PEORIA, Ill. — To achieve growth, one local leader wants to change the slogan from “Will it Play in Peoria?” to “Peoria is a City of Gratitude”
It was the main thrust of former Peoria City Councilman John Morris’s keynote address during the 47th annual Thanksgiving Luncheon hosted by the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Thursday.
Morris, now serving as CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum said he, for one, is in full support of ongoing efforts to bring a passenger rail route into Peoria.
“A train could bring a whole lot of people spending money, moving here and bringing jobs,” he said. Morris continues, “if we dedicate ourselves to the idea of gratitude, we will grow.”
During the event, hundreds of local business, government and community leaders and representatives gathered at the Peoria Civic Center to give thanks, connect and share accolades.
Recognition was given with the Woman of the Year award, which went to Becky Rossman, the Young Professional award, granted to Michelle Nielsen Ott and the prestigious Tom Conner Community Service Award, which went to Heddy Elliot-Gardner.
There was also the Community Wealth Award for UnityPoint-Unitylace as well as awards for outstanding small and medium sized businesses, which went to Jones Brothers Jewelers and Seller Electric respectively.
