General assignment reporter Mike Kramer writes on a variety of topics throughout central Illinois.
* Comcast Business has completed a project to extend its network into Pekin's Riverway Business Park.
* The extension provides businesses with access to high-speed internet and a full suite of Comcast's business solutions.
* City officials believe the enhanced connectivity will help attract new businesses and create jobs in the area.
* Comcast has invested $1.4 billion in its Illinois network over the past three years.
PEKIN - Comcast Business announced the completion of a project to extend its network in the Riverway Business Park.
The extension provides businesses in the 438-acre industrial park with access to Comcast Business's full suite of solutions, including high-speed internet and a variety of cloud services. Pekin mayor Mary Burress noted that Riverway Business Park has already attracted new businesses and created jobs.
"I'd like to thank Comcast for its investment to provide current and future businesses in the area the reliable connectivity solutions necessary to conduct business here in Pekin," she added. "As we move forward in Pekin, let it be known, Pekin is open for business."
Josh Wray, Pekin's economic development director, said: "Riverway Business Park is strategically positioned and has the potential to generate significant economic development for the entire Peoria area. This level of connectivity will help Pekin attract and retain new businesses and help existing businesses in the area compete regionally, nationally and even internationally."
Comcast has invested over $80 billion in the last 10 years to grow and evolve its next-generation network nationwide across the company's service footprint, including $1.4 billion in Illinois over the past three years. The company has more than 65,000 miles of advanced network infrastructure and more than 1.8 million Wi-Fi hotspots in Illinois.
"Comcast continues to expand its reach through strategic proactive investments designed to spur local economic development," said Sean McCarthy, Comcast's regional vice president of business development and strategic initiatives. "We're proud to provide local businesses with advanced connectivity and technology solutions and we look forward to seeing this business corridor thrive."