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Greater Chicagoland Region Named Top Metropolitan Area for Corporate Site Selection and Relocation
County Executive Bertino-Tarrant highlights regional economic assets at awards ceremony
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.
The announcement follows the recent formation of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, a collaboration among the seven counties of northeastern Illinois (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, Will) and the City of Chicago. The partnership is aimed at driving economic growth across the entire region.
“This partnership is a game-changer for our region,” said Bertino-Tarrant. “In a highly competitive market, we will be able to attract a wide range of industries to Will County. By working together with our neighboring communities, we can offer a unique mix of urban and rural sites, diverse talent, affordability, quality of life, and connectivity that will set us apart nationally.”
Will County has long been an anchor for economic development in the region. According to the Will County Center for Economic Development (CED), the county has led the state in growth with 7.8 million square feet of new building deliveries in 2022. Additionally, industrial, office, and retail vacancies are at historic lows across the county. Will County was also the top single family home market in Illinois for the fourth year in a row last year.
“Our combination of a tremendous workforce, multi-modal transportation infrastructure, educational institutions, and business-friendly leadership creates a strong, competitive environment that is attractive to business and investment,” said CED President & CEO Doug Pryor. “The Chicagoland area is a globally competitive region that is a force in site selection and business attraction. I am proud of the work we are doing both locally and as a region to grow and advance our economy and quality of life.”
The awards ceremony recognized several companies for their local investments. Joliet-based Lion Electric received the inaugural Pro-Chicagoland Decision Award for choosing to base their business in the region.
“We are proud to honor these outstanding companies for their contributions to Chicago’s thriving economy and job creation,” said Michael Fassnacht, President and CEO of World Business Chicago and Chief Marketing Officer for the City of Chicago. “Their commitment to driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth throughout the greater Chicagoland region is a testament to their leadership and dedication to the city and its people. We look forward to continuing to work together to build a more prosperous and equitable future for all Chicagoans.”
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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.