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Peter Tokar III joined News 8 on The Current to talk about the challenges and exciting opportunities facing local small businesses right now.
DAVENPORT, Iowa — Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Peter Tokar III has been named one of Iowa’s most influential business leaders of 2026, less than two years after taking on his role in the region.
Tokar, who also leads Grow Quad Cities, called the recognition “surreal” and said he was honored to be included alongside other business leaders across the state.
“It’s definitely surreal to be awarded such a prestigious thing so early in being in the state here in the Quad Cities,” Tokar said. “If you look at the panel of other honorees, some very well distinguished people in there, and again it’s very much a privilege to be named among them.”
Tokar has helped reshape the chamber’s focus while launching Grow Quad Cities, a regional economic development organization aimed at expanding beyond traditional industrial recruitment. The initiative emphasizes industry diversity, quality-of-life improvements and marketing the region to attract both businesses and residents.
“We are really heavily investing in economic development for the region,” Tokar said. “We want to create a more vibrant and competitive and attractive Quad Cities.”
He said the chamber continues to support small businesses through advocacy, networking and policy work, while Grow Quad Cities focuses on long-term growth strategies, including attracting new industries and enhancing livability.
Part of that strategy includes highlighting amenities such as riverfront development projects across the region.
“One of the biggest assets of the Quad Cities is our riverfront,” Tokar said, pointing to ongoing investments in cities like Moline and Davenport. “It’s the places and spaces that make us unique, that make us memorable for people who are coming into the area.”
Tokar said supporting small businesses remains critical to the region’s economic health, urging residents to shop locally year-round.
“The best thing we can do to keep our small businesses open and thriving is go to them,” he said. “That needs to be 365 days a year.”
Like many regions nationwide, the Quad Cities continues to face workforce challenges, particularly in health care and service industries. Tokar said retaining talent and filling open positions remains a top priority.
“There’s a very large need for health care in our region, and that’s nationwide,” he said. “We can never have enough nurses, enough technicians.”
The chamber recently released a “top 100 jobs” report highlighting in-demand careers that offer livable wages, a key focus for regional growth.
“The most important thing there is we’ve calculated and done that research from a livable wage,” Tokar said. “That’s really important to the Quad Cities.”
Despite challenges, Tokar said he remains optimistic about the region’s economic future, citing continued business growth and entrepreneurship.
“I’m seeing new businesses open all the time, which is really great for our community,” he said. “As long as I keep seeing new businesses open, I’m happy.”
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