Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council

Last Friday we hosted our quarterly BN By The Numbers event at the brand new The Petrick Idea Center on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. We were thrilled to have had a sold out, energetic crowd of over 100 attendees representing over 50 local businesses participate in the first ever community event held at Petrick!

This event was focused on entrepreneurship with speakers including our Interim CEO Tyler Cravens, IWU School of Business and Economics Dean Dr. Bryan McCannon, IWU Petrick Idea Center Director Ben Hage, ISU BN Innovation Hub leader Dr. Harriett Steinbach, and local entrepreneur Vivian Doctora.

The work that all of them are doing to promote the local entrepreneurial ecosystem bode well for the future and we were glad to raise up the progress being made.

We also had the opportunity to highlight the strong state of our local economy and continued investments in housing, manufacturing, and across the board in the City of Bloomington, Illinois, Town of Normal - Government, and McLean County IL Government.

Our BN By The Numbers: Entrepreneurship event is officially sold out! We look forward to seeing everyone who registered this Friday at the new Illinois Wesleyan University Petrick Idea Center.

We're hiring! The Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council seeks a talented, knowledgeable, visionary, and collaborative leader to serve as its next President & Chief Executive Officer. Visit the job posting to learn more.

https://lnkd.in/g-dmmyCX

Join us for our upcoming BN by the Numbers: Entrepreneurship event on Friday, July 31st at the Illinois Wesleyan University Petrick Idea Center. Hear from local leaders and entrepreneurs, followed by a tour of the Petrick Idea Center.

Email [email protected] to register.

Help shape the future of McLean County by attending an upcoming 2045 Regional Comprehensive Plan outreach event. Multiple opportunities are available across the county and online.

Child care is more than a family issue—it's a workforce and economic issue.

Join local experts on Thursday, June 25, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., from the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, Birth to Five Illinois, and Molly Robinson, Director of The Farmhouse Early Learning and Development Center, for a solution-focused virtual roundtable to explore how innovative infrastructure and new partnerships are expanding access in our community.

Register today! https://airtable.com/apppMXeZpmheoPoPg/pagRd4Ck8P093Khuq/form

We're so thankful for everything Carl brings to the team. His hard work and dedication make a difference every day, and we're lucky to have him! Congratulations on three years. We appreciate you and all that you do!