For about 20 years, Tim Knanishu has been fighting for East Moline. As the executive vice-president of Revitalize and Develop East Moline (REDEEM), he has been fighting to promote commercial, industrial and recreational development in the community. There have been challenging times and there have been success stories for Mr. Knanishu and REDEEM. For instance, […]
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For about 20 years, Tim Knanishu has been fighting for East Moline.
As the executive vice-president of Revitalize and Develop East Moline (REDEEM), he has been fighting to promote commercial, industrial and recreational development in the community.
There have been challenging times and there have been success stories for Mr. Knanishu and REDEEM. For instance, in 2020, he was presented an Eddy Award from River Action for his work in helping establish The Bend – the riverfront development in East Moline.
In presenting the award to Mr. Knanishu, River Action leaders had this to say about his efforts: “Tim persevered through recession during the early years of marketing the site. … Today, The Bend boasts a major hotel, convention center, music venue, brewery, coffee house and office space, all with access to the riverfront recreation trail.”
There have been other success stories. More recently, Mr. Knanishu and REDEEM helped re-spark the development of new housing at The Quarter, an area of the city along Beacon Harbor Parkway near the Mississippi River and riverfront bike trail. If all goes according to plan, 38 villas will be built at The Quarter in two phases over the next three to five years.
The QCBJ recently asked Mr. Knanishu a series of questions on the economic challenges facing the region, current business issues and his advice for business leaders:
What are the biggest economic/business challenges facing the East Moline area?
Probably similar to most other businesses in our area – supply chain issues; acquiring and then having the right number of employees to operate on a daily basis; and rising costs across so many segments of the business. This varies from business to business based on size and type of business. I believe that the next 18 months will be very challenging for most businesses and individuals.
Many businesses in the region report the need for more employees. How can the East Moline area businesses attract more employees?
I believe that the numbers of people are there. It is a matter of matching the incentive to work with the available pool of people. This will require new and innovative ways that appeal to people so they want to work and will come to work daily and on time.
How can state/federal leaders help the East Moline economy grow?
Really listen to business owners as to what inhibits their ability to do business, meaning remove restrictions and unrealistic requirements.
What is the best advice you can give to a person going into business in East Moline?
Have a solid business plan. Work with a financial planner, a banker, use the services of SCORE, and have enough capital to weather two years of your worst expectations.
Why is East Moline a good place to do business?
East Moline, like all of its neighbors, has individual characteristics that make it attractive. East Moline has business owners that are passionate about their businesses and customers and continue to improve their business and their community.
What are your goals for REDEEM?
Retain businesses and jobs, grow new businesses and increase the tax base without burdening existing taxpayers.
How do you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
Read, listen to others, seek different perspectives and different experiences.
How do you generate great ideas from people you work with?
Listen and think in positive terms, how can we make this work.
What memorable lessons did you learn from your mentors?
Always be fair and remember that work is work, not a happiness program.
What is the hardest decision you have had to make in your career?
To survive means letting people go.
