About Us
Peoria Metro Rankings and Recognition
#33 November 2009, Milken institute says Peoria is the 33rd best performing City in the U.S. Milken's Best-Performing Cities Index measures the most successful U.S. metropolitan areas in terms of job creation and retention, the quality of jobs being produced, and overall economic performance. It looks specifically at where jobs are being created and maintained, where wages and salaries are increasing, and where economies and businesses are growing and thriving. Peoria jumped 10 spots from 2008.
#5 October 2009, CNN Money and Fortune Small Business ranked Peoria as the 5th best midsized city to launch a small businesses and 15th best overall regardless of size. The article highlights the growth of Peoria's small business sector even during the bad economy. The article explains how more than 100 businesses have graduated from startup mode this year in industries including agriculture, medical device development, and the support-services sector.
#24 In September 2009, Illinois ranked 24th as Best States for Business according to Forbes.com. In 2008 Illinois was ranked 35, in 2007 Illinois ranking was #47. This is a look at the Best Places for Business and Careers, based on the cost of doing business, cost of living, entertainment opportunities and income growth.
#16 In June 2009, Peoria was ranked the 16th best city for young professionals on the U.S. Next Cities List among cities with a population of 100,000 - 200,000. This list looks at earning, learning, vitality, entertainment and recreation options, cost of lifestyle, and social capital.
#52 In March 2009, Peoria was ranked #52 on Forbes.com 'Best Place for Business and Career' list
#20 In the summer of 2008, Peoria was ranked as the 20th largest market for exports from the U.S., with sales totaling over $5 billion.
#21 In 2008, Peoria is ranked 21st Best Midsize Cities to do Business according to Inc. Magazine
August 2009 Reuters reported the swank restaurants and multimillion-dollar homes on Grand View Drive make the point that “the downturn is different this time around in Peoria.”
June 2009, Biological Quarterly said "Peoria Next: Creating A Culture of Entrepreneurialism"
July 2009, NBC Nightly News reports: "Peoria is Bucking the Trend"In 2008, National Geographic Adventure magazine named Peoria one of the 50 Best Adventure Towns in America, citing our extensive trail system and live entertainment found on our Riverfront.
November 2008, NBC Nightly News reports: "Peoria Region is a Pocket of Prosperity"
2008, U.S. News & World Report says: "Globalization plays in Peoria"
The Heartland Partnership Family of Companies
The Heartland Partnership family of companies is committed to moving the Central Illinois Region from good to excellent through economic and community development.
