Author: courtney

More than 600 of the region’s top business and civic leaders gathered Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the 16^th Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook event held at the Drury Lane. Under the theme Navigating an Evolving Economy, the event shared actionable insights and valuable perspectives on the evolving business climate and what businesses and organizations should be doing today to prepare for tomorrow. 

Deborah Conroy, Chair of the DuPage County Board welcomed the group and provided a local snapshot of the DuPage economy. “In DuPage County, we are dedicated to providing outstanding services to our residents while remaining fiscally responsible. We are making strategic investments that allow us to help people struggling with affordability, while maintaining a balanced budget and a strong financial position. This stability continues to make DuPage a premier location in which families and business can truly thrive,” said Chair Conroy.

Abiel Reinhart, Senior Economist at J.P. Morgan delivered the Economic Outlook. “The economy is set to continue to grow this year at a similar pace to last year, assuming global oil supply starts to recover soon. With the job market showing tentative signs of re-accelerating and inflation remaining firm, the Fed is likely to hold rates steady for the remainder of 2026,” said Reinhart.

Tim Killeen, President of the University of Illinois System echoed some of these perspectives in his Business Outlook, where he shared insights into how these economic trends and other factors are impacting the business community. “Illinois is well-positioned to lead in this period of rapid economic transition, thanks in part to strong partnerships we are building between government, industry, education and other sectors. But it is absolutely vital that we work even more closely in the years ahead on workforce and economic development and, just as importantly, the broader needs that provide the foundation for a strong, resilient society,” Killeen said.

The annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook event, hosted by Choose DuPage, Mesirow, Rathje Woodward, and Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc., brings together DuPage County’s business owners and executives, government and education leaders and other members of the local business community to gain key insights about the current regional and national economic landscape, as well as to discuss best practices and growing potential in today’s economy.

Watch a Recording of the Event

About Choose DuPage

Choose DuPage is the regional economic development organization for DuPage County, Illinois. A public/private partnership, Choose DuPage is dedicated to advancing DuPage County as a premier global business location. Geographically desirable, with a highly skilled labor force, DuPage County offers a diverse economy, friendly business climate, and substantial transportation network. Choose DuPage leverages these benefits to retain and attract business, support local economic development efforts, and address policy issues critical to the needs of business. www.choosedupage.com

About Mesirow

Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices around the world, we serve clients through a personal, custom approach to reaching financial goals and acting as a force for social good. With capabilities spanning Private Capital & Currency, Capital Markets & Investment Banking, and Advisory Services, we invest in what matters: our clients, our communities and our culture. www.mesirow.com

About Rathje Woodward

From its roots in DuPage County, Rathje Woodward provides unparalleled legal services to clients across the country.  Our seasoned attorneys deliver strategic, results-driven representation leading to success both in and out of the courtroom. RW’s legal team provides solutions to clients in a variety of areas including litigation (trial and appellate), labor and employment, real estate, business law, and condominium and homeowners’ association law.  Our clients range from large corporations to family businesses to individuals. www.rathjelaw.com

About Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc.

For over 66 years, Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc. has provided best-in-class transportation services to hospitals and communities, while also training the next generation of EMTs. Today, as the Midwest’s leader in EMS, Superior brings its patient care and transportation solutions to five states: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio. www.superiorambulance.com

AI is reshaping nearly every industry, and the pace of change continues to accelerate. Businesses are looking at how AI can improve productivity and decision-making, while higher education institutions are working quickly to prepare students for an evolving workplace.

That conversation recently took center stage at a Breakfast with the Chair event hosted by DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy and Choose DuPage. The roundtable brought together business leaders and higher education partners to discuss AI at the intersection of business and education and what today’s workforce truly needs to succeed.

For DuPage County, these conversations carry particular importance. As home to leading employers in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, research, logistics, professional services, and technology, the county’s long-term competitiveness depends on building a workforce that can evolve alongside rapidly changing industries.

One message came through clearly: DuPage County’s colleges and universities are moving quickly to meet the moment.

Representatives from College of DuPage, Aurora University, Lewis University, and Benedictine University shared how they are already embedding AI into curriculum, student support, and workforce preparation.

Aurora University shared that AI is not treated as a separate initiative, but embedded across the student experience. Students practice job interviews with AI tools that provide real-time feedback. AI systems support enrollment by answering common questions, and a closed-loop tutoring model provides students with 24/7 assistance using approved course materials and instructor-defined frameworks.

College of DuPage is also advancing its efforts, offering a machine learning certificate and a program focused on developing AI infrastructure to help students build skills aligned with emerging workforce needs.

Together, these efforts reflect how quickly higher education in DuPage is adapting. AI is not being added on top of existing instruction. It is being integrated directly into how students learn, practice, and prepare for the workforce.

The conversation eventually shifted from how schools are teaching AI to what employers actually value when hiring.

The answer was consistent. While AI skills are useful, employers continue to prioritize critical thinking, communication, curiosity, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.

One leader from Argonne National Laboratory noted that success depends less on what someone knows at the moment of hiring and more on how effectively they can apply what they learn. He emphasized that curiosity and communication are often stronger indicators of success than technical credentials alone, especially as tools like AI continue to evolve rapidly.

Another participant captured the idea more directly: “If you know the question, you know how to find the answer.” The larger point was clear. Employers are not simply looking for people trained on specific tools. They are looking for employees who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and strong critical thinking skills.

That perspective shifts how we think about AI and the workforce.

There is often concern about whether younger workers are prepared for an AI-driven economy. In reality, younger generations will adapt quickly because they are already accustomed to constant technological change. They will learn new tools as they emerge.

The discussion also reinforced the importance of supporting professionals at every stage of their careers.

Experienced professionals and business leaders are also being asked to integrate AI into long-established systems and workflows. For many, that transition requires training and a commitment to continuous learning.

As I shared during the discussion, the focus should not be on worrying about whether young people will adapt to AI. They will. The focus should be on ensuring all workers are equipped with the foundational skills that remain essential in any environment: critical thinking, communication, and people skills.

That is where DuPage County has a clear advantage.

Our region benefits from strong collaboration between business, education, and civic leadership. These partnerships help employers and educators stay aligned on workforce needs, curriculum development, and emerging technologies while creating opportunities for lifelong learning across every stage of a career.

AI will continue to transform how we work. The tools will continue to evolve. But the organizations and communities that succeed will be the ones that continue investing in adaptable people who can think clearly, communicate effectively, and apply sound judgment in a rapidly changing environment.

That remains essential to building a workforce that is right for today and ready for tomorrow.

Written by: Greg Bedalov, President & CEO, Choose DuPage

Connect with Greg on LinkedIn