Greg and Dan talk to Chris Setti of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council and Dick Peplow, Manager of the Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network, about the importance of Manufacturing Month as it wraps up this week. They highlight how manufacturing is truly the DNA of the economy, especially here in Illinois, where Peoria continues to be home to some of the nation’s most successful manufacturers.

Dick also discusses the current challenges within the workforce, particularly the growing gap between traditional four-year college paths and skilled trade opportunities like welding, machining, and production work and how more young people can thrive through nontraditional career pathways.

They also preview a mini version of the Big Table event, happening tomorrow from 4-7 PM at the El Paso Community Center, bringing local leaders together once again for collaboration and community discussion.

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