In the news
CED Hosts Eye Opener Breakfast
The successes and growth of Will County over the past year
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.
The CED’s Board Chair, Ruth Colby, enthusiastically welcomed the 200 in attendance emphasizing the excitement in the room to gather again in person.
Additionally, Ruth applauded the CED Board of Directors, a group of incredible community leaders who provide their time, guidance, and leadership to help make the CED and Will County the best it can be. She went on to extend gratitude to all CED Investors in attendance, who help drive investment and opportunity to Will County every day.
Will County Executive, Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant spoke about the hard work of the CED and Board in attracting new business. She said she has been to a lot of ribbon cuttings throughout the county lately!

Doug Pryor speaking at the 2022 Eye Opener Breakfast
Doug Pryor, President & CEO was the featured speaker and shared some eye opening successes and growth of Will County over the past year, which included good news about our population gains, low unemployment and single-family housing leadership. Other Will County facts and updates:
- Leading the state in job creation – 47,802 since 2011
- Retail occupancy at an all-time high – 96%
- $11.5 billion in retail sales – 33% increase from previous high
- #1 in Illinois in industrial development
- Office occupancy – 94%
- Home prices hit new record in 2022 – $306,000
- Update on major transportation projects
- CED Programs and Events
A look ahead……
Our Sincere Thanks to
Presenting Sponsor
First Midwest Bank
And Event sponsors
Cadence Premier Logistics
Heartland Bank & Trust
More In The News

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.