Backing the Region. Building the Future.
The Greater Peoria Leadership Council (GPLC) is a coalition of business and civic leaders working together to shape a stronger, more connected region. Guided by a shared vision and a deep commitment to collaboration, the GPLC brings strategic investment, big-picture thinking and collective action to the table.
As the driving force behind the Choose Greater Peoria initiative, the GPLC works to attract and retain talent while elevating regional pride. The goal? To make Greater Peoria a place where people and businesses put down roots and rise.
It’s not about one organization or one initiative. It’s about strategic alignment and forward motion. Because big things happen when we row in the same direction.
Backing the Region. Building the Future.
The Greater Peoria Leadership Council (GPLC) is a coalition of business and civic leaders working together to shape a stronger, more connected region. Guided by a shared vision and a deep commitment to collaboration, the GPLC brings strategic investment, big-picture thinking and collective action to the table.
As the driving force behind the Choose Greater Peoria initiative, the GPLC works to attract and retain talent while elevating regional pride. The goal? To make Greater Peoria a place where people and businesses put down roots and rise.
It’s not about one organization or one initiative. It’s about strategic alignment and forward motion. Because big things happen when we row in the same direction.
Attracting Talent Was Just the Beginning
Choose Greater Peoria started as a talent attraction initiative, but it didn’t stop there. Fueled by early success and broad community support, it has grown into a regionwide movement driving long-term growth and connection. What began as a way to bring people here has become a strategy to keep them — by aligning leaders, amplifying pride and investing in the places that matter most.
It all comes to life through three key priorities, each focused on making Greater Peoria a place where people want to be, businesses want to grow and communities prosper.
We’re reclaiming Greater Peoria’s story with bold, authentic messaging that builds pride here and competes nationally. It’s more than marketing. It’s about reflecting the purpose, potential and personality of a region moving forward with confidence.
We’re investing in the heart of our region through strategic placemaking, beautification and economic vibrancy initiatives. The vision? A core that feels alive and attracts businesses, residents, workers and visitors.
“The real strength of our region lies in our willingness to come together to shape a shared vision for the future. I’ve seen what’s possible when leaders collaborate, align regional goals and move forward with collective purpose. It’s not about any one initiative or institution. It’s about building something greater than could be realized separately. That’s how we create momentum and produce impactful outcomes. That’s how we all rise together.”
Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey
President of Illinois Central College
A Breakdown of the Boards
The Greater Peoria Leadership Council isn’t run by one person or even one board. A purpose-built network of leadership groups drives it, each playing a distinct role in guiding strategy, setting priorities and shaping the region’s future.
Together, they embody the kind of bold, united leadership that drives Greater Peoria from potential to progress.
Here’s how it all comes together:
GPLC Executive Board
This committed group of senior executives from Greater Peoria’s largest employers provides the volunteer leadership that drives strategy and pushes initiatives forward. They surface key recommendations for the Governance Board, manage budget planning and stay accountable for results — all while keeping the region’s private sector aligned and engaged.GPLC Governance Board
Made up of the Executive Board plus the presidents of the region’s Community Development Organizations (CDOs), this group blends business and civic leadership to help steer the broader movement. They meet regularly to review progress, shape strategy and help decide how resources are allocated, ensuring collaboration stays strong and the region stays on course.GPLC Advisory Board
This is the big table. A broad group of 30–40 individuals representing the full spectrum of GPLC investors, including businesses, CDOs, education, philanthropy and government. The Advisory Board meets quarterly to stay aligned on regional priorities and provide valuable insight from every corner of the community.GPLC Grant Committee
These volunteers come from businesses most invested in the grantmaking strategy. They help shape the annual funding priorities, oversee the RFP process and evaluate proposals — ensuring every grant decision is thoughtful, impactful and aligned with the GPLC’s mission.The Roadmap to Regional Growth
The 2025 grant strategy zeroes in on one clear priority: accelerating regional core development on both sides of the river.
Backed by $775,000 in committed funding, this pilot program is a tangible investment in what’s possible when collaboration meets intention. Through a three-tiered grant model, the GPLC is supporting projects that deliver quick wins, build sustained progress and drive measurable results across the region.
From rapid-response beautification to multi-year business attraction campaigns, each grant sparks action with purpose.
Three grant types. One shared goal: impact.
Designed for quick, visible wins, these grants support short-term projects that enhance and beautify public spaces. From pop-up booths and seasonal décor to window clings and hospitality teams, each activation spurs community pride and delivers measurable results in 90 days or less.
These mid-sized grants lay the groundwork for growth and connection. They back projects that enhance public spaces, improve walkability and create more accessible experiences across the region. Examples include transforming vacant lots, upgrading infrastructure, syncing event calendars and activating underused areas — each effort strengthening the systems and spaces that bring people together.
Created to reshape our region’s future, these high-impact grants enable transformative projects with lasting impact. With a sharp focus on downtown business attraction and economic vibrancy, they drive multi-year efforts to revitalize key corridors, attract employers and fuel long-term regional growth. From relocation incentives to anchor partnerships and large-scale redevelopment, each investment strengthens Greater Peoria’s economic core.
Sprint Grants
Designed for quick, visible wins, these grants support short-term projects that enhance and beautify public spaces. From pop-up booths and seasonal décor to window clings and hospitality teams, each activation spurs community pride and delivers measurable results in 90 days or less.
Build Grants
These mid-sized grants lay the groundwork for growth and connection. They back projects that enhance public spaces, improve walkability and create more accessible experiences across the region. Examples include transforming vacant lots, upgrading infrastructure, syncing event calendars and activating underused areas — each effort strengthening the systems and spaces that bring people together.
Investment Grants
Created to reshape our region’s future, these high-impact grants enable transformative projects with lasting impact. With a sharp focus on downtown business attraction and economic vibrancy, they drive multi-year efforts to revitalize key corridors, attract employers and fuel long-term regional growth. From relocation incentives to anchor partnerships and large-scale redevelopment, each investment strengthens Greater Peoria’s economic core. 
Let’s Connect
kzika@greater-peoria.org