In the news
Unemployment Down & Job Creation Steady in Will County, Illinois
As of April, the county’s unemployment rate stood at 7%, below one year prior when it reached 16%
By Alex Ortiz | ShawLocal.com
Will County’s economy appears to be on solid footing as it and the nation continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the local Center for Economic Development.
In its virtual report to investors on Wednesday, the Will County CED highlighted several data points showing a local recovery which compares favorably to the rest of the state.
Doug Pryor, the CED’s vice president for economic development, said much like the the rest of U.S., Will County took about a 3% hit to its gross regional product in 2020, compared to the prior year due to the economic constraints of the pandemic.
“Considering where we thought we would be at the beginning of COVID, this is actually an OK number,” Pryor said.
Even with the impact, Pryor said he anticipates the county to bounce back as more vaccinations and lifting of restrictions causes economic activity to resume.
More In The News

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.