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
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.
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.
Board of Directors
| Name | Title | Company | KCAP Board Title |
| Doug Sanders | President | F & M Bank | Chair |
| John Pritchard | President | Galesburg Broadcasting | Vice Chair |
| Chris Gavin | President & CEO | Midwest Bank | Secretary |
| Jared Hawkinson | County Board Chair | - | |
| Gerald Smith | Galesburg City Manager | - | |
| Peter Schwartzman | Galesburg City Mayor | - | |
| Brad Clark | President | Tompkins State Bank | - |
| Lisa DeKezel | President | OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center | - |
| Seamus Reilly | President | Carl Sandburg College | - |
| Candy Webb | Enterprise Sales Director | Stratus Networks | - |