Eric Brinker became president of Metro Centre just one year ago and has taken it to the next level by working hard to give Peorians a quality, locally-owned shopping experience. As president, Brinker leads a management team that has rebranded, repositioned and remarketed Metro Centre. He started with a fresh retail brand and a great logo and advertising campaign, creating a new attitude and fresh look with an updated facade, new landscaping and park-bench seating.

Bradley University awarded him the 2008 Sloane Scholarship, for which he is acting as an adjunct professor teaching Bradley students hands-on marketing through internships.

In his previous position at JetBlue, where he was responsible for the customer experience and marketing, Brinker received top honors from J. D. Power and Associates for customer service. He still spends time advising JetBlue’s senior management on sales and marketing strategy, including advertising, brand management, product development and publicity.

Brinker’s community service includes serving on the board of the Susan G. Komen Peoria Memorial Affiliate and chairing the 25th annual Susan G. Komen Peoria Race for the Cure. His mother, Nancy Brinker, sister of Susan G. Komen, founded the organization in support of the fight against breast cancer.

Brinker also created a fundraiser with Heart of Illinois Harvest and the Peoria Farmers’ Market located at Metro Centre, and helped develop a major fundraiser for WCBU and StoryCorps.

He is a Bradley University graduate and a third-generation Peorian. Brinker is a trustee for Landmark School in Massachusetts, a committee member of the New York University Medical School Foundation and a regular guest speaker at many events and classes for the communication department at Bradley.

Eric Brinker is an exceptionally bright and talented young man who gives generously of his time and talents. His impact on the community will be felt for a long time to come. iBi