StayGP.org Launched to Support those Displaced

Today, the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council announced the launch of www.StayGP.org, a resource for individuals seeking a new career opportunity or retirement strategy that would allow them to stay in Greater Peoria.

"When we heard the announcement from Mitsubishi and then Caterpillar about impending layoffs, we decided a resource like StayGP was something that could be helpful to those impacted," said Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Greater Peoria EDC. "We want our friends and neighbors to stay here in Greater Peoria and we hope StayGP will make it a little easier to find opportunities to do so."

The new website, a collaboration with CareerLink, offers information organized into four pathways: find a job, go to school, start a business, and retirement opportunities. 

The first pathway lists local job postings, pulled from the online job bank Indeed, and resources to prepare for a new position. 

The second pathway provides data on the hottest jobs in the region, tuition reimbursement vehicles, and regional schools and training programs. 

The third pathway introduces regional resources for launching a business including local people you can talk to and programs that are helpful. Bradley University's Turner Center for Entrepreneurship, Startup Peoria, and SCORE are just a few of the programs that are highlighted.

The fourth pathway is for anyone who chose early retirement and isn't quite ready to stay home. Opportunities to work part-time, teach, become a mentor, or make a difference as a volunteer for a local organization are a few of the options showcased in this section.

StayGP also includes a calendar listing events and activities related to the four pathways and a contact list that anyone can join to receive updates and notifications.

The site was developed by Greg Paul Lynn and funded by the investors of the Greater Peoria EDC. Unity Point Methodist Proctor and DSM-H Consulting provided additional funding that helped to make the site possible.

"We want to thank all those who participated in developing and launching StayGP," said Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Greater Peoria EDC. "We know there is still a great deal of work to do to help people identify new opportunities and we will continue to add resources as we find or create them. Most of the people on our team know someone impacted by these layoffs. We want to see how we can turn something devastating into a new opportunity for as many people as possible."