The Quad Cities Chamber joins nearly fifty chambers across the state in urging the Illinois Legislature to provide additional economic and regulatory relief for businesses through a coalition called Chambers All In for Economic Recovery. Last spring, Chambers All In for Economic Recovery launched its inaugural platform. The coalition has released its updated platform for 2022, which includes: Utilize American Rescue Plan Act funding to help replenish the unemployment trust fund alleviate the impending financial drain from the state’s businesses. Provide legal protections to employers who... Read More

After 4 years of leading the Quad Cities Chamber, Paul Rumler will become Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice President of CCIM Institute. Headquartered in Chicago, CCIM Institute is a global membership association serving the commercial real estate community through networking, technology and providing the industry’s gold standard in education. “It has been a privilege to serve the Quad Cities region and work with a talented Chamber team to help create a more prosperous regional economy,” said Rumler. “I’m excited to join CCIM Institute and help guide this world class organization.” Under... Read More

The Quad Cities Chamber has ambitious goals aimed at strengthening the regional economy. For the region to reach half a million residents and for the GDP to top $35 billion, public policies must be put in place to support and enhance efforts to grow. The Chamber’s 2022 Regional Advocacy priorities are focused on four key areas that work together to create a prosperous regional economy where all can thrive: Talent attraction and development Placemaking Foster a business-friendly environment Economic recovery from COVID-19 “The Quad Cities Chamber is asking state, local and federal elected... Read More

Paul Rumler, President & CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber, has been designated as a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). Based in Alexandria, Va., ACCE is a professional society with more than 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members. Rumler is one of 16 chamber professionals to earn the CCE designation in 2021. This year’s class represents chambers in 11 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia,... Read More

E-commerce behemoth Amazon on Wednesday announced plans to open its second robotics fulfillment center in the state of Iowa, creating 1,000 new full-time jobs in Davenport that will provide employees with at least $16 per hour and comprehensive benefits. Amazon announced it will build a 640,000 square-foot robotics fulfillment center in Davenport that will create 1,000 new full-time jobs when operational. The center will be located on 158 acres in the Eastern Iowa Industrial Center along Interstate 80. Crews already are doing site work in preparation of construction to begin later this summer according... Read More

Things are looking up for KONE Corporation’s Quad-Cities manufacturing plant, as the firm has landed a huge contract to provide 130 new energy-efficient escalators across the Washington, D.C. region. KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry with operations in Coal Valley, on U.S. 6, recently won a $179-million, seven-year contract from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to modernize and replace escalators in 32 Metrorail stations. The company’s escalator plant in Coal Valley will produce equipment for the project, which is expected to be completed... Read More

Paul Rumler, president/CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber, is among concerned local leaders who want the state of Illinois to consider another public institution to replace Western Illinois University on the Moline riverfront. “The best intentions started with great promise, and then in the last few years, it’s fizzled,” he said Friday, noting negatives in WIU enrollment, marketing and change in leadership. There have been well-publicized discussions among Western’s Board of Trustees, dating back two years, and faculty senate, questioning the value of the Moline campus, he said. “You’ve... Read More

As it does for downtown Davenport and Bettendorf, the Quad Cities Chamber is contracting with the city of Rock Island to provide downtown place management services. “Revitalizing our downtown area is a key component to economic growth opportunities for the city, which is why we’re excited to bring this public/private partnership forward,” Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms said Tuesday. “Bringing people, new events, activities and vibrancy to downtown Rock Island also brings increased revenue, improved quality of life and greater value for existing assets. That’s why it’s so important for... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: The City of Rock Island’s city council has approved a contract with the Quad Cities Chamber to provide downtown place management services effective immediately. “Revitalizing our downtown area is a key component to economic growth opportunities for the city, which is why we’re excited to bring this public/private partnership forward,” said Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms. “Bringing people, new events, activities and vibrancy to downtown Rock Island also brings increased revenue, improved quality of life and greater value for existing assets. That’s why it’s so important... Read More

As it does for downtown Davenport and Bettendorf, the Quad Cities Chamber is looking to contract with the city of Rock Island to provide downtown place management services. On Monday, Jan. 25, at 6:45 p.m., the Rock Island City Council will discuss the issue at Council Chambers (3rd Floor), 1528 3rd Ave., Rock Island. You can also watch the meeting at www.youtube.com/user/RockIslandIL/live. “Revitalizing our downtown area is a key component to economic growth opportunities for the city, which is why we’re excited to bring this public/private partnership forward,” Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms... Read More