Will County CED
CED News Updates
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.
Imagination Library is Coming to Will County!
Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and the Will County Center for Economic Development (CED) announced a partnership with The Dollywood Foundation to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Will County. The partnership kicks off a county-wide fundraising campaign to fully launch the book-gifting program, which mails free, high-quality, and age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five.
Strong Economic Leadership and New Initiatives Shine at Will County CED Annual Report Breakfast
On December 6, Arvid Johnson, the 2024/2025 Chair of the Will County CED, welcomed over 350 guests to the CED’s Annual Report to Investors breakfast at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. He expressed his gratitude to the Board of Directors in attendance, inviting them to stand and be recognized for their time, guidance, and leadership in helping make Will County a premier destination for business and growth.
New Internship Program Celebration Shines Light on Youth Investment
In its inaugural year, the Will County Summer Internship Program saw an impressive response from 26 local businesses and organizations, which collectively hired 38 students.
Will County Summer Internship Program Updates
In the newsWill County Summer Internship ProgramExciting Updates to Share The Will County Summer Internship Program isn't just about filling positions; it's about igniting passions, forging pathways, and building bridges within our community. For the summer of 2024,...
CED After 3 Events Return for 2024
Harbour Contractors, Inc. in Plainfield hosts Year’s First Event! The first event of the year held on February 21 was a great success with over 55 investors of the Will County CED attending. Harbour Contractors, Inc.
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.”
Brownfields Assessment Grant Community Outreach Begins
The Will County Center for Economic Development (CED) will be hosting public meetings on Tuesday, November 14th in Joliet and Lockport to share information and invite community participation in the Will County Brownfields Program.
A Special Message from the CED
On behalf of the CED Board of Directors and staff, we are deeply saddened by the passing of CED Board Chair Ruth Colby.
Workshop Focuses on Workforce, DEI and Talent Acquisition For Will County Manufacturing Excellence
The Will County CED has aligned with IMEC (Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center) and Joliet Junior College to present the first in a series of workshops aimed at supporting Will County manufacturers looking to grow, plan, improve, and lead.
Eye Opener Breakfast Details Will County Successes & More!
Excited to see more than 240 guests last month at this annual midyear event. CED Chair Ruth Colby welcomed guests representing investors, non-investors, elected officials, municipal staff, community organizations, and more to this midyear opportunity to gather and hear about successes and growth of Will County over the past year.
Will County Center for Economic Development Awarded $400,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant by U.S. EPA
The Will County Center for Economic Development is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $400,000 Brownfields Assessment grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
CED Announces Recognition of 2023 Economic Development Week
The Will County Center for Economic Development marks the week of May 8 to May 12, 2023, as Economic Development Week 2023. During this week, communities across North America will celebrate and recognize the contributions made by professional economic developers to create more economically vibrant and livable communities.
CED President & CEO Re-Appointed to Illinois Enterprise Zone Board
Doug Pryor was originally appointed to serve on the Board in September 2021 and was recently re-appointed to serve through February 2025. Each member of the board appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate shall have at least 5 years of experience in business, economic development, or site location.
Greater Chicagoland Region Named Top Metropolitan Area for Corporate Site Selection and Relocation
The Greater Chicagoland Region was named top metropolitan area for corporate site selection and relocation for the 10th consecutive year. County Executive Bertino-Tarrant celebrated the announcement with World Business Chicago at an awards ceremony recognizing companies who have grown or relocated in the Chicagoland Region.
Back To Business Grant Program Announced
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced on March 21, 2023, that $175 million is available in grant funding through the Back to Business (B2B) program.
New CED Investor Event Hits the Mark!
The Will County CED showcased the first, “CED After 3” event on February 22nd. Thank you to the many investors who braved the rain and cold to join us! We appreciate the support of Wight & Co as our inaugural sponsor and the Joliet Area Historical Museum for their wonderful hospitality and venue.
Ruth Colby named citizen of the year by New Lenox Chamber of Commerce
CED Investors, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and staff extend our most heartfelt congratulations to Ruth Colby recently named Citizen of the Year by the New Lenox Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Ruth serves as the 2022 and 2023 Chair of the Will County Center for Economic Development Board of Directors.
For 2024 related news please Review our 2024 Annual Report to investors.
For 2023 related news please Review our 2023 Annual Report to investors.




















