Economic Development

     Ideally located about halfway between Chicago and St. Louis; easy access to highways, riverways and air travel; an abundant and skilled work force; a vibrant local economy; an exceptional quality of life - these are just a few of the reasons why so many businesses thrive in Pekin.  
     Part of the Pekin-Peoria MSA (population 347,387), Pekin (population 33,857) enjoys the benefits of big city life, while maintaining its sense of community with a Midwestern flavor.  As the county seat, Pekin is the government center for Tazewell County (population 128,485.)      
      The City of Pekin offers many different economic incentives and tools to new and expanding businesses. These include a Pekin Area Enterprise Zone, two Tax Increment Financing districts (TIFs), Build Illinois Loan Program, EDFAP Loans, and Riverway Business Park. For more information on these economic development programs, visit the City of Pekin's website.
     The Chamber's Business Environment Division works to create a vibrant business environment, while the Chamber's Marketing Division works to promote the Pekin area to others.  The Economic Development Council for Central Illinois provides a great deal of useful economic development information related to the Pekin-Peoria MSA.
     The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity also has useful economic development information for area businesses and those considering the State of Illinois as their home.
     For more information on economic development opportunities in the Pekin area, contact the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce or: