In June, members of the Illinois EDC Economic Research Center (ERC) traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, to present at the 2026 C2ER + LMI Institute Conference. This conference is one of the premier meeting events for economic development and workforce researchers, bringing together professionals from state economic development agencies, labor market information offices, workforce development boards, regional economic development organizations, academic institutions, and private-sector data providers. This year’s theme, From the Blues to Breakthroughs: Mobilizing Data for Community Resilience, highlighted the importance of quality information to drive state, regional, and local economic development in times of macroeconomic uncertainty.
Members of the ERC presented at two conference sessions, serving as thought leaders on the cutting edge of economic development research, building relationships with peers across the country, and sharing best practices.
At the “Bridging Regional Talent and Industry to Shape the Future of Innovation” session, Henry Hodge, manager of regional research, and Gabe Necula, senior associate of research, highlighted the ERC’s work to track the impact of quantum technology in Illinois, especially around the development of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP).
Manager of Regional Research Henry Hodge and Senior Associate of Research Gabe Necula present at C2ER 2026.
Their presentation focused on the challenges economic researchers face when quantifying emerging industries such as quantum technology. To address this problem, the ERC uses a mixed-methods approach to identify industries, talent pipelines, and occupations that are, or will be, affected by the growing quantum ecosystem. For more examples of the work the ERC is doing, see Mapping Illinois’ Quantum Talent Pipeline and The State of Business.
An overview of quantum computing, AI, and microelectronics in Illinois, as presented by Henry Hodge and Gabe Necula of the ERC.
At the “Global to Local: Using Data to Target, Attract, and Grow Key Industries” session, Kate Lindgren, vice president of research, and Josh Weidenaar, director of research, presented the ERC’s completed market research and opportunity blueprint for attracting Japanese investment, offering a replicable model for other economic developers targeting international partners.
Highlights of Illinois’ partnership with Japan via import and export data, as presented by Josh Weidenaar and Kate Lindgren of the ERC.
The team combined quantitative data on the Illinois-Japan bilateral relationship with qualitative feedback from Japan’s business community, then mapped Japan’s own quantum technology priorities against Illinois’s strengths in a strategic opportunity matrix, giving Illinois EDC a concrete framework for prioritizing outreach and giving other researchers a template for their own key-market analyses.
Director of Research Josh Weidenaar and Vice President of Research present at C2ER 2026.
Beyond presenting, the ERC team members connected with state economic development heads, labor market information specialists, and representatives from major economic research data and solutions providers. The ERC team exchanged best practices and learned how peer organizations are approaching emerging economic development challenges across the country.
Of course, the team also took some time to experience Memphis and see what makes the city unique. We enjoyed Memphis barbecue, blues music, and even made a stop at the iconic Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid!
Members of the Illinois EDC ERC celebrate a job well done at C2ER 2026.
Connect with our team to learn more about Illinois’ economic landscape, and why our state in best in the U.S. for business growth.
RELATED POSTS
