In the news
Lion Electric’s Investment in Illinois Honored with Community Impact Award
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity nominated Lion Electric for the CiCi Award, in partnerhsip with Intersect Illinois.
Lion Electric was chosen from hundreds of nominees for the value both to the community and the economy as a whole.
Lion Electric, the Canadian manufacturer of electric buses and trucks, has been named one of the country’s top Community Impact projects by Trade & Industry Development magazine. The annual award recognizes companies that make a difference in the community in which they locate.
In May of 2021 Lion announced it would bring its first U.S. manufacturing facility to Illinois, investing $70M in the commercial vehicle production plant, where it will employ more than 700 people. The new facility is the largest dedicated production site for zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles in the U.S. and Lion’s biggest footprint in the market.
“Lion is the leader in electric school buses and has always been dedicated to the U.S. market, and our commitment to be close to our customers is one of the core values we have as a company. This significant expansion into the U.S. market will not only allow us to drastically increase our overall manufacturing capacity of electric trucks and buses but to also better serve our customers, while adding critical clean manufacturing jobs that will form the backbone of the green economy,” said Marc Bedard, CEO and Founder of Lion.
“Lion’s historic investment to bring its largest production facility to Illinois represents not only a win for our communities, but a strong step forward in our work to expand clean energy alternatives and the jobs they bring to our communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
Read the full article from INTERSECT Illinois here.
Trade & Industry Development’s Corporate Investment & Community Impact Awards
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity nominated Lion Electric for the CiCi Award, in partnership with Intersect Illinois. Lion Electric was chosen from hundreds of nominees for the value both to the community and the economy as a whole.
More In The News
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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.