Author: courtney

Greater Together: How GCEP is Changing the Chicagoland Story

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In January 2023, something unprecedented happened in Chicagoland. For the first time, seven Northeastern Illinois counties and the City of Chicago formed a partnership. Now, the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP) is working to drive inclusive development, promote the region’s collective assets, and foster collaboration like never before.

In this episode, host Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage, sits down with three local leaders to discuss how GCEP is impacting the region and changing the Chicagoland story.

Special Guests:

Dive Deeper:

  • To learn more about GCEP, “one of the largest advancements in our collective economic history,” start here.
  • According to Site Selection Magazine, “The sense of regionalism exemplified by the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership will only reinforce the area’s attractiveness.” Learn why the publication named Chicagoland the Top Metro for Corporate Investment for the 11th year running.
  • In this episode, we discuss how GCEP is making an impact across Chicagoland. To learn more about the organization’s inaugural year, read the 2023 GCEP Year in Review.

A special thanks to the College of DuPage for supporting today’s episode. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.

Choose DuPage shares preliminary recommendations from feasibility studies conducted for a performing arts center & sports complex

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In 2023, the DuPage County Board tasked Choose DuPage, the County’s economic development organization, with the management of a market analysis, economic impact, and feasibility study for two separate projects, Performing Arts and Sports Tourism.

Last July, Choose DuPage issued requests for proposals from contractors to provide services related to planning tasks and technical assistance for these studies. Webb Mgmt. was selected along with partners Wight & Co. and Schuler Shook to conduct the Performing Arts study, while Johnson Consulting was selected for the Sports Complex. The results of both are below.

Feasibility Study for New Performing Arts Facilities in DuPage County, IL

Webb Mgmt. and partners conducted a needs assessment, which included interviews with stakeholders, along with qualitative and quantitative research into the performing arts market in DuPage and the region.

The results of the study showed that DuPage County has a large population with the propensity to participate in live arts and entertainment programs. The strongest market opportunities are for active arts programs and less formal outdoor performances and events.

There is a large set of indoor, outdoor, and active arts spaces in DuPage County, such that new facilities must be carefully designed and positioned so as to compete for audiences and programs.

New opportunities for active arts participation could support current and emerging goals of DuPage County leadership around economic and community development.

The following concepts for consideration were made as a result of the study:

  1. Improving outdoor live arts and entertainment facilities
  2. A new outdoor gathering and celebration location adjacent to the Government Campus
  3. One or more regional arts education programs and facilities

 View the full study and read more about the recommendations.

Feasibility Study for Sports Complex in DuPage County, IL

The objective of this study was to determine the market demand opportunity for sports tourism-oriented complex(s) capable of hosting large regional/national events within DuPage County, in order to increase economic impact within DuPage County through an increase in visitor spending.

The study found that market demand opportunities for both indoor as well as outdoor are strong within DuPage County. In particular for a multipurpose indoor complex as well as a baseball/softball-oriented complex for outdoor programming.

The recommendation from Johnson Consulting was that a multipurpose indoor sports complex could best meet the objective. There are two main driving factors for this recommendation, the first is the scarcity of large plots of land available to execute a sizable sports tourism outdoor sports complex (at least, 80+ acres needed). The second factor is the inclement weather and limitation on year-round usage that make an outdoor sports tourism venue less impactful than a year-round indoor venue has the opportunity to provide.

View the full study and read more about the recommendation. 

Breakfast with the Chair: Creating Workplaces that Work for Everyone

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DuPage County business leaders gathered on Wednesday, April 10th at The Westwood in Lisle for a roundtable discussion on mental health in the workplace, employee wellness, and generational differences. The discussion is part of an ongoing series hosted by The Hon. Deborah Conroy, DuPage County Board Chair, and Choose DuPage, designed to provide an opportunity for the business community to connect, learn, and discuss important topics affecting DuPage County.

Gina Sharp, President of Linden Oaks Hospital and System Behavioral Health Service Line for Endeavor Health led the discussion along with Dr. Lindsey Harrington, PsyD.  

Key Takeaways From the Discussion:

  • It all goes back to establishing a strong connection between your employees and the purpose and why of your organization. Employees need to feel intrinsically connected to their workplace.
  • We really have to think about mental health and the workplace differently. It’s not something that can be done as an afterthought – it has to be something we are engaging in as a preventative measure, and incorporated into all aspects of things we do. As you are making business decisions, think about mental health – for your staff, yourself, and your customers. And how that can be enhanced or potentially harmed by decisions you make.
  • Your most important resource is staff – you can’t run without them. And you need to “service” them like you would an engine. Review your employees’ workload regularly and make sure they have time to breathe and think about their work. Otherwise, they become a cog in the wheel. Or they burnout.  
  • It all starts with leadership because everyone is going to mirror their behavior. For example, if you are a leader that goes on vacation and checks email and responds every day, think about the message that sends your employees. It says that you don’t prioritize taking a mental break from work, you think others should work on their vacation, and you must not trust your employees to do their work while you are gone.
  • We shouldn’t be [only] trying to make people happy. There is a lot that you can do to make people happy, but it doesn’t necessarily give them a sense of fulfillment or connection to their workplace. It’s about making them feel valued and seen.
  • Everyone communicates differently – you can’t take one single approach to connecting with employees and assume it will work. It’s like Swiss cheese, there are holes. You have to keep layering the cheese on to close those holes. It’s called the Swiss cheese model of communication. A message needs to be communicated 7-10 times before it really gets through. And the ways you need to communicate that message should be different for different people.

Resources:

Pictured above: Joe Dant, Endeavor Health, Gina Sharp, Endeavor Health, The Hon. Deborah Conroy, DuPage County Board Chair, Dr. Lindsey Harrington, Endeavor Health, and Greg Bedalov, Choose DuPage.
ComEd

ComEd Announces Elmhurst Substation Expansion Project to Power Regional Economic Growth

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Upgrades support future energy needs and electricity capacity growth for homes and businesses in DuPage County and northern Illinois

ComEd announced the expansion of its 345,000-volt (345 kV) Elmhurst transmission substation, a critical infrastructure investment that will prepare the region for future power needs and increase resiliency of the transmission system. Construction is now underway, with the project expected to be complete by December 2025. Investments to expand the substation will support continued dependability for existing customers and will allow for future capacity upgrades to be made to foster continued economic and business growth for the region.

“ComEd is proud to maintain and grow the most reliable grid in the country, which requires proactive planning to meet the future power needs of our customers,” said Mark Baranek, senior vice president technical services at ComEd. “Investments like the expansion of the Elmhurst substation will ensure the grid is primed to support local business growth for many years to come.”

This substation is one example of how ComEd is taking action to modernize the grid to support increasing demand as a result of the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), residential heat pumps and solar deployments in Illinois. Following the upgrades to this substation, ComEd will be able to increase high-voltage transmission capacity in the region as demand continues to grow. 

“Through all areas of its business, ComEd is looking at ways to prepare the grid for the future, and that includes looking at the potential for business growth in our communities,” said Greg Bedalov, president and CEO of Choose DuPage. “The expanded capabilities of this substation will continue to make DuPage County an attractive location for large, commercial and industrial businesses who depend on a reliable and resilient grid to maintain their operations.”

“This investment in critical infrastructure means DuPage County residents can now benefit from the increased resiliency of the transmission system and find their electric power is more reliable, especially during high-use periods and inclement weather. It’s important that these upgrades take place now, while also providing for future enhancements based on the residential and business needs of our community,” said DuPage County Board Chair, Deborah Conroy.

Engineering and design for this $93 million project began in 2023 and construction is currently underway. Construction of this substation is being completed by a diverse, local firm, Ruiz Construction Systems. Customers currently served by this substation will not experience interruptions in power delivery due to construction.

“We are proud to be part of the team advancing technology and connectivity for northern Illinois,” said Gonzalo Ruiz, CEO of Ruiz Construction Systems. “As a long-time partner of ComEd, we are excited to work on another innovative grid project.”

Upgrades from this project will support increased connectivity to neighboring substations in northern Illinois, increasing the overall resiliency of the system. By increasing the number of connective pathways from substation to substation, ComEd is hardening the high-voltage transmission system to perform better during severe weather.

This project builds on ComEd’s commitment to maintaining nation-leading grid reliability. Since beginning its smart grid investments in 2011, ComEd has helped customers avoid more than 22 million outages and save more than $3.8 billion in outage-related costs.

2024 Compensation & Benefits Survey

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The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center invite you to participate in the 2024 Compensation & Benefits Survey.

The survey covers approximately 180 titles across 13 job families including jobs at the plant, supervisory, management, executive, and board level. Data will be collected on base pay, pay grades, target incentive levels, and benefits information including insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

All companies that complete the survey in its entirety will receive a FREE electronic copy (PDF) of the final aggregate survey report which will contain compensation information for different geographies (e.g., Cook County, Northern IL), revenue levels, and number of employees. This is a $1,500 value. In addition, companies that participate will also get a free personalized report benchmarking their data against the aggregate, as in this sample report which contains mock data.

IMA member companies that do not participate in the survey will be able to buy a copy of this year’s report at the IMA member rate.

The more companies that participate, the more valuable the survey results will be. If you are not the correct person to complete this survey at your company, please forward this e-mail to your appropriate team member. Users are able to fill out partial information and then return to the link at a later time to continue filling it out as long as it is the same IP address (computer).

Mployer Advisor is conducting the survey as a third-party survey administrator.

All individual data submitted will be kept strictly confidential, and no individual organization or employee data will be released. Survey results will be reported in aggregate to ensure confidentiality.

Please complete the survey by Tuesday, April 30, 2024. All compensation data should be reported based on a March 1, 2024, effective date. Results will be published in August 2024.

Corporate investment

Illinois Ranks #2 in Nation for Corporate Expansions and Relocations for Second Year

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Site Selection Magazine – an international industry-leading business publication – released its annual corporate expansion and relocation rankings, naming Illinois #2 in the nation for corporate projects and Chicago the Top Metro for the 11th year in a row. The state ranks #2 in the nation for corporate expansions and relocations for the second year in a row, with 552 business expansion or relocation projects in 2023 (up from 487 in 2022). Illinois also placed #2 in projects per capita, up from #4 the previous year.

“Illinois continues to attract leading companies to our state, with hundreds of openings and expansions every year,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With our unique incentives, our growing market, and our diverse and talented workforce, there’s no doubt that the economy in Illinois is thriving. This impressive recognition from Site Selection Magazine for the second year in a row makes it clear: Illinois is back and open for business.”

The magazine also recognized the Chicago metropolitan area as the Top Metro for business expansion and relocations among large metros for the 11th straight year. With growth in key sectors including life sciences, data centers, and technology, companies benefit from Chicago’s deep talent pool, diverse economy and robust infrastructure.

Companies that located or expanded throughout Illinois in 2023 include:

  • Gotion – $2 billion electric vehicle battery gigafactory in Manteno, creating 2,600 jobs
  • Kraft Heinz – $400 million distribution center in DeKalb, creating 150 jobs
  • Gulfstream – $285 million investment in Cahokia, creating 200 jobs and retaining 500
  • Incobrasa – $250 million expansion in Gilman, creating 40 jobs and retaining 200
  • Prysmian Group – $64 million facility expansion, creating 80 jobs
  • Manner Polymers – $54 million facility in Mount Vernon, creating 60 jobs

“With unrivaled incentives and top assets, Illinois’ momentum is undeniable as hundreds of companies expand or relocate to the Land of Lincoln,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Year after year, Illinois continues to grow its reputation as a global economic powerhouse, create jobs and nurture our thriving business ecosystem.”

“We continue to see companies from a diverse range of industries locate or expand in Illinois because of our state’s unmatched infrastructure, central location and talented workforce,” said Intersect Illinois CEO Dan Seals. “Site Selection’s rankings are a testament to the positive momentum we are seeing throughout Illinois.”

Illinois has seen an upward trajectory, earning nine credit upgrades since June 2021, and making focused investments in economic growth initiatives. The state’s modern infrastructure provides easy access to the world via air, road, rail and port and its top-notch higher education system produces the skilled workforce companies need to thrive.

“Site Selection congratulates state and local economic development professionals across Illinois for the state’s second-place finish in both the total projects and projects per capita facilities races,” said Mark Arend, editor-in-chief of Site Selection. “This demonstrates to our readers that Illinois is delivering the right location criteria to companies siting new projects and expanding existing ones.”

Corporate real estate analysts regard Site Selection’s yearly analyses as “the industry scoreboard.” To qualify, projects must meet one or more of these criteria: investment of $1 million or more, creation of 20 or more new jobs or 20,000 square feet or more of new space.

To learn more about doing business in DuPage County, contact us or search for available properties. 

Chris Heckle Argonne

Argonne is Supercharging Manufacturers with Science

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DuPage Business Beat Podcast | Ep. 7

Most Chicagoland residents have heard of Argonne National Laboratory, the DuPage County-based U.S. Department of Energy facility. But what many don’t realize is that Argonne is teaming up with manufacturers to develop groundbreaking projects at-scale, from EV batteries to carbon capture tech.

For today’s episode, host Greg Bedalov sits down with Chris Heckle, Director of the Materials Manufacturing Innovation Center, to discuss the transformative work happening at Argonne—and the collaboration behind it.

Dive Deeper:

  • Home to two National Laboratories (Argonne and Fermilab) as well as one of the nation’s top science and engineering talent pools, DuPage County has a science-first ecosystem. Learn more.
  • Argonne researchers recently won three R&D 100 Awards, AKA “the Oscars of Innovation.” Their award-winning work included an AI program designed to accelerate cancer research and a physics simulation for nuclear energy. Read the full story.
  • If your business is interested in partnering with the Material Manufacturing Innovation Center at Argonne, reach out to Chris Heckle on LinkedIn.

A special thanks to the College of DuPage for supporting today’s episode. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.

DuPage Business Beat Podcast

Today’s biggest business issues, told from a Chicagoland perspective. A podcast about emerging industries, shifting borders, economic ecosystems, and you. Featuring experts and entrepreneurs. Hosted by Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage. DuPage Business Beat is produced by Choose DuPage.

sustainability in dupage county

DuPage County Receives Private Donation for Solar Panels

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On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the DuPage County Board celebrated a $50,000 donation from a Glen Ellyn couple which will contribute to a solar project on the County campus. Ann Boisclair and Jeff Jens presented a check to County Board Chair Deborah Conroy and Environmental Committee Chair Sheila Rutledge at this week’s County Board meeting.

“We are fortunate to have two very generous environmentalists in DuPage County who are putting their energy and resources toward preserving and improving the health of our planet,” said Chair Conroy.

The County installed a 164-kilowatt solar panel system on the roof of the 421 Administration Building. This system will lead to a reduction of more than 100 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is enough to power nearly 30 homes annually.

“We hope this project will inspire others to pursue renewable, clean energy projects in the future,” said Environmental Committee Chair Sheila Rutledge. “We are grateful to Ann and Jeff for helping make this project a reality.”

Boisclair and Jens have supported 18 solar projects across the country, including a project at the Willowbrook Wildlife Center.

“We congratulate DuPage County on this impressive achievement that will provide many years of fossil-free energy,” said Boisclair and Jens. “The Country is providing much-needed leadership in the battle to contain global warming. This project benefits all the people of DuPage County. We would love to see more projects like this everywhere.”

corporate investment

Chicagoland Named Top Metro for Corporate Investment, 11 Years in a Row

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“The sense of regionalism exemplified by the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership will only reinforce the area’s attractiveness to tech, logistics, innovation, and vibrant young talent in an economy as diverse as its population.” — Site Selection Magazine

CHICAGO, March 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside representatives from World Business Chicago and key figures from the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, gathered at S&C Electric in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood to announce that, for the eleventh consecutive year, Chicago has secured the prestigious title of the top metro area in the United States for corporate investment, according to Site Selection magazine. This ranking underscores Chicago’s sustained appeal as a prime destination for business growth and development.

“Access to diverse talent, global connectivity and the City’s strong infrastructure are among the reasons why Chicago has been ranked a top metropolitan area for selection and corporate relocation for 11 years,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “On behalf of all the residents of the City of Chicago, I extend our gratitude to S&C Electric and the 162 other companies who made pro-Chicago decisions in 2023 – investing in our people, our neighborhoods, and our city—driving job creation and opportunities for all.”

In 2023, the Chicago metro area continued its streak by outpacing all other regions in the nation, with an influx of new corporate locations and expansions. World Business Chicago reported a total of 163 “pro-Chicagoland decisions” throughout the year. These decisions comprised 117 expansions and 46 relocations or new market entries, with notable investments targeting the South and West sides of the city, alongside significant developments across the Chicagoland region. Collectively, these initiatives resulted in the creation of over 23,000 job opportunities, further fueling the city’s economic vitality.

“We are profoundly honored to once again be acknowledged as the foremost metro for corporate investment in the United States,” said Charles E. Smith, Vice Chair, World Business Chicago. “This accomplishment reflects the unwavering dedication of our team, board of directors, the Mayor of Chicago, and our esteemed partners across the greater Chicagoland region. It underscores our shared commitment to nurturing an ecosystem where businesses flourish and communities thrive.”

Among the notable contributors to Chicago’s economic landscape in 2023 was S&C, which announced its expansion with a 275,000-square-foot facility in Palatine, reinforcing its commitment to the region’s growth. This expansion, situated approximately 25 miles from S&C’s headquarters in Rogers Park, is expected to generate 200 new jobs, contributing to the company’s significant local workforce of over 2000 team members in the Chicago area.

“Chicago has been home to S&C for over 110 years, and the talent pool here is an essential part of our growth and success, allowing us to better serve customers with solutions that advance a resilient and reliable electrical grid,” said Anders Sjoelin, S&C’s president and CEO. “Additionally, we’re pleased to add jobs, create meaningful careers, and value for our local team members, and support our communities.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, and others emphasized the significance of today’s announcement, highlighting the collective efforts of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), which was established in January 2023. The GCEP, comprising the City of Chicago and seven surrounding counties (Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Kendall County, Lake County, McHenry County, and Will County), has spearheaded initiatives, and business delegations, aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth and promoting equity across diverse communities. Leveraging the region’s assets, including robust transportation infrastructure, diverse talent pools, and thriving sectors, the GCEP remains committed to driving sustainable development and maximizing opportunities for all.

“Chicago is a dynamic city for energy storage innovation, robust R&D culture, and dedicated workforce,” celebrates Desmond Wheatly, CEO of Beam. “Embracing these strengths, Beam is strategically expanding its manufacturing presence in the Chicagoland region, delivering premium-grade batteries tailored for diverse applications such as eMobility, recreation, and robotics. With Chicago’s foundation of innovation and hard work, we’re poised to drive transformative advancements in energy technology.”

The continued recognition of Chicago as the top metro for corporate investment underscores the city’s resilience, innovation, and unwavering appeal to businesses seeking a dynamic environment for growth. As the third-largest metro area and a top 20 global economy, the Chicago region boasts tremendous talent and is home to some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. Leveraging these assets, Chicago remains at the forefront of economic prosperity, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses to thrive and succeed in a vibrant and diverse marketplace.

GREATER CHICAGOLAND REGION LEADERS REFLECT UPON TODAY’S NEWS:

Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County President: “Companies like S&C Electric, Beam, Solo Cup, and so many others chose Chicagoland for a reason – they know here you will find a rich and diverse tapestry of strong industry sectors ranging from food manufacturing to film and television production. Site Selection’s eleventh consecutive win affirms the Chicago region’s continued promise of opportunity for the business community allowing for them to continuously grow, expand and thrive.”

Greg Bedalov, CEO and President, Choose DuPage, and Chairman of Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership: “The unprecedented recognition of the Chicago Metro region as the top site in the nation for corporate relocation and site selection for an 11th consecutive year is proof positive that the city and the metro area are absolute first-in-class locations for business growth. Achieving this lofty goal once a decade is worth shouting about. Achieving it for consecutive years that span more than a decade is nearly inconceivable. Working collaboratively with all the partners in the Metro area is producing measurable economic results for Chicagoland. The Chicago metro area is not only open for business, but also is clearly the place for business. Congratulations to all those involved in making this happen and thank you to Site Selection magazine for this recognition.”

Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog: “The recognition from Site Selection magazine highlights the region’s allure for new businesses and investments. It also illustrates our dedication to being a responsive community that supports a diverse range of sectors, including agriculture, corporate and small business.”

Kendall County Board Chairman, Matt Kellogg: “We are proud but not at all surprised to see the Chicago area receive recognition for its continued business growth. We see real evidence of that growth in Kendall County, as businesses choose to expand or relocate in the region. We are not only business friendly but a great place for employees to relocate and join our community. The Chicago region connects to the entire globe, whether its people, information, or logistics, which makes it an excellent place to live and do business.”

Sandy Hart, Lake County Board Chair: “Lake County joins the entire Chicagoland region in proactively working together to advance sustainability and inclusive growth through strategic investments in infrastructure, talent, vibrant communities, and a diverse economy. Our central location, in the middle of the country and within arms-reach of a vast, global transportation network, makes the area a premiere location for business and people. We are proud that Chicagoland’s strength is once again being recognized by the industry-leading publication Site Selection Magazine. Being ranked the top U.S. metro for corporate relocation for the 11th year in a row comes as no surprise given all that the region has to offer to growing businesses.”

Mike Buehler, Chairman, McHenry County Board: “The Chicago Metro region’s unparalleled success in corporate relocation and site selection for over a decade is a testament to the collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication of our community. This continuous recognition by Site Selection magazine affirms that our city and metro area stand as beacons for business growth and innovation. Just as the Chicago region connects seamlessly to the global stage, so too does our commitment to fostering a diverse and vibrant ecosystem for businesses to thrive. Congratulations to all those who contribute to this remarkable achievement and thank you to Site Selection magazine for acknowledging our ongoing journey as a first-in-class destination for business.” 

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Will County Executive: “The Chicagoland Region remains a strong economic force and globally competitive. Chicagoland communities are attracting corporations and high-paying jobs at a rapid pace thanks to our many regional assets, including diverse talent, affordability, high quality of life, and connectivity. I look forward to these assets driving continued growth into the future.”

Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership: Year in Review, 2023

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A Note From the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership’s Executive Leadership

Dear Partners and Friends,

One year ago, we embarked on a remarkable journey with the launch of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP). Our mission was clear – to unite and showcase the global competitiveness of the Chicagoland region, leveraging our diverse talent, advanced infrastructure, renowned institutions, and top-ranked industries. Today, we proudly share with you the GCEP’s 2023 report, a testament to our collective efforts and an invitation for you to join us as we further define the future of the region.

In just twelve months, the GCEP has emerged as a dynamic force. Our success lies in the active collaboration among county partners across the region. From international engagements like the Collision Conference in Toronto and the Chicago Sister Cities International 50-year anniversary business delegation trip to Japan, to local initiatives such as Chicago DeepTech Week and the Chicago Venture Summit series—we have cultivated a thriving ecosystem that extends far beyond our municipal or county borders. At the time of the launch, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle remarked, “We all do better when we all do better.” This continues to represent the spirit of this collaboration. With equity and inclusivity as the cornerstone of economic development, we are contributing meaningfully to the economy throughout Chicagoland in many ways, including:

  • The GCEP is growing the regional economy. In the last year, 8,576 jobs were created or retained because of GCEP, which generated $715.9 million in direct and indirect worker earnings.
  • Sharing strategic initiatives, programming, and public funding opportunities which has led to increased trust across partners in the region, and a more collaborative approach to drive growth.
  • Providing data driven analysis and research that will continue to define future opportunities for economic growth across the city and seven county region.

In March 2023, Site Selection Magazine named Chicagoland the Top U.S. Metro for Corporate Relocations and Expansions, consecutively for ten years, and named four GCEP counties among “America’s Best Counties.” Last year, the WBC Research Center published the first-ever Regional Asset Map—a comprehensive guide that provides vital economic data. WBC’s support of GCEP includes producing monthly economic dashboards, quarterly updates, opinion pieces, and other vital assets. Furthermore, WBC’s leadership continues to enthusiastically deliver presentations, participate in panel discussions, and advocate for the strengths of Chicagoland as a prime business destination to businesses throughout the world.

We invite you to become a champion of the greater Chicagoland region. Consider this report as not just an overview, but a call to action. Here is a digestible glimpse into the strides we’ve made, the milestones we’ve achieved, and the vision that will continue to propel us forward. As a champion, you have the power to amplify and talk about the competitive advantages of Chicagoland. Join us as we solidify Chicagoland’s reputation as a global hub for innovation and the epicenter where the future of business is incubating.

Click here to download the report.

Greg Bedalov
Chairman, Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership
President & CEO, Choose DuPage

Kyle Schultz
Chief Growth Officer, World Business Chicago