Greater Peoria Economic Development Council

What Greater Peoria Economic Development Council does

The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (GPEDC) is a nonprofit, public-private economic development organization founded in 1926 and headquartered at 201 SW Adams St, Peoria, Illinois. It serves a five-county region in Central Illinois (Logan, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford) through six core programs: Business Attraction, Business Assistance, Workforce Solutions, Innovation & Startups, Rural Development, and the Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network. GPEDC also administers Foreign-Trade Zone 114 covering 24+ counties and operates the Soft Landing Greater Peoria concierge program for international companies establishing their first U.S. location, alongside The Nest Coworking space in the Warehouse District.

GPEDC delivers services at no cost to businesses and is funded through a combination of government appropriations, federal and state grants (including EDA Economic Development District, CDBG, and DoD Defense Industry Resiliency programs), and private sector contributions. The organization's technology footprint consists of property search and analysis tools, interactive mapping platforms, and virtual tour infrastructure supporting site selection; it is not a technology product company. Recent strategic activity includes attracting over $375 million in announced capital investment across 9+ major projects and 430+ jobs created, partnership with the federal iFab Tech Hub ($51M grant, bioprocessing focus), launch of the Greater Peoria Healthcare Education Consortium in Q2 2026, and the Central Illinois Living Laboratory for autonomous and electric mobility testing.

The organization is governed by a 37-member volunteer board representing public and private sector interests and led by CEO Chris Setti, who joined in 2018 after 12 years with the City of Peoria. Key leadership includes VP of Programs Sally Hanley (20+ years tenure, administers FTZ 114 and federal/state programs), Director of Workforce Solutions Carolyn Williams, Director of Rural Outreach Kathie Brown, and Director of Manufacturing Network Dick Peplow. Distribution is executed through direct field engagement, a regional partner network spanning county EDCs and chambers of commerce, and specialized concierge channels for international companies. Recent wins span multiple verticals including green chemistry (Viridis Chemical), EV manufacturing (Damera Corporation), medical devices (Epic Medical), and agtech (DigiFarmz), with anchor regional employers including Caterpillar, OSF Healthcare, and Komatsu.

Name

Greater Peoria Economic Development Council

Legal name

EDC, Inc. The Economic Development Council for the Peoria Area

Website

https://greaterpeoriaedc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1926

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (GPEDC) is a nonprofit public-private partnership founded in 1926 that promotes economic growth across five Central Illinois counties through business attraction, workforce solutions, innovation support, and administration of Foreign-Trade Zone 114.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development Services

NAICS

Business Associations (81391)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Real Estate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) & Infrastructure-Adjacent Real Estate Advisory (BPAJANAL)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• Business attraction consulting
• Workforce development programs
• Foreign-trade zone administration
• Site selection assistance

Headquarters

HQ city

Peoria

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Public Funding and Grants: GPEDC operates as a federally-designated Economic Development District (EDD) and public-private partnership funded through government appropriations, grants, and private sector contributions. The organization does not generate revenue from product or service sales but rather receives funding to promote economic development in the five-county region.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

GPEDC is a regional economic development council that helps businesses locate, expand, and grow in the five-county Central Illinois region through six core programs: Business Attraction, Business Assistance, Workforce Solutions, Innovation and Startups, Rural Development, and the Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network. Its specialized offerings include administering Foreign-Trade Zone 114 (covering 24+ counties), the Soft Landing Greater Peoria concierge program for international companies, the Nest Coworking space, and the Big Table comprehensive economic development strategy. All services are provided at no cost to clients and are funded through public appropriations, grants, and private-sector contributions.

Product overview

The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council operates as a regional economic development organization serving five Central Illinois counties (Logan, Mason, Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford) through six core programs: Business Attraction, Business Assistance, Workforce Solutions, Innovation and Startups, Rural Development, and the Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network. Rather than a unified software product, the organization offers a portfolio of service programs including Soft Landing Greater Peoria (for international companies), Nest Coworking (physical workspace), Foreign-Trade Zone 114 (trade facilitation), and various workforce development initiatives. These programs are delivered through direct engagement, partnerships with regional institutions, and resource navigation rather than a technology platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network: A membership program that boosts marketing and sales efforts for manufacturing companies, offering design, engineering, fabrication, and transportation services.
• Foreign-Trade Zone #114
• Soft Landing Greater Peoria
• The Nest Coworking
• The Big Table

Products and services

• Soft Landing Greater Peoria Concierge service program for foreign companies looking to establish their first American location. Provides individualized attention, access to customers and clients in the Midwest, and support with immigration, site selection, funding, and networking. Target users are international firms exploring U.S. market entry.
• Foreign-Trade Zone 114 (FTZ #114) Foreign Trade Zone administered by GPEDC covering 24+ counties across Central Illinois. Provides businesses with strategic advantages including duty deferral, reduction, or elimination to help reduce costs, improve cash flow, and strengthen global supply chains. Target users are manufacturers, importers, exporters, and logistics operators.
• The Nest Coworking Small coworking and remote office space located in the Warehouse District. Provides open and reserved desks, meeting rooms, wireless printing, consulting services, and can serve as a physical business address for new businesses. Target users are entrepreneurs, remote workers, and visiting professionals.
• Workforce Solutions Program that develops a resilient and robust talent pipeline by troubleshooting systemic gaps, connecting regional organizations to resources, and employing strategies along the career-development continuum from elementary school through adulthood. Target users are regional employers and job seekers.
• Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network Membership program that boosts marketing and sales efforts for manufacturers. Provides a nimble ecosystem of companies for rapid scaling from design and engineering to fabrication and transportation services. Target users are OEMs seeking quality manufacturing supply chains and regional manufacturers seeking growth.
• Innovation & Startups Program Works directly with new business owners, professionals exploring opportunities, and students to develop, scale, and grow new business ventures through personalized assistance and support. Target users are entrepreneurs, innovators, and early-stage companies.
• Site Location Services (Business Attraction) Comprehensive site selection services including current economic and regional data, available sites and buildings information, and connections to local partners and incentives. Target users are companies evaluating relocation or expansion into the region.
• Regional Job Board (jobs.peoria.org) Online job board at jobs.peoria.org connecting employers with job seekers across the Greater Peoria region. Target users are regional employers and job seekers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $375M in new capital investment attracted to the region
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key, minor and flagship.

• Regional Workforce AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGPEDC is a member of the Regional Workforce Alliance (RWA), which leads workforce development efforts across the region. RWA and GPEDC's Office of Workforce Solutions work together to systematically connect employers, educators, and community organizations to ensure citizens have required certifications for employment.
• ICC Business SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIllinois Central College's Business Solutions division provides customized workforce training and professional development programs. GPEDC refers employers to ICC for skills training and partners on workforce development initiatives addressing skills gaps and incumbent worker training.
• Peoria NEXT Innovation CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBradley University's technology incubator serves as a hub for entrepreneurial businesses with 10 wet labs, 12 dry labs. GPEDC collaborates on startup support, soft landing programs, and refers companies to the facility for incubation services.
• Distillery LabscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional innovation and entrepreneurial center focused on food and agriculture innovation, featuring a rooftop greenhouse for urban farming and commercial kitchen. GPEDC partners on innovation initiatives, AgTech Connect sessions, and serves on the Central Illinois Living Laboratory steering committee alongside Distillery Labs.
• gBeta Distillery LabskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnergBETA accelerator program runs multiple times yearly in Greater Peoria, selecting up to five companies for a free seven-week program with coaching, mentorship, investor readiness support, and $1M+ in deals and perks. GPEDC partners to connect entrepreneurs to this accelerator and refers companies to the program.
• Greater Peoria Manufacturing NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGPEDC's flagship program providing a nimble ecosystem of companies that scales with manufacturing needs. The network offers design, engineering, fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, logistics and consulting services through a single point of contact, helping attract OEMs seeking quality supply chains.
• Morton Economic Development CouncilkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership focused on agriculture and economic development in Morton, Illinois. Collaborates with GPEDC on the AgTech Connect Initiative aimed at shaping the future of agriculture through economic opportunity, sustainable growth, and innovation stimulation.
• Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)keyImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIMEC provides manufacturing support and technology adoption services. GPEDC refers manufacturers to IMEC and partners on programs including the Peoria NEXT Startup Lease Support, where IMEC covers initial lease costs for eligible manufacturing startups.
• Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Bradley UniversitykeyImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSBDC provides business consulting and support services. GPEDC refers entrepreneurs and small businesses to SBDC as part of the 'Start a Business Greater Peoria' smart dashboard collaborative initiative.
• SCORE PeoriaminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSCORE provides mentorship and business guidance. Part of the collaborative 'Start a Business Greater Peoria' initiative alongside GPEDC, SBDC, and Minority Business Development Center.
• Minority Business Development CenterminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides support services for minority-owned businesses. Part of the collaborative 'Start a Business Greater Peoria' initiative providing comprehensive resources for entrepreneurs.
• Greater Peoria Healthcare Education ConsortiumkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerSix regional institutions united behind the vision of Greater Peoria as a national center of excellence in healthcare education. Launched in Q2 2026 as a coalition to strengthen healthcare workforce development.
• Central Illinois Living LaboratorykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint effort between Peoria County, City of Peoria, Hanson Professional Services, and Distillery Labs serving as a testing hub for CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electric) mobility solutions. GPEDC participates to help companies beta test products and shape transportation infrastructure.
• Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Bioprocessing Hub (iFab)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal Tech Hub designated by U.S. Economic Development Administration, led by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with $51 million grant. GPEDC supports regional development around iFab, working with partners like Alto Ingredients and Natural Fiber Welding to drive bioprocessing innovation in Greater Peoria.
• Alto IngredientskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor bioprocessing company in Pekin, Illinois. Partner in iFab and host of AgTech Connect sessions, driving cutting-edge research and development in fermentation and agricultural bioprocessing.
• Tri-County River Valley Development Authority (TRVDA)keyImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides Industrial Revenue Bonds offering tax-free (state and federal) bond financing for qualifying companies in the Greater Peoria Region, helping businesses access capital at reduced financing rates.
• Peoria County Government Assistance ProgramkeyImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPeoria County offers MICROLOAN (up to $35K), GAP LOAN (up to $150K), and MACRO LOAN (up to $600K) programs with interest rates fixed at 3% below prime. GPEDC refers businesses to these financing programs.
• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerState agency providing EDGE Tax Credits, Advantage Illinois Participation Loan Program, Community Development Block Grants, and other business incentives. GPEDC helps businesses navigate and apply for these state programs.
• TRIGO-SCSIkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench company providing containment, logistics, and quality services to OEMs and suppliers. Strongest French investment in Greater Peoria, part of the Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network ecosystem.
• Hexagon (via AutonomousStuff acquisition)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwedish global leader in sensor, software, and autonomous solutions based in Stockholm, acquired AutonomousStuff in Greater Peoria. Investment supports smart mobility cluster development in the region.

Scale indicators34 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Quad Cities Chamber: Regional chamber/EDO serving the Quad Cities region along the Iowa-Illinois border; comparable as a neighboring Midwest regional EDO competing for similar manufacturing and logistics deals in the Illinois/Iowa corridor.
• Indy Chamber: Regional chamber and economic development organization serving the Indianapolis metro; comparable as a competing Midwest regional EDO pursuing business attraction, workforce development, and international investment in a similar cost-advantaged market.
• Orlando Economic Partnership: Regional P3 EDO serving Central Florida; comparable business model of public-private regional economic development organization with business attraction, workforce, and innovation programs targeting cost-conscious corporate relocations.

Broad incumbents

• Greater Houston Partnership: Large regional chamber and EDO serving Greater Houston; comparable as a major P3 economic development organization competing nationally for corporate headquarters relocations and FDI in the same healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing categories GPEDC targets.
• Intersect Illinois: Statewide public-private partnership economic development organization for Illinois; comparable to GPEDC as a P3 EDO but operates at state-level scale across all 102 Illinois counties, often partnering with regional EDOs like GPEDC on major wins.
• Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce: Major metropolitan chamber and economic development organization serving the Chicago region; comparable as the dominant Illinois EDO that GPEDC partners with and competes against for major corporate attraction projects within Illinois.
• Greater Phoenix Economic Council: Regional P3 economic development organization serving Greater Phoenix; comparable as a Sun Belt EDO competing against Midwestern regions like Greater Peoria for corporate relocations, semiconductor/advanced manufacturing investments, and FDI.

Direct peers

• Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC): Statewide nonprofit manufacturing support organization that GPEDC directly partners with for manufacturing assistance and startup lease support; comparable as a state-level P3 serving overlapping manufacturing clients and ecosystem.
• Greater Cleveland Partnership: Regional economic development and chamber organization serving Greater Cleveland; comparable as a Rust Belt legacy manufacturing region pursuing healthcare/life sciences diversification and FDI attraction similar to GPEDC's playbook.
• Economic Development Partnership of Alabama: Statewide P3 economic development organization where GPEDC's Director of Workforce Solutions Carolyn Williams previously led 'The Alabama Experience' talent attraction program; directly comparable business model of statewide P3 EDO with workforce, attraction, and community engagement programs.

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GreaterPeoria
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCU-XUulaglhMI9jwyW6yMhQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/greaterpeoriaedc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/greater-peoria-economic-development-council
• Instagraminstagram.com/greaterpeoria

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Greater Peoria Economic Development Council