PEORIA, Ill. – The table is being set for another in a series of discussions about how to bring people to Peoria to fill jobs and needs in various areas.
The “Big Table of Greater Peoria” started several years ago to look at what’s needed and what can be done to bring more people to Peoria to work in various industries — needs like improving workforce development, entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, and other things.
This year’s discussion will feature officials from Topeka, Kansas, and for good reason.
“In order to grow our economy, we’re going to need talent here, to work in the businesses that exist, but also to attract additional businesses,” said Joshua Gunn, CEO, Peoria-Area Chamber of Commerce. “Topeka is sort of the gold standard in that process.”
Gunn says Topeka provided relocation incentives for potential workers, among other things.
But in addition to a large discussion about talent attraction, the local leaders that make up the Big Table want to see more representation from the Peoria area’s other zip codes.
“Much of the opportunities and, maybe, challenges that faced our region are not unique to us,” said Leigh Ann Brown, Executive Director, Morton Chamber of Commerce. “But, having The Big Table and bringing people together can create unique solutions and continue our opportunities.”
Big Table participants say in just the last several years, a lot of goals have been established, and some have been met. CLICK HERE to see more on that.
The “Big Table” discussion will be October 20th at the Peoria Civic Center, and you can find registration info HERE.
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