The Economic Development Council for Central Illinois and The Heartland Partnership family of companies would like to congratulate the city of East Peoria and all who were involved in the recruitment of Bass Pro Shops.  It was announced May 13th that a letter of intent has been signed for the outdoor mega store to open its 58th location in East Peoria.  This is fantastic news for our regional economy.  The store is expected to bring an average of 3 million people to the area annually and create over 200 construction jobs and 300 full time jobs once the store opens its doors in the fall of 2011.

Bass Pro shops locates in communities that celebrate the outdoors and this announcement reaffirms that our region is an outdoor destination with much to offer.  The store will be a major boost for regional tourism.  Again, we extend our gratitude and appreciation for all of the hard work that went into bringing this great investment to our region.

Click here for East Peoria's news release.

Jim McConoughey, President
EDC for Central Illinois