Where We Work
We’ve learned the value of economic diversity through the decades, rebounding stronger and wiser from the national economic downturns of the past. Despite the roller coaster effect going on in some regions of the nation, the Peoria area’s employment rates have remained steady in recent years.
While Caterpillar Inc. remains the single largest employer in the area and manufacturing as a whole offers the most jobs, the region has embraced increased business growth in the fields of technology, education, healthcare and governmental services. A growing emphasis on educating the workforce focuses on cultivating the talents we need to fill the diverse jobs of today and tomorrow.
The healthcare industry continues to thrive, attracting talented and dedicated medical professionals from around the world as the Peoria area puts itself on the map and draws a growing number of patients from a larger region.
Moving its way into the spotlight is the creation and development of Peoria NEXT, a collaboration of several member organizations promoting technology and life, material and engineering sciences, all of which will enhance Peoria’s attractiveness as a center of innovative ideas and actions.
On the research front is NCAUR, the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, the largest of the four USDA Regional Research Labs, and a major player in the region’s emerging biotech economic base. More than 100 Ph.D. research scientists and an even larger support staff put their expertise to work on creating better and commercially feasible agricultural products. Whether it’s perfecting frozen shrimp or devising new uses for something as simple as the soybean, NCAUR’s work is showing in homes and businesses all over the world.
The construction industry has barely had time to rest between jobs of all sizes, from waves of home construction to the completion of The Shoppes at Grand Prairie and myriad of projects including the new Super Wal-Mart, Menards and other structures on Peoria’s growing northwest side.
The hospitality industry knows Peoria is the place to be with the addition of more hotel rooms and restaurants in recent years. We know we’re attracting thousands of visitors as more than 120,000 hotel nights were booked in 2002, and the increased “hits” on Peoria websites are adding up to many home runs for the local economic team.
For more information on businesses in the Peoria area, click on the Chamber's Business Directory and search using by company name or catagory.
The following websites provide general community information on working in the Peoria area:
Workforce Network
EDC For Central Illinois - Major Employers
Young Professionals Organization of Greater Peoria