Will County CED
CED News Updates
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.
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.
New Program Begins for CED Investors to Connect
The inaugural CED After 3 event is an opportunity for our investors to enjoy networking and engaging with industry leaders in a variety of settings across the County. Our February 22nd event is at the Joliet Area Historical Museum and begins at 3! We will highlight the importance of offering amenities for residents and visitors to enjoy with a few guest presentations beginning at 4.
Regional Partnership for Economic Development Announced
The new Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership was announced this week and includes the City of Chicago, Cook County and six counties across the northeastern Illinois region including Will County.
Annual Report Speaks To Will County
Ruth Colby, CED Board Chair, welcomed more than 250 guests and thanked members of the CED Board for their time, guidance, and leadership in making the CED and Will County the best it can be. She reflected on the CED’s forty-one years of success. In 2022 forty-three investor organizations marked 30 years or more of investment in the CED, which was commemorated through presentations of Certificates of Appreciation recognizing their commitment to community and their partnership with the Will County Center for Economic Development.
CED Infrastructure Coalition Hears the Latest News
The CED’s Infrastructure Coalition met recently for a mid-year update on State and regional transportation projects, studies, and plans. This important CED Coalition’s mission and charge is making sure Will County is meeting the infrastructure needs of our businesses and residents.
CED Hosts Eye Opener Breakfast
For the first time since 2019 board members, investors, partners and supporters of the Will County Center for Economic Development came together to network and hear about the successes and growth of Will County over the past year.
Harbor Freight Celebrates New Distribution Center in Joliet, Will County
Harbor Freight Tools opened its new 1.6 million square foot distribution center located at 3401 Brandon Road in the CenterPoint Intermodal Center with a celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony.
Celebrating Jim Roolf’s Decades of Leadership
Jim Roolf, a longtime member of the CED Board of Directors, past Chairman, and Frank Turk Jr. Award recipient, attended his final meeting as a regular member of the Board in May.
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.
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood Visits Intermodal April 20, 2022
Doug Pryor and Will County Speaker, Mimi Cowan, hosted our 14th District Congresswoman Lauren Underwood at the BNSF Logistics Park Chicago Terminal in the CenterPoint Intermodal Center – North America’s Largest Inland Port.
CEO Speaks to Future Leaders
Doug Pryor was Invited by the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry to speak to their Leadership School participants in a panel discussion along with Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and City of Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk.
Will County Elected Officials Incentives Training Packed with Information
This new program was inspired by popular demand from participants at our Annual Elected Officials Economic Development 101 Boot Camp. On February 22nd thirty-five participants representing 18 Will County units of government attended and received a comprehensive look at incentives and programs available through our economic development partners who provided critical information necessary to driving projects forward in Will County.
Longtime CED Leader John Greuling Honored
At the February Board of Directors meeting, longtime President & CEO of the CED, John Greuling was awarded the Frank Turk Business and Community Achievement Award.
John Greuling to Retire, Doug Pryor named President and CEO of Will County Center for Economic Development
After 20 years of inspirational leadership as the President and CEO of the Will County Center for Economic Development, John Greuling has announced his retirement, effective March 6, 2022.
For 2022 related news please Review our 2022 Annual Report to investors.
For 2021 related news please Review our 2021 Annual Report to investors.