In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, leaders from the Quad Cities Chamber join the conversation to discuss the forces shaping economic growth and workforce development in the region. Chris, Vice President of Business Retention, Expansion, and Workforce, and Bill Polley, Senior Director of Business Intelligence, share insights from their work supporting local businesses and analyzing regional trends.
The discussion explores how companies are adapting to workforce challenges, the importance of connecting businesses with training and resources, and how data—like the Top 100 High Priority Jobs Report—helps guide decision-making across industries. With perspectives from both direct business engagement and economic research, this episode highlights the opportunities and strategies driving growth in the Quad Cities.
As a Vice President with Russell, a construction and development firm based in Davenport, IA, Matt Rebro brings 20+ years of industry experience and relationships to the team. He is a key contributing member to Russell’s Business Development outreach efforts. Matt’s focus is to help grow the Russell brand with targeted individuals and firms and to support his Russell team members to ensure existing client relationships are maximized to their fullest potential. As a native eastern-Iowan, Matt has demonstrated a commitment to supporting communities over the last two decades via personal and firm support of organizations such as Junior Achievement, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Iowa Association of Business & Industry and the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce Workforce Coalition.
Matt Blaylock is the co-host of A Real Piece of Work and founder of Cold Penny Marketing, a marketing agency focused on connecting brands with charitable causes and building brand loyalty.