Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis says no doubt this year will be challenging for the local economy.
And despite Caterpillar's announcement of more layoffs this week,
But Ardis says he thinks the city will continue on it's path of economic progress.
The mayor says the city's track record and progress are reasons for hope.
During his State of the City address Mayor Jim Ardis pointed to plans for a new convention hotel downtown, a new museum on the riverfront, plus a strong financial institution as progress for Peoria. He says despite word of more Caterpillar layoffs this week the river city will survive.
"When they went through this in the 80s several of their competitors went out of business. Cat is not only not gonna go out business they are gonna see a profit in 2009," said Mayor Ardis.
Ardis says the success of future projects and development depends on changes needed to improve District 150 school system.
"If that house does not get put in order by whatever it takes a lot of what we're doing it's not gonna have success," said Ardis.
"We have to make sure we offer programs and curriculum that are very supportive and positive and constructive and meangingful for our students and families," said District 150 Superintendent Ken Hinton.
Several members of the business community attended the speech at the Pere Marquette Hotel.
"I like that we have a plan and we're moving forward. I think that's a very positive thing. And I like Peoria," said Susie Ketterer wih Simantel Marketing.
"We really need some positive thinking and I think that's what the mayor did today. I feel like he tried to do that very much. We need that across the board," said attorney Karl Kuppler.
Mayor Ardis challenged leaders to rally around community and support those impacted by the recession.
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