Regional Business Outlook Archives

Business leaders gather to hear economic and business outlooks at the 15th Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook event

Posted on June 10, 2025 | by courtney

More than 600 of the region’s top business and civic leaders gathered Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the 15th Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook event held at the Drury Lane. Under the theme The Road Ahead, 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.

The Hon. Deborah Conroy, Chair of the DuPage County Board welcomed the group and provided a local snapshot of the DuPage economy. “DuPage County’s financial position remains one of our greatest strengths. We provide our taxpayers significant value for each tax dollar we collect and are proud to keep our County’s portion of the property tax very low at just 2% of the average homeowner’s annual tax bill. As County Board Chair, I am committed to sound fiscal management, with a responsible, balanced approach to spending and an eye toward saving money on our residents’ behalf wherever possible.”

Following Chair Conroy, The Hon. JB Pritzker, Governor of the State of Illinois delivered a keynote address, championing Illinois’ business advantages. Beth Ann Bovino, Chief Economist of U.S. Bank then delivered the Economic Outlook.

Wendell Dallas, President and CEO of Nicor 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.

“Nicor Gas is proud to serve the customers and communities that fuel DuPage County’s growth. Chicagoland is driving the Midwest’s economic future, and the spirit of collaboration we see across this region gives us every reason to be optimistic. We’re honored to be part of the solutions and strategies that help drive sustainable growth in DuPage County and across Illinois,” said Dallas.

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 below.

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 65 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

Business Leaders Gather to Hear Economic and Business Outlooks at the 14th Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook Event

Posted on June 10, 2024 | by courtney

More than 600 of the region’s top business and civic leaders gathered Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the 14^th Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook event held at the Drury Lane. Under the theme What Now & What Next?, the event shared actionable insights and valuable perspectives on the evolving business climate and how the community can work together for a better tomorrow.

Deborah Conroy, Chair of the DuPage County Board welcomed the group and provided a local snapshot of the DuPage economy. “The state of our County remains strong. We entered this fiscal year with a healthy budget surplus and kept our property tax rate flat. My financial strategy has focused on being fiscally responsible, making key investments to reduce pressures on future budgets, paying off debt early when we can, and maintaining healthy reserves and our AAA-bond rating. DuPage County is determined to provide outstanding levels of service for our residents and outstanding value for every tax dollar collected.” [View Chair Conroy’s Presentation]

Leo Harmon, CFA, CAIA, Senior Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer, Portfolio Manager Equity Management for Mesirow delivered the Economic Outlook. “The U.S. economy has remained more resilient than both its global peers and broader expectations over the last year driven by fiscal spending, monetary liquidity, and solid employment formation. The Fed has been able to sustain growth while reducing overall inflation. However, this strength has come at a cost as rising debt and deficits along with excess liquidity could potentially hamstring monetary policy by reducing the Fed’s ability to lower rates without triggering another round of inflation or stagnate growth by keeping rates higher for longer.” [View Leo Harmon’s Presentation]

Mark Sander, President & Chief Operating Officer for Old National Bank 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. “Old National loves DuPage County and is invested in it. Chicagoland continues driving the economic future of the Midwest. There is a tremendous spirit of determination and collaboration, and a sense of pride in our city by business leaders that leaves us optimistic.” [View Mark Sander’s Presentation].

The annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook event, hosted by Choose DuPage, Ice Miller, and Mesirow, 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.

About Ice Miller
Ice Miller LLP is a full-service law firm dedicated to helping our clients stay ahead of a changing world. With over 350 legal professionals across seven offices, we advise clients on all aspects of complex legal issues impacting businesses each day. We serve emerging growth companies, FORTUNE 500 corporations, municipal entities and nonprofits. www.icemiller.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 Global Investment Management, Capital Markets & Investment Banking, and Advisory Services, we invest in what matters: our clients, our communities, and our culture.
www.mesirow.com

Business leaders gather to hear economic and business outlooks at the 13th Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook event

Posted on June 8, 2023 | by courtney

More than 600 of the region’s top business and civic leaders gathered Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the 13^th Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook event held at the Drury Lane. Under the theme Stronger Together, the event shared actionable insights and valuable perspectives on the evolving business climate and how the community can work together for a better tomorrow.

Deborah Conroy, Chair of the DuPage County Board welcomed the group and provided a local snapshot of the DuPage economy. “As we emerge from the pandemic, we are fortunate in DuPage County. Our revenue streams remain strong. Our budget is balanced. Our reserves are healthy, and people have returned to work. I am committed to partnering with the private sector and our business community to ensure that DuPage County continues to lead the state as a premier destination.”

Cara Esser, CFA, Managing Director, Research and Portfolio Management, Retirement Advisory Services for Mesirow returned for the third year to deliver the Global Economic Outlook.

“Despite ongoing uncertainty regarding the current state of the U.S. economy, the U.S. equity market remains strong, and bond yield are higher than they’ve been in years,” said Esser. “This is especially encouraging to retirees who need stable income generation. Compared to peer nations, the U.S. doesn’t look too bad: unemployment is low, inflation is falling, housing has been holding steady and consumer demand remains robust.”

Tim Crane, President & CEO of Wintrust Financial Corp. 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.

“The Chicago economy remains quite strong, particularly the demand for labor. Unless the labor market slows, the Fed may need to continue to raise rates in the second half of 2023,” said Crane. On the topic of bank failures, Crane said, “Most banks, certainly the regional banks like Wintrust, are very safe. One of the key lessons on the recent failures is the speed and impact that social media can have on our businesses. Information (accurate or not) gets disseminated very quickly and has become a topic that all management teams must address as part of running their businesses.”

Michael Fassnacht, President & CEO of World Business Chicago spoke about the importance of regional collaboration and cooperation with respect to business attraction and retention. He provided an overview of the newly created Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), an initiative including the city of Chicago and seven collar counties, to promote economic opportunities on a national and international scale. In his remarks, Fassnacht outlined the support of World Business Chicago, the city of Chicago’s economic development agency, and stated that working together to support Chicagoland as a region is the best path forward for real economic growth.

The annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook event, hosted by Choose DuPage, Ice Miller LLP, and Mesirow, 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 the event here:

Pictured in photo above, from left to right: Tim Crane, President & CEO, Wintrust Financial Corp.; Greg Bedalov, President & CEO, Choose DuPage; Ryanne Dent, Office Managing Partner, Ice Miller LLP; The Hon. Deborah Conroy, DuPage County Board Chair; Natalie Brown, CEO, Mesirow; Cara Esser CFA, Managing Director, Research and Portfolio Management, Retirement Advisory Services, Mesirow; Michael Fassnacht, President & CEO, World Business Chicago.

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 Ice Miller LLP

Ice Miller LLP is a full-service law firm dedicated to helping our clients stay ahead of a changing world. With over 350 legal professionals in seven offices, we advise clients on all aspects of complex legal issues impacting businesses each day. We serve emerging growth companies, FORTUNE 500 corporations, municipal entities and nonprofits. www.icemiller.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 Global Investment Management, Capital Markets & Investment Banking, and Advisory Services, we invest in what matters: our clients, our communities, and our culture.

www.mesirow.com

Business leaders gather to hear economic and business outlooks at the 12th Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook event

Posted on June 6, 2022 | by courtney

More than 400 of the region’s top business and civic leaders gathered Thursday, June 2, 2022, at the 12^th Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook event held at the Drury Lane. Under the theme Better Together, the event shared actionable insights and valuable perspectives on the evolving business climate and how the community can work together for a better tomorrow. Scroll down to view a recording of the event.

Pictured above, left-right: Laurie Miller, Ice Miller LLP, Tim Crane, Jarrett Payton, Cara Esser, Natalie Brown, Mesirow, and Greg Bedalov, Choose DuPage

Cara Esser, CFA, Managing Director, Research and Portfolio Management, Retirement Advisory Services for Mesirow returned for the second year to deliver the Global Economic Outlook. Esser detailed current economic trends and the likelihood of a potential recession.

“The stock market isn’t the economy,” said Esser. “Estimates for U.S. GDP growth in 2022 remain strong. Americans are still spending, retail sales are rising, and restaurants are seeing more in-person diners than before the pandemic.” She continued, “Inflationary pressures are broadening out, but some formerly hot sectors are cooling off. Most U.S. consumers should be able to weather a modest downturn in the economy.”

Tim Crane, President of Wintrust 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.

“We are still somewhat optimistic about the economy, but it’s going to be very choppy… things will remain turbulent for some time,” Crane said. He then outlined some of challenges the business community is facing now and, in the future, including cyber security and fraud prevention, the evolving use of office space and how it will impact real estate, and labor – particularly, young people.

Jarrett Payton, a television sports personality, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, concluded the event with a keynote address. Payton shared stories about some of the moments that have shaped his life and the importance of finding passion, having persistence, and being present.

Watch a video of the presentations, below.

About Choose DuPage Economic Development Alliance

www.choosedupage.com

About Ice Miller LLP

www.icemiller.com

About Mesirow

Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937. Headquartered in Chicago, with locations 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 Global Investment Management, Capital Markets & Investment Banking, and Advisory Services, we invest in what matters: our clients, our communities, and our culture.

Mesirow was recently named one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business and one of the Top 100 RIAs for 2021 by Barron’s.

www.mesirow.com

DuPage County Regional Business Outlook

Posted on April 28, 2021 | by courtney

Forward Momentum

How can we build momentum into the future? At the 11^th annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook, local leaders and industry experts came together to share actionable insights and valuable perspectives on the evolving business climate.

The hybrid event was held on April 28, 2021. Watch a recording of the event, below.