The Quad City Chamber has launched a Black Business Council and a Women’s Business Council. Now, we are launching two more: an Immigrant/Refugee Business Council and a LGBTQ+ Business Council. We are actively recruiting business owners and leaders from across the region to join a council. Tell us about your business challenges and guide us in how we can be a resource and contribute to your success. Our goal is to foster equity and inclusion in our regional economy and help all businesses grow. “We’ve identified three major barriers for minority-owned businesses: access to funding, limited... Read More

Downtown Rock Island property owners seeking to stabilize their investment and revitalize downtown submitted a proposal to the Rock Island City Council on Monday, formally requesting it to consider establishing a Special Service Area (SSA) in partnership with a new Quad Cities Chamber place management organization. The action would enable property owners to fund and govern enhanced services, activities and improvements in partnership with the City. Proposed enhanced services downtown include beautification and maintenance; boots-on-the-ground hospitality and troubleshooting; façade and interior... Read More

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa will speak at the Quad Cities Chamber’s Legislative Event at Rhythm City Casino Resort, Davenport, on Tuesday, April 12 from 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Businesses are invited to attend to gain insights on current federal policies that may impact their business. Sen. Grassley will discuss his support for infrastructure investment followed by a Q&A session with the audience. The Quad Cities Chamber facilitates business growth to help create a prosperous regional economy where all can thrive. Its work is focused in three strategic areas: business and economic growth;... Read More

Jorgenson Consulting has been hired to assist the Quad Cities Chamber in finding the next President and CEO. Founded in 1992, Jorgenson Consulting is a national executive search firm focusing on non-profit, economic and community development. In late March, the firm will conduct a series of meetings with the search committee, Chamber staff, members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and a cross-section of community stakeholders to develop a position description that captures the preferred candidate’s desired experience and leadership characteristics. Jorgenson Consulting will complete... Read More

New funding and resources for entrepreneurs and startups are coming to the QC as The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative, Inc. (NewBoCo) expands. In addition, ISA Ventures, the first multi-stage venture capital studio in Iowa, plans to expand into the QC region by building a local syndicate network of investors to support regional entrepreneurs on both sides of the river. NewBoCo, a Cedar Rapids-based nonprofit, launched the Iowa Startup Accelerator (ISA) in 2014 that has assisted 67 Iowa businesses by providing entrepreneurs with the knowledge, expertise and more than $6 million in direct... Read More

New funding and resources for entrepreneurs and startups are coming to the QC as The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative, Inc. (NewBoCo) expands. In addition, ISA Ventures, the first multi-stage venture capital studio in Iowa, plans to expand into the QC region by building a local syndicate network of investors to support regional entrepreneurs on both sides of the river. NewBoCo, a Cedar Rapids-based nonprofit, launched the Iowa Startup Accelerator (ISA) in 2014 that has assisted 67 Iowa businesses by providing entrepreneurs with the knowledge, expertise and more than $6 million in direct... Read More

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

The Quad Cities Chamber announced the launch of Leadership QC, a program for experienced community leaders and innovative thinkers who want to enhance their individual leadership skills. Leadership QC participants will work collectively to develop business-oriented solutions to challenges that impact our region’s workforce. Applications are now being accepted for this 9-month leadership program that will begin in January 2022. “Leadership QC will bring together a diverse group of our region’s leaders, that maybe wouldn’t normally work together or collaborate, to discuss and resolve issues... Read More