Jim McConoughey for Congress, 18th District Illinois, Candidate Biography
The Early Years…
Jim McConoughey was raised on his family’s farm and learned the value of hard work at a young age. From there, he put himself through school and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University. He began a career in business, building a large hotel chain. Following several successful years owning and operating a growing private business, Jim wanted to start a family. He sold out of his hotel business and married a girl from a small town in Illinois. Gina and Jim McConoughey recently celebrated their 18thwedding anniversary. The young couple started their new life together operating their own small business; Jim also began playing a role in public service.
A tradition of public service…
Jim has been an economic development leader in several communities, big and small. In this role, he has served as a knowledgeable key resource for a city council or county board that needed help in attracting jobs to their community. Whether he was working in rural towns or in the Chicago suburbs, Jim has been a successful leader in economic development and has been responsible for bringing in new jobs. As a working professional in economic development, Jim earned an MBA from Northern Illinois University.
Presently a strong voice for Central Illinois…
Today, Jim McConoughey is the President and CEO of the Heartland Partnership. He is the ‘go to guy’ in Peoria and surrounding communities for economic development and job creation. The Heartland Partnership is an umbrella organization that runs 12 smaller organizations including the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois, Transport (The Heart of Illinois Regional Port District), PeoriaNEXT, and others. Additionally, he teaches at Bradley University and is involved in several charitable initiatives.
Personal…
Jim and Gina McConoughey are raising two teenagers in Dunlap. Their daughter Elizabeth is 16 and active in theater, art and dance, while Spencer who is 12 is an honors student in math and science. Jim and Spencer enjoy father-son hunting activities, unfortunately their dog Jazz is past her hunting prime! Meanwhile, Gina stays busy teaching business and marketing courses at Illinois Central College. The McConoughey family enjoys outdoor activities throughout Central Illinois.
McConoughey, not a politician…
Jim is a lifelong Republican running for his first elective office – he is NOT a professional politician. He has been supportive of Illinois Republicans in the past and has worked closely with our elected leadership through his economic development offices. Jim has been and will continue to be someone who solves the region’s problems, brings in new jobs and makes Central Illinois a better place for everyone. Jim is a proven leader with 26 years of business and public service experience and unwavering integrity. On February 5th, 2008, Vote Jim McConoughey, Republican for Congress.