Jan Wright

President/Publisher


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A central Illinois native, Jan Wright has watched central Illinois grow and prosper for more than 50 years. Together with her late husband, David C. Wright, Jan co-founded Central Illinois Business Publishers, Inc. They first introduced InterBusiness Issues to central Illinois as an 8-page newsletter in 1989. In less than a year, InterBusiness Issues was produced in magazine format, and The Peoria Woman was developed, targeting the professional woman. In 1997, a third publication, Arts Alive! was created to promote the many arts and cultural venues in the area.

After David's death in 1997, Jan became sole owner of the company. In 2002, Peoria Progress, a bi-annual quality of life publication was launched. In 2005, CIBP launched the weekly e-newsletter, Central Illinois Perspective, and in 2006, Arts Alive! was expanded and transformed into art & societyTM.

Thanking the many community friends who have contributed to the success of the magazines, Jan volunteers her time and resources to many organizations.

She has served on the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, the Central Illinois Chapter of the Red Cross, Peoria Civic Federation, Illinois Central College Foundation board and the Community Foundation of Central Illinois. Jan is active on the following boards of directors: Commerce Bank Advisory Board, CEO Roundtable, Economic Development Council for Central Illinois, Children's Hospital of Illinois at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, The Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service at Bradley University, Methodist Medical Center College of Nursing, and The Creve Coeur Club Board of Governors. She is a member of The Rotary Club of Peoria, The Junior League of Peoria and The National Association of Women Business Owners.

Jan has received the following awards and recognition:

  • Peoria Park District Community Service Award, 2005
  • The PACVB Media Friend of Tourism Award, 2001
  • The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, 1996
  • The Peoria Jaycees' Outstanding Young Business Professional Award, 1996
  • The Peoria YWCA Lydia Moss Bradley Communications Award, 1993
  • Women in Management's Woman of Achievement Entrepreneur Award, 1992
  • National Organization for Women's Betty Osborne Award, 1992