E N D
1. Cooperation and Economic Development
2. Introduction Overview of Regional Economic Situation
Possibilities
Next Steps I would like to thank the NDIA for sponsoring today’s event. I think it is a wonderful opportunity for us to get together and discuss how to take advantage of the unique opportunity presented to us by the defense industry. I was born and raised here in the Quad Cities. Despite being the biggest employer in the area, the Rock island Arsenal is one of the best kept secrets in the Quad Cities. Local residents know the installation exists, but what goes on there and the opportunities it presents are often overlooked. Hopefully, today’s presentations can shed some light on the economic development potential for the defense industry here in the Quad Cities.
Today I am going to provide a brief economic overview of the Quad City region. It is important to understand where we are before we plan to move forward. I would also like to propose what the possibilities are for the Iowa-Illinois region. Finally, I am going to propose some next steps that we can take to keep momentum moving forward. Often, we attend these conferences and leave charged up with ideas and enthusiasm, but the day to day grind of keeping our heads above water keeps us from moving forward.I would like to thank the NDIA for sponsoring today’s event. I think it is a wonderful opportunity for us to get together and discuss how to take advantage of the unique opportunity presented to us by the defense industry. I was born and raised here in the Quad Cities. Despite being the biggest employer in the area, the Rock island Arsenal is one of the best kept secrets in the Quad Cities. Local residents know the installation exists, but what goes on there and the opportunities it presents are often overlooked. Hopefully, today’s presentations can shed some light on the economic development potential for the defense industry here in the Quad Cities.
Today I am going to provide a brief economic overview of the Quad City region. It is important to understand where we are before we plan to move forward. I would also like to propose what the possibilities are for the Iowa-Illinois region. Finally, I am going to propose some next steps that we can take to keep momentum moving forward. Often, we attend these conferences and leave charged up with ideas and enthusiasm, but the day to day grind of keeping our heads above water keeps us from moving forward.
3. Congressman Phil Hare – (IL-17) I work for Congressman Phil Hare, starting in January as his Economic Development Director. Phil was elected November 7, 2006 to his first term in Congress. Prior to being elected, Phil worked for Congressman Lane Evans for nearly 24 years as his District Director. I have a picture here of the Fightin’ 17th as it was called on the Colbert Report. If you are not familiar with Illinois politics, this gives you a good thumbnail sketch. I believe it is now the Oxford Dictionary definition of “gerrymandering”.
I show you this map to illustrate the wide variety of economic development challenges. From brownfield redevelopment of the old Northwestern Steel & Wire Plant in Sterling-Rock Falls to coal mining in Montgomery County to bio-fuels production just about everywhere, the 17th district presents a wide variety of possibilities.
When I started with Phil in January, we discussed the priorities for the district. His first and primary objective was loud and clear. Understand everything that is going on at the Rock Island Arsenal and I’ll provide whatever assistance necessary to make sure it thrives. I hope all of today’s presentations provide a pro-active way of making this happen. We are better served being on the offensive than reactively scrambling after another BRAC.I work for Congressman Phil Hare, starting in January as his Economic Development Director. Phil was elected November 7, 2006 to his first term in Congress. Prior to being elected, Phil worked for Congressman Lane Evans for nearly 24 years as his District Director. I have a picture here of the Fightin’ 17th as it was called on the Colbert Report. If you are not familiar with Illinois politics, this gives you a good thumbnail sketch. I believe it is now the Oxford Dictionary definition of “gerrymandering”.
I show you this map to illustrate the wide variety of economic development challenges. From brownfield redevelopment of the old Northwestern Steel & Wire Plant in Sterling-Rock Falls to coal mining in Montgomery County to bio-fuels production just about everywhere, the 17th district presents a wide variety of possibilities.
When I started with Phil in January, we discussed the priorities for the district. His first and primary objective was loud and clear. Understand everything that is going on at the Rock Island Arsenal and I’ll provide whatever assistance necessary to make sure it thrives. I hope all of today’s presentations provide a pro-active way of making this happen. We are better served being on the offensive than reactively scrambling after another BRAC.
4. Challenges Population Projections – 2015
Illinois will grow 10.7%
17th Congressional District will grow 3.4%
Rock Island County will grow 3.5%
Before we attack solutions, I think it’s important to understand where we stand on the basic economic inputs of our economy.Before we attack solutions, I think it’s important to understand where we stand on the basic economic inputs of our economy.
5. Quad Cities Economy The Quad Cities economy is growing at 2.4% - Ranks 202nd out of 363 in the U.S.
Growth is broadly representative of Midwestern economic trends
What does this mean?
6. Challenges Industry Churn
1990 to 2005-Illinois added more than 500,000 jobs
1990-2005 Illinois lost 220,000 manufacturing jobs
1990-2005- Median Household Income drops $6,000
7. Business Clusters A cluster is a geographic concentration of interconnected businesses, suppliers and associated institutions in a particular field
The advantages of a business cluster
Increase productivity of companies in the cluster
Drive innovation in the field
Stimulate new business in the field
8. Opportunity Create a Defense Industry Cluster centered around the Rock Island Arsenal
9. Regional Cooperation
10. Regional Partners Illinois and Iowa State Government
Local Communities
Quad City Development Group
Davenport One
Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce
Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce
Labor Groups
RI Arsenal JMTC Illinois DCEO
Iowa Dept. of Economic Development
RI Arsenal Development Group
Financial Institutions
Local Business
Manufacturing Associations
Federal Elected Officials
11. Herding Cattle? More like cats.
12. Next Steps Continue to integrate the RI Arsenal with the regional community
Build regional consensus for a defense industry business cluster
Designate a conductor for the train – NDIA or other
Build infrastructure priorities around key industries
13. Contact Information Andy Rowe
Economic Development Director
Congressman Phil Hare
(309) 793-5760
Andrew.Rowe@mail.house.gov.