Choose Greater Peoria

Still scrambling for holiday gifts? Don’t stress — shop local! 🎁 Hit up these super-charming shops and boutiques for unique finds and give a little love to our small business owners. 💜 #ChooseGreaterPeoria #TheresMoreHere #ShopLocal #SupportLocal

Since 1967, Illinois Central College (ICC) has been a cornerstone of education in Greater Peoria — earning its reputation as one of the nation’s top Community Colleges. 🎓 With 150+ programs of study, ICC isn’t just a place to knock out gen eds; it’s an engine of opportunity. From ICC classrooms to the top of their industries, these 𝟮𝟱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 have proven our Community College is a launchpad for greatness. https://lnkd.in/gRzsi3Ki #ChooseGreaterPeoria #IllinoisCentralCollege #TheresMoreHere #ICC #CommunityCollege

It’s a good thing electricity costs in Greater Peoria are 19% lower than the national average — because the #EastPeoriaFestivalofLights features over 500,000 bright lights! We’re pretty sure you can see FOLEPI’s Winter Wonderland from space. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, it’s a holiday tradition we don’t take for granted. Thank you to the CITY OF EAST PEORIA and the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce for putting on this award-winning spectacle every year.   Experience the magic through 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟱, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱. But watch this video first. 🎅 #ChooseGreaterPeoria #TheresMoreHere #FOLEPI #FestivalofLights

Safe to say Michelle Conger will never forget 2024. Fresh off winning Athena Woman of the Year at the Thanksgiving Luncheon, she’s now gearing up to step into her next big role as President and CEO of OSF HealthCare! 👏 Michelle’s been a key player at OSF for three decades. Her leadership and innovation will only build on the incredible legacy of Bob Sehring, who will continue to guide the organization until his retirement in April 2026. We’re grateful for Bob's visionary leadership, which has transformed health care in our region during his tenure, and excited for Michelle to build on that foundation with her dedication to excellence. Here’s to an exciting new chapter at OSF — always serving with the greatest care and love. ❤️ https://lnkd.in/gzPwypWD #ChooseGreaterPeoria #TheresMoreHere #OSFHealthCare Journal Star

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮   Health care in Greater Peoria is on the cutting edge as OSF HealthCare and Carle Health Greater Peoria roll out new technologies and expand access to critical services across the region. From the launch of the state-of-the-art OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute to Carle Health’s high-tech diagnostic tools, these advancements bring top-tier care closer to home and boost our local economy. Click the link below to learn more about how these initiatives are reshaping health care in Greater Peoria. 🔗 bit.ly/3O0fmDc #ChooseGreaterPeoria #TheresMoreHere #Livability #OSFHealthCare #CarleHealth

Step aside, Chicago — Illinois has a new favorite city. 😎 Peoria is officially one of 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢’𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘦. While Chicago’s busy flaunting its deep-dish pizza and iconic skyline, Peoria quietly claimed the spotlight as the 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 to make U.S. News & World Report's top 100 list for 2024. 🎉 This isn’t fluff, guys. These rankings are backed by data from trusted sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Labor. Peoria’s momentum is undeniable. Our economy is booming, our arts and culture scene is thriving and our community spirit is unmatched. Festivals, five-star restaurants, affordability, a picturesque riverfront — it’s all happening here in the River City. See why Peoria is the place to be: https://lnkd.in/g8MXhsxJ #ChooseGreaterPeoria #TheresMoreHere #PeoriaPride #BestPlacesToLive #MidwestMomentum

Grab the most ATROCIOUS-looking Christmas sweater you can find. It’s time to gear up for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Networking Party. 🎄 It’s where business meets hip-hop and holiday spirit — going down this 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟲 – 𝟵 𝗣𝗠 at Distillery Labs. Here’s what to expect: • Connect with community movers, shakers and visionaries • Tour Peoria’s innovation hub, #DistilleryLabs • Support the "𝗧𝗼𝘆𝘇 𝗡 𝗗𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱" 𝗧𝗼𝘆 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 (bring a toy or $5 for entry) • Win dope prizes while building relationships that 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 matter Powered by Strictly Hip-Hop 90.7, Distillery Labs and Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, this event bridges culture, community and business growth. Don’t just celebrate the season — make it meaningful. Tag your crew and start prepping your ugliest sweater NOW. See you there. 🎅 #ChooseGreaterPeoria #TheresMoreHere

Ready to unwrap some holiday magic? This weekend, the Peoria Riverfront Museum is transforming into a winter wonderland for the 3rd Annual Christmas in the Village. 🎄 It's like stepping into a Hallmark movie but with better vibes and cooler people. Below are the need-to-know details. 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 & 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀: • Friday, Dec. 6: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. • Saturday, Dec. 7: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: • Peoria's LARGEST Live Christmas Tree • Santa Claus Meet & Greets • Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides • Live Performances • Food & Drinks • Laser Light Show & Holiday Movies • Petting Zoo 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: • Members: Family $40 | Individual $15 • General Public: Family $50 | Individual $20 Created in 2022 by Peoria native Alison Unkovich, this magical event brings the community together for a storybook Christmas experience. Thanks to the amazing sponsors and support from locals like YOU, Christmas in the Village will light up Peoria for years to come. Proceeds support the Museum's #EveryStudentInitiative, so you're spreading joy while doing good. Let’s make some merry memories this weekend! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gnCUiXYx #ChooseGreaterPeoria #TheresMoreHere #ChristmasintheVillage #ChristmasSeason

PEORIA IS GROWING! Probably didn’t have to go all caps, but it’s a big deal. According to a new report, we’re among the fastest-growing cities in Illinois — with a population increase of 𝟯.𝟴𝟲% between 2022 and 2023. 📈 This growth is a testament to our welcoming community, thriving career opportunities and unmatched quality of life. It’s also proof the #ChooseGreaterPeoria initiative is working, right? 😃 Here’s how Peoria compares to other cities across Illinois: Elgin: 8.36% Arlington Heights: 4.71% 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮: 3.86% 💃🕺 Waukegan: 3.04% Naperville: 1.83% Rockford: 0.26% Joliet: 0.17% Thank you to all the businesses, residents and leaders who make this region dope*. Let’s keep the momentum going. Watch your back, Elgin. We’re coming for you. *𝘋𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 “𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵” 𝘰𝘳 “𝘢𝘸𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦” Article: https://lnkd.in/gUfwxxvJ #TheresMoreHere #PeoriaPride #WGNTV #RiverCity #CityofGratitude

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚?   Affordable living, warm-hearted residents, endless entertainment and thriving career opportunities — our region has it all. It’s no wonder so many people choose to call Greater Peoria home. 🏡 Haley Ebeling came here for college, where she met her husband, Ross Ebeling. Together, they’ve built a beautiful life here. In our inaugural edition of Livability magazine, Haley shares insights into her education at Bradley University, her connection to the community and why our region is such a great place to live. ❤️ Read the article here: bit.ly/3Z1MMYk #ChooseGreaterPeoria #TheresMoreHere #Livability #BradleyUniversity