Greater Peoria Region

Peoria Skyline

Though often regarded as the “Earthmoving Capital of the World” thanks to the presence of large Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) like Caterpillar and Komatsu, the Greater Peoria Region in Central Illinois is also home to the 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois National Guard, which maintains and operates eight C-130 Hercules aircraft capable of transporting large amounts of personnel and equipment over long distances.

Defense Footprint: Peoria Air National Guard Base Heading link

In Peoria, the focus is on Air Mobility, a mission that delivers global air transportation of equipment and supplies during times of war and for peace-time training exercises. This includes providing safe, comfortable, and reliable transportation of military personnel or dignitaries anywhere in the world. Additional missions include Homeland Defense, Air Support Operations, Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), Combat Communications and Ban.

From 2013 to 2017, the Greater Peoria Region boasted an annual average of:

  • 75 establishments with at least one defense contract

  • $ 249 millions in DOD sales

  • 3.70 % of all State DOD sales

Relevant Reports Heading link

  • Greater Peoria Region Summary (2016)
  • Greater Peoria Region Community Profile (2016)
  • Greater Peoria Defense Industry Profile (2018)
  • Greater Peoria Region Economic Profile (2021) (2016)
  • Greater Peoria Region Economic Composition and Change Analysis (2021), (2016)

Partner: Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (GPEDC) Heading link

Our lead partner in the Greater Peoria Region is the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (GPEDC), which drives economic growth in the area through targeted business and talent development, as well as attraction campaigns.

Learn More About GPEDC