About Us

Founded in March of 2001 as the Galesburg Regional Economic Development Association (GREDA), as a true public-private partnership, In the spring of 2011, Galesburg’s two prior economic development organizations—the Knox-Galesburg Economic Development Council and Galesburg 2000 Development, Inc. were merged into one unified body representing private industry, public government, labor, education, and community organizations.

GREDA’s purpose is to improve their entire region through capital investment and primary job creation. GREDA was created to retain existing businesses, assist local businesses with their expansions, proactively market the region to prospective business, and develop small businesses. Using the expertise of business leaders, local officials, and interested citizens, GREDA is developing a strong local economy and creating new employment opportunities. Through additional resources, advanced technology and grass roots participation, our organization seeks to enhance and accelerate the economic progress of the region.

GREDA is a private, not-for-profit Illinois corporation, with Section 501 (c) (6) tax exempt status. It is funded by an investor base of private business, education, government and labor which is governed by a 40-member board of directors representing industry, retail, health care, utilities, trades, legal, financial, service, government, education and civic leadership. Staff include two full time and one half-time professionally trained Economic Developers.

GREDA contracts with the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce for additional professional staff. In addition, student interns are utilized through Knox College, Carl Sandburg College, Monmouth College and Galesburg High School.

Chairman of the Board – Mark Blackburn
President – Thomas A. Schmidt
Senior Consultant – Greg Mangieri
Director of KCDC – Oliver Ferguson