Sorensen Announces Funding to Bring Jobs to Peoria

PEORIA, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is joining the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to announce $20,000 for theGreater Peoria Economic Development Council (EDC) to help find ways to bring investment and jobs to Central Illinois.  

“To build a stronger region for the next generation of Central Illinois families, we need to stay focused on long-term, sustainable job creation,” said Sorensen. “I commend Peoria leaders who worked hard to bring this funding home to support that mission and to strengthen our region’s economy for decades to come.” 

“The US EDA has been a terrific partner to the Greater Peoria region for decades and we appreciate their continued investment in our work. This grant will allow us to better understand our region's strengths and help us define our strategies for attracting new business,” said Chris Setti, CEO, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council. 

The $20,000 will cover half the cost to conduct a comprehensive analysis. The project will provide key insights into economic diversification opportunities, targeted interventions to connect regional assets, and an action plan that will help guide local leaders as they help guide regional economic development decisions. Once completed, the project will create an economic development roadmap to help create jobs and drive economic growth. 

The funding comes from the DOC’sEconomic Development Administration to allow the Greater Peoria EDC to research ways to attract development and strengthen the local economy. 

Congressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal. 

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