In the news
2023 – Exciting Year For Will County
Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant greeted guests last month at the CED’s Annual Report to Investors breakfast exclaiming “This has been an exciting year for Will County. We remain a state and national economic leader and have grown into a hub of industry, manufacturing, and transportation.”
She shared how she is often asked by other state leaders why economic development is so strong in Will County. “We have amazing innovators and business leaders, along with a strong bench of elected leaders at the local, state, and federal level who know how to get things done.”
2024 CED Chair Arvid Johnson warmly welcomed members of the CED Board of Directors and thanked them for their time, guidance, and leadership in making Will County the best it can be. Dr. Johnson acknowledged the passing of dear friend to many, Ruth Colby, who served as the Chair of the CED for the past two years and has been an extraordinary community leader during her time at Silver Cross Hospital. “She will be missed by all of us who were graced by her presence.”
Dr. Johnson went on to thank all CED Investors in attendance and those who could not attend affirming “You make the successes of Will County possible. Thank you for your generous support and we look forward to 2024 and beyond.”
Doug Pryor, CED President & CEO addressed the gathered crowd of more than 335 in attendance and thanked and acknowledged what an extraordinary group of leaders were in the room. Pryor recognizing our Annual Report sponsors including Presenting Sponsor Governors State University. Doug gratefully acknowledged the support of elected officials throughout the county and identified them individually in the room.
Pryor continued to present 2023 regional economic development.
Highlights included:
- Will County as the #1 job creator in Illinois (2019-2023) adding 12,000 jobs.
- Will County as the #1 single family housing builder in Illinois including Plainfield ranked #1.
- Will County #1 in Illinois in terms of industrial development.
- Manufacturing is the #1 industry in Will County with $6 billion in output and $1.8 billion in wages.
- The strength of Will County manufacturers was featured including Diageo, Hengli, DuPont, Provisur, G&W Electric and Hyzon.
Pryor highlighted 2023 Will County infrastructure projects completed and new projects underway including the I-80 Will rebuild, Houbolt Road Extension bridge and Houbolt Road Diverging Diamond at I-80. Lastly, he shared new CED initiatives including an EPA Brownfield grant and the Summer 2024 Will County Summer Internship Program.
Current News
CED Announces Leadership Transition as Doug Pryor Steps Down After Decade of Growth and Investment in Will County
“I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary group of people who care deeply about Will County and its future,” said Pryor. “I am incredibly grateful to the CED Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve and for their support and partnership throughout my tenure. Will County and its communities have created an extraordinary environment for growth and I am confident that momentum will continue for years to come.”
Will County CED Selects County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant as Board Chair
The Will County Center for Economic Development (CED) Board of Directors has selected Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant to serve as its Chair. As Chair, Bertino-Tarrant will lead the Board of Directors and Executive Committee in driving countywide efforts to expand economic opportunities, strengthen the local business environment, and attract new residents
Doug Pryor Named to Leadership Role in Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP)
The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP) today announced a leadership transition, naming two distinguished economic development leaders to guide its next phase of growth and collaboration.
Thank you to the CED Investors who graciously sponsored this important annual update. We are grateful for their commitment to this event and appreciate their support.
