The EDGE group (Economic Development and Growth Experts) is the unit of strategic advisors to the Board. This body of stakeholders represents the Investor interests and serves as regional thought leaders, creating policy for Board review based on input and feedback of the ten volunteer driven EDC Strategy Groups.

Why does EDC need the EDGE?

Research has shown that investors are looking for ways to engage in EDC policy and initiatives. Furthermore, to EDC’s detriment, we have previously not had a vehicle through which EDC can obtain feedback and secure active engagement from regional champions and business leaders. .

EDGE guides Strategy Groups. Strategy Groups initiate and lead the development of ED strategy and policy for the region. Each Strategy Group focuses in on a specific industry that has been identified by the EDGE as a critical growth area based on global trends and regional assets and competencies.

EDGE brings the big picture together. EDGE reviews all policies and proposals submitted by each of the Strategy Groups, giving them a high level understanding of the entire ED landscape. They then are able to advocate and champion this comprehensive understanding to their respective communities, organizations, and businesses.

EDGE facilitates engagement. By giving these public administrators, ED professionals, and business leaders the chance to shape policy and approve it for board consideration, we have thus actively engaged them and increased the chances of having their support of these initiatives as they are moved up to the Board level and ultimately disseminated into the community. They have been given the opportunity to impact policy before it reaches board level.

 

Following are the EDGE members:

Ben Armitage    Adams Outdoor Advertising
Steve Warren    Ameren
Eric Fasnacht    Archer Daniels Midland
Dennis Pauley    AT&T
Jeff Owens    ATS
Jeff Moery    Aventine Renewable Energy, Inc.
Steve Backlund    Better Banks
Dan Daly    Busey Bank
Randy Belsley    Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc.
Chris Glynn    Caterpillar, Inc.
Marylean Abney    Caterpillar, Inc.
Mark Spenny    CEFCU
Sara Dill    Children's Hospital of Illinois
Tom Brimberry    City of East Peoria
Dennis Kief    City of Pekin
Scott Moore    City of Peoria
Bob Morris    City of Washington
Bob Swank    Commerce Bank
Tim Hickey    CORE Construction
Jeff Giebelhausen    Cullinan Properties
Mary Pille    Employers Association of Illinois
Karen Jensen    Farnsworth Group, Inc.
Gene Olson    General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport
Stan Browning    Greater Peoria Sanitary & Sewage District
Bruce Huber    Hometown Community Banks
Katie Arnholt    Kim    Horan Construction
Dr. John Erwin    Illinois Central College
Bob Pedersen    Illinois Mutual Life Insurance
Brad McMillan    Institute for Principled Leadership
Julie Dreesen    MorganStanley SmithBarney
Dallas Hancock    Peoria Area Association of Realtors
Bob Marx    Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Patrick Urich    Peoria County
Linda Beckman    Proctor Hospital
Don White    PSA Dewberry
Bernie Koch    River City Construction
Dave Parkinson    RSM McGladrey
David Jones    Tazewell County
Steve Jaeger    TransPORT
Terry Kohlbuss    Tri-County Regional Planning Commission
Ken Klotz    Turner Center for Entrepreneurship
Anne Sandvik    Village of Eureka
David Strohl    Village of Morton
Bashir Ali    Workforce Development Department