Launch. Locate. Grow.

Advancing Knox County Forward

Knox County, Illinois is an excellent location for doing business. The Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development (KCAP) launched in 2015 to provide economic development services to the Galesburg and Knox County region. The organization is structured as a public-private 501c6 nonprofit and our offices are located in Downtown Galesburg. KCAP’s tagline is “Launch. Locate. Grow.”, which reflects our work helping existing companies expand, recruiting new companies to the region and empowering entrepreneurs. Click here to view our current Strategic Plan.

60+ completed Projects since 2015

501c6 Non-Profit Organization

2-person staff and a 10-person board

50+ community investors

Staff Photo Ken Springer Knox County Illinois Area Partnership

Ken Springer, President
ken@knoxpartnership.com 
(309) 343-1194

KCAP President Ken Springer has spent the last two decades helping companies launch, locate and grow. His experience includes working with clients on successful projects in the manufacturing, food processing, transportation/logistics, renewable energy, tech and retail industries. Before joining the KCAP team, the West Michigan native served as Vice President of the Bloomington-Normal Area Economic Development Council.

Staff Photo Abby Colin Knox County Illinois Area Partnership

Abby Colvin, Director of Communication and Development
abby@knoxpartnership.com
(309) 343-1194

A small-town Central Illinois native, Abby Colvin earned her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Leadership and Marketing from Bradley University. Her background in non-profit work, community outreach, marketing, special events, and social media provide strong skillsets for promoting the many advantages of Knox County. Outside of work, Abby enjoys exploring with her chocolate lab, hiking, and spending time at the lake with her family and friends.

Name Title Company KCAP Board Title
John Pritchard President  Galesburg Broadcasting Chair
Candy Webb  Enterprise Sales Director Stratus Networks Vice Chair
Josh  Gibb President Galesburg Community Foundation  Secretary
Jared Hawkinson County Board Chair Knox County  - 
Eric  Hanson Galesburg City Manager City of Galesburg  - 
Peter Schwartzman Galesburg City Mayor City of Galesburg  - 
Doug Sanders President F & M Bank  - 
Lisa DeKezel President OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center   - 
C. Andrew McGadney President  Knox College  - 
Rebecca King Group Head-Agriculture, SVP Old National Bank 

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