A representative identified in the transcript as 'Peplow'—who said he is a "proud resident of Wharton, Illinois" and the director of the Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network for the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council—used the public-comment period to describe an upcoming regional outreach event called 'The Big Table.'

Peplow said the event will be held Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Tremont High School and will feature breakout discussions on four topics: expanding access to opportunity, building a talent pipeline, fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing livability across a five-county area (Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Mason and Logan counties). He explained GPEDC’s role in developing a comprehensive economic-development strategy for that region and said reports from the Big Table feed funding opportunities from the Department of Commerce.

Peplow thanked Kim Litwiller of the Wharton EDC for publicity help and said brochures and a QR code were available for registration. He encouraged elected officials, business owners and residents to attend and share information about the event with local businesses.

The remarks were delivered during the public-comment portion of the meeting and required no council action.