DCEDC hosts Annual Industrial Focus Luncheon

On June 29th, DCEDC held their annual Industrial Focus Luncheon at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, focusing on business resources. DCEDC thanks its long-time partner for hosting the event in its beautiful venue. Guests enjoyed a networking opportunity as well as a delightful lunch provided by Nat’s On Maple. Panel presenters included Dr. Jerry Blazey, Dr. Laurie Borowicz, and Chris Blumhoff. Dr. Blazey, from Northern Illinois University, gave the first presentation, highlighting the partnerships that NIU has to offer and how those could benefit surrounding companies. He also noted the diverse program offerings that make students valuable workforce assets. Dr. Borowicz, from Kishwaukee College, described several examples of how KC provides programs to help students transfer to a four-year university. KC focuses extensive efforts to collaborate with industries, high schools, and NIU to provide excellent business resources for the community. Finally, Chris Blumhoff from IMEC, concluded the presentation by describing IMEC’s commitment to industry excellence. Their validated, leading edge model IMEC works with companies to bring forth success. All panelists discussed their collaborative efforts and how they will continue to work together. Afterward, the audience was offered an opportunity to ask the panelist further questions and to gain further insights on their industry.

Thank you to our sponsors, Superior Diesel Inc, Heartland Bank and Trust Company, Tate & Lyle, Clayco, Valley Industrial Association, and DeKalb County Farm Bureau for your support towards this event. We are grateful for our Co-Chairs Karen Pletsch and Gary Evans for their help in planning the event. Additionally, many thanks to DCEDC Annual Event Sponsors: DeKalb County Government, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, Nicor Gas, Larson and Darby Group, OSF Healthcare, Northern Illinois University, Monsanto, ComEd, IDEAL INDUSTRIES, Venture One Real Estate, First National Bank, City of DeKalb, and First Midwest Bank. Our events truly depend on your support and we are greatly appreciative of your efforts. Finally, thank you to Nat’s on Maple for catering this event.

DCEDC Hosts Annual Economic Outlook Luncheon

On March 24, 2017, DCEDC held its annual Economic Outlook Luncheon at Faranda’s Banquet Center. Senior Economist Bill Strauss of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago delivered an insightful presentation regarding the outlook of our economy. He presented data suggesting that the U.S. economy is expected to expand at a pace around trend through 2009. Additionally, Strauss stated that manufacturing output is expected to increase at a rate below its trend during 2017 and 2018 and the housing marketing is expected to continue improving through 2018. We thank the Daily Chronicle for their event coverage.

We were thrilled to have Bill Strauss back for another successful Economic Outlook Luncheon! We would like to thank Bill, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Faranda’s Banquet Center, our Economic Outlook Sponsors, and last but certainly not least, our Annual Event Sponsors!

DCEDC Receives the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce Excellence Award

DCEDC was honored and humbled to have received the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce Excellence Award, which “recognizes businesses that enhance the community, whether it be new or improved businesses, renovation and expansion projects or an outstanding achievement within the business community.” It was a pleasure to stand alongside other winners of the award- Karlsbad Tavern; City of Genoa; KishHealth Systems part of Northwestern Medicine, Energym Gymnastics, and Lloyd Landscape and Garden Center. Congratulations to all who were recognized at the ceremony and thank you, Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce, for your recognition and a delightful evening!

DCEDC Celebrates 30 Years: 1987-2017

With the incorporation of DCEDC on January 15, 1987, DeKalb County’s public-private economic development partnership begins its 30^th year of operation. As the year progresses, DCEDC will commemorate significant development milestones and accomplishments throughout the county.

Since DCEDC’s inception, DeKalb County’s population increased 40% to 104,352 in 2015 from 74,844. Employment during this period increased 66% to 56,418 in December 2016 from 33,905. At the same time, the number of industrial firms increased 178% (to 370 from 133) and the size of the industrial market more than doubled from to 15.5 million square feet from 7.3 million.

Going forward, DCEDC is working with DeKalb County Government, the DeKalb County Community Foundation, DeKalb County Farm Bureau and NIU Center for Governmental Studies to prepare a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS plan will create actionable goals to implement the vision outlined by the county and all of its communities through the DeKalb County Thriving! process convened last year. The DCEDC Board of Directors, representing businesses from varying sectors of the economy and all 14 communities in the county, will serve as planning committee for this effort.

DCEDC Hosts 2016 Annual Dinner/State of the County Event

DCEDC held its 2016 Annual Dinner and State of the County Event on November 2, 2016 at Faranda’s Banquet Center in DeKalb, IL. Paul Borek, DCEDC Executive Director, gave the State of the County address that highlighted the numerous economic development projects and initiatives within DeKalb County this past year. A copy of this year’s State of the County presentation is available for DCEDC members using their membership login.

This year’s keynote speaker was Jim James, Chairman and CEO of IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. James has served as IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. President and CEO since 2008 and Chairman and CEO since 2014. With more than a quarter-century of experience across several industries, including metal fabrication, aerospace, chemical adhesives and building components, Jim James leads IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. with a wealth of knowledge and visionary leadership. A graduate of Georgia State University (MBA) and the University of Wisconsin (BS in Industrial Technology), Jim also spent 16 years with Illinois Tool Works before joining IDEAL in 2008.

In his presentation, James discussed the importance of a company’s willingness and ability to change and grow. He noted that this often includes taking calculated risks to build on the company’s foundation as well as its operational processes and abilities.

DeKalb County Enterprise Zone CERTIFIED

Per a resolution from Director Jim Schultz of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone HAS BEEN CERTIFIED as of 12/17/15. As designated Zone Administrator, the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation will work with DCEO and the Illinois Department of Revenue to establish administrative procedures for operating the Zone and qualifying beneficiaries. Further information about Zone administration can be found here.

For further information or questions, please contact DCEDC Executive Director Paul Borek.

Business Expansion/Visitation Program

DCEDC is conducting a Business Retention/Expansion Visitation Program with the help of ComEd and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) designed to support local industry and to improve the business environment throughout the county.  Our goal is to learn what it will take to retain, nurture and expand DeKalb County businesses.  The program involves visits to local firms, where we will conduct interviews to identify concerns, needs and opportunities.  A proven survey tool will be used to organize information gathered.  Our specific objectives are to:

• • 1. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the local business environment.
    2. Identify and react to business expansion opportunities and retention threats.
    3. Communicate available business development resources.
    4. Enhance communication between businesses and local leaders.

All of the information shared, is considered strictly confidential. If you are interested in helping DCEDC or participating, please contact us at 815-895-2711, or by email to:  borek@dcedc.org or hoyle@dcedc.org.

DCEDC Initiatives

Manufacturing and Industry Employers: Take Advantage of Workforce Training and Career Development Programs

Industrial Career Development – The DeKalb Ogle Workforce Development Consortium was established to help businesses and educators work together to introduce students to rewarding careers in manufacturing and industrial technology. With the support of local businesses, foundations and schools, the DeKalb Ogle Workforce Development Consortium succeeded in introducing over 300 high school students to careers in industry during the past three years. As a result, Automated Engineering Technology, Diesel Power, Welding and Automotive Technology at the Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC) are full; students have enrolled in Career Technology programs at Kishwaukee College and Engineering Programs at Northern Illinois University; and significant progress has been made in removing obstacles to internships and summer employment at local companies. Additionally, we are pleased to acknowledge the ongoing support of education partners through the Kishwaukee Education Consortium and Kishwaukee College – for their support of the Consortium.

On-the-Job Training program from the Illinois workNet Center connects WIOA eligible participants with full-time employment within DeKalb County. Hands-on training opportunities help employees obtain skills and competencies and provides funding/training dollars to employers at 50% of the job seeker’s wages for up to six months.

More information in our Workforce Development section.

Contributor Benefits

• • • Reduced rates to attend DCEDC Events

    • Sponsor opportunities to market your business @ select events

    • Self-Managed company profile on the dcedc website

    • Listed in select print materials

    • Listing on the DCEDC Website

    • Eligible to participate in social media channel promotions

    • Access to event presentation materials

    • No Charge for Members to list Commercial or Industrial Real Estate Sites and Buildings under our available Inventory

    • Invitation to attend DCEDC’s Annual Business Meeting Luncheon

    • Contributions to DCEDC are eligible to be tax deductible*

    • Supporting  DCEDC’s public/private partnership will further enable us to retain/expand existing business and industry, and attract sustainable and diversified economic growth in DeKalb County.