We congratulate LaDrina Wilson on her top vote-getting from QCBJ readers as the Most Influential Person in the Quad Cities.
Ms. Wilson’s corporate and civic involvement are certainly worthy of this special recognition, especially as she continues to show strong leadership in the region as the CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber and as co-chair of the United Way Quad Cities fundraising campaign, as well as her impactful diversity consulting practice.
Our editorial team also selects who we think is the Most Influential person in the Quad Cities and this year it is Clair Peterson, the outgoing tournament director of the John Deere Classic.
There are few people who have had such an enormous economic, marketing and nonprofit impact in the region.
The annual JDC, which Mr. Peterson has been overseeing for the past 20 years, provides an impressive amount of charitable donations to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations in the region.
According to the tournament, the $13.9 million fundraising total this year as part of its Birdies for Charity program works out to approximately $37 for each of the Quad Cities’ 375,000 residents. That again makes the JDC the No. 1 tournament in per capita contributions on the regular PGA Tour — a distinction the event has held for more than a decade now.
The event also appropriately showcases the region and its title sponsor, Deere & Co., to a worldwide audience.
“For 20 years Clair has quietly managed the John Deere Classic through challenges presented by outside forces, never looking for recognition for the positive impact his work has on the Quad Cities region,” said Pat Eikenberry, the 2022 JDC volunteer chairman. “His reputation in the PGA world has influenced the evolution of the tournament we enjoy today. All the while attracting 156 of the world’s best golfers. The Quad Cities community has benefited greatly by his efforts. “
We appreciate Mr. Peterson’s humble approach to marrying Deere’s corporate ethos with this important PGA tour stop.
Mr. Peterson’s career at Deere began as an advertising copywriter in 1975 after his graduation from Iowa State University. He became a tournament liaison in 1997 and tournament director when Kym Hougham left for the Wells Fargo Championship after the opening of Deere Run.
“Clair is green and yellow (John Deere’s iconic colors) through and through,” 2012 JDC Champion Zach Johnson, a JDC board member and 2023 Ryder Cup captain, said in a recent JDC news release. “His leadership and wisdom have taken the John Deere Classic to phenomenal levels.”
Steve Stricker, who won three straight JDC titles beginning in 2009 and was the winning captain at the 2021 Ryder Cup, echoed that sentiment. “What he has done and meant to the John Deere Classic and the quality of every component is what stands out — golf course, staff, volunteers all the way down is first class,” Mr. Stricker said. “Not to mention the charitable aspect, which is what it’s all about.”
Mr. Peterson is good at not only dealing with golf’s superstars like Mr. Johnson and Mr. Stricker, but also with volunteers and everyone else needed to make this a successful event.
It’s the type of influence that really lasts.
