Target Industries

Six target industries will best utilize the Illinois Quad Cities' local assets. These industries were identified in the Illinois Quad City Chamber of Commerce's new plan Blueprint 2010.

Logistics and Distribution

Freight carriers (air, water, trucking, and intermodal transportation)

Assets: access to multiple interstates, local airport, Mississippi River, cost structure is competitive, low land acquisition costs, affordable wage rates

Defense Manufacturing and Operations

Traditional arms and equipment manufacturing, related research and development, as well as military logistics

Assets: our transportation system, presence of Rock Island Arsenal, and location within 300 miles of 37 million people

Food Processing

Manufacturing of processing food and beverages and related products

Assets: strong food processing cluster here, significant agriculture inputs, distribution capabilities, and abundant water

Agricultural Technologies

Farm equipment manufacturing, agricultural biotechnology, research and production of bio-fuels

Assets: existing agricultural and farm equipment manufacturers, growing technology transfer capability, abundant water and wastewater capacity

Industrial Machinery

Heavy production equipment, process and controls involved in creating automated products for manufacturing sectors

Assets: significant cluster of industrial machinery manufacturing, large trained workforce, competitive utility rates, excellent community college that can provide workers the specialized training needed, central location creates opportunities for the region to import component parts for partial assembly and distribution to major Midwest cities,

Technical Back Office Operations

Call centers, processing centers, and data processing and storage

Assets: market's fastest growing segment, low labor costs, adequate telecommunications, Midwestern accent favored by callers, and Central Time Zone