Welcome to DCEDC

DCEDC Strategic Plan

Designed to support the organization's mission statement: "DCEDC is a public/private partnership working to facilitate sustainable economic growth within DeKalb County" the strategic plan identifies five key goals, specific objectives and strategies for accomplishing the work and desired outcomes.

In 2010 we have targeted Goal Four: Enhance and Promote the DeKalb County Business Climate. We will do this by:

  • Expanding collaboration with NIU and Kishwaukee College
  • Supporting entrepreneurship and business expansion
  • Encouraging business incubator development
  • Promoting innovation and emerging business opportunities
  • Assisting development of business and technology parks

Click here for plan documents: Strategic Plan Outline, Detailed Strategic Plan, Strategic Plan Implementation Schedule

DCEDC September Business Roundtable - Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The creation of new products and services is critical to sustaining and growing business. Entrepreneurs must continue to reinvent themselves to survive and prosper. The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation announces a Business Roundtable Luncheon focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship featuring DeKalb County companies engaged in cutting-edge product development.

Presenters for the event will be Dean Panettieri, Auto Meter Products, Inc.; John Murphy, Tegrant Corporation/Alloyd Brands; and Dr. Promod Vorha, NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

The round table will take place on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 11:30am at the Kishwaukee College Conference Center. To register for this exciting event please Click Here.

Industrial Focus Luncheon - Sponsorship

The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce the 2010 Industrial Focus Luncheon and Program, scheduled this year for 11:30am on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau.

As usual, this year's Industrial Focus affords a great opportunity to learn more about area companies. The topic is: the Metals Industry in DeKalb County. Several local companies will share information on how metals are designed, fabricated and treated to fulfill the requirements of a dynamic marketplace.

DCEDC is currently seeking sponsorships from local companies. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor at this year's Industrial Focus Luncheon, please Click Here. Also, further information on this event will soon be released so please check back for further updates.

DCEDC Voice of Industry

In response to economic conditions, DCEDC conducted a formal business retention visitation program in 2009. With the help of DCEDC Board Members, the Illinois Manufacturing Extention Center (IMEC) and community leaders calls were made on businesses throughout the County. A survey tool that ComEd provided was used to collect information on business issues, trends and opportunities that exist in the area. Additionally, DCEDC representatives were able to solve problems and offer information that was helpful to the participating companies. An Executive Summary of the results of these visits - DCEDC Voice of Industry: 2009 Business Retention and Expansion Report - is available in the Members Only Section of our website.

DCEDC is a Public/Private Partnership Established in 1987

DCEDC is a public/private partnership working to facilitate sustainable and diversified economic growth within DeKalb County. Established in 1987, DCEDC is a county-wide economic development organization formed to capitalize on the strengths of the county and to be a catalyst for private and public leadership. It provides information and assistance, to industry, business and developers seeking to expand or locate in the county. It also advises county, city, village and town officials on development objectives and policies. For a promotional brochure on DCEDC, please Click Here

Efforts are particularly focused and targeted on attracting a more diverse, new or expanded industry to the county. Activities are carried out in a companion, cooperative and coordinating role with local chambers of commerce, economic development commissions, governments, education, utilities and private development interests. Throughout the year the DCEDC sponsors various events such as Business Roundtables, Industrial Focus Luncheons, the Economic Outlook Event, and the Annual Dinner and Program. To find out more about these events, please Click Here