 48-hour QC immersion, the Atlanta, Dallas and Chicago consultants visited with approximately 50 business leaders, education partners and economic development practitioners in the region; toured businesses; and participated in activities that showcased the beautiful scenery and quality of life amenities our residents enjoy. Here are a few takeaways from their time with us:
Promote, promote, promote
- Much to their surprise, the QC is not a cornfield. All the consultants were impressed with the vibrancy of the community - e.g. new industrial and commercial development; number of existing successful businesses, attractions, and amenities; diverse housing mix; and new riverfront development. We need to consider creative ways to virtually replicate the site consultants’ fam tour experience for other consultants and prospective companies.
- The QC is a central Midwest location for businesses that need to reach a large population of customers and suppliers within a day’s drive time. We will continue to visualize the close proximity to major metro markets.
- The QC has abundant access to natural resources and clean energy. As more companies focus efforts on sustainability in their operations and activities, it is important for them to understand our available assets. The consultants indicated that we are ahead of many in the country with the amount of renewable power available.
- While the QC is a region comprised of several communities, it was evident to the consultants through conversations and interactions that there is successful collaboration amongst the private and public sectors. This is extremely important to companies that are looking to expand their operations to new locations.
Opportunities for Improvement
- “Speed to market” is crucial for companies looking to expand into new markets. The consultants agreed with the comment of “time kills all deals.” The QC region is challenged with a lack of existing industrial buildings that fit the requirements of today’s manufacturers and greenfield sites that are fully ready to begin construction within months-time. If the region wants to grow, stakeholders will need to collaborate on creating ready-to-go inventory.
- While workforce shortage is a global concern, the region can stand out by better understanding its workforce gaps and sharing with consultants and companies how these challenges are being solved. It is important to provide relevant workforce data metrics (i.e.. educational outcomes, in-migration rates, etc.) and examples of how companies successfully recruit and retain employees.
- The QC has a strong manufacturing presence. As it is imperative to continue attracting new companies to the region, the consultants challenged the region to consider how to attract businesses that not only complement our existing industries, infrastructure and assets but also bring jobs that are driven by technology and higher-paying wages. Industries to consider include ag tech, bioscience and life science industries.
Read more about what the site consultants had to say about the QC.
