In the news
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.
Thanks to the support of State of Illinois matching funds, every $16 raised locally will sponsor one child to receive a full year of high-quality, age-appropriate books. On Dec. 10, members of the Lockport Woman’s Club presented the first donation of $5,000 to help launch Imagination Library of Will County.
A kick-off fundraising event will be held on Jan. 30 at the Rialto Square Theatre. The “Imagination Celebration – A Dolly Parton Birthday Book Bash” will feature a celebratory reception and a showing of the 1980 classic 9 to 5, starring Dolly Parton. The reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. on January 30 at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, with the movie starting at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available for purchase starting on Dec. 26 at the Rialto Box Office (102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL – Mon.-Fri. – 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Stay tuned for more information on ticket purchase locations!
Young readers of today are innovators, business leaders, and changemakers of the future. This investment in early childhood education builds a better foundation for students when they enter school and encourages a cycle of success benefitting students and communities. The Will County CED is proud to partner with Will County Executive Bertino-Tarrant on this important program.
Read the announcement for more information about the event and how to donate here.
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.