The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation is serving local businesses by providing information on COVID-19 business assistance resources, as well as advancing business development prospects in coordination with county and municipal partners. Please visit the DCEDC COVID-19 Business Resource Page, as well as all business development, expansion, and workforce resources.
DCEDC staff is working remotely to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus and maintain the health and safety of our staff, businesses and community partners. This is consistent with the social distancing recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and our peer groups.
While the DCEDC office is temporarily closed, staff are accessible by email and phone, working to support business operations and development. In addition, staff will be available to meet at the office by appointment, should an immediate need arise.
We welcome and look forward to supporting and collaborating with business, community and institutional partners during these challenging times. Please contact us to let us know how we can assist you.
Paul Borek-Executive Director can be reached at 815-508-2427 or by email
Karen Hoyle-Administrator can be reached at 815-895-2711 x 201, or by email
Jan Kinczewski-Accountant and Enterprise Zone Assistant can be reached at (779) 400-9506, or by email
Gene Fogle-Workforce Development Coordinator can be reached at 815-593-0865 or by email
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Illinois Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Click here for our COVID-19 Resource Page
Ferrara Candy Company selects the City of DeKalb
DeKalb’s abundant utility capacity and congestion-free access to the Midwest transportation network and are essential to large scale industrial development and national distribution operations.
DeKalb County’s sizable labor market extending throughout northern Illinois supports the development of new business operations and creates the opportunity to attract employees to live in our rich, dynamic communities.
DCEDC commends the City of DeKalb and DeKalb taxing bodies for expediting development and delivering prudent incentives that will expand the city’s economy for years to come.
Likewise, DeKalb County and the communities and taxing bodies that participate in the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone are to be commended. The Enterprise Zone is critical to attracting major development projects.
Finally, Jerry Krusinski’s diligent and resourceful investment in making the ChicagoWest Business Center “shovel ready” for mega-developments like the Ferrara Candy Company was critical to today’s commitment to the DeKalb County economy.
DCEDC is a public/private partnership working to facilitate sustainable economic growth within DeKalb County.
DeKalb County Market Facts
- Over $140 million in capital investment, 450,000 sq. feet of development and over 800 jobs created in 2017.
- The DeKalb County Labor Market includes over 611,000 workers residing within a 40 mile radius.
- Located on I-88 in the center of the I-39 Corridor, DeKalb County affords congestion-free access to Metro Chicago destinations and Mid-American markets via I-55, I-57, I-80, I-90, and I-94.
- Convenient access to O’Hare, Midway and Rockford airports.
- 1,250 acres of shovel ready development sites available.
- Enterprise Zone with pre-approved state and local development incentives in place.
- DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport is a full-service, all-weather airport with a newly commissioned ILS on our 7,025 foot Runway 2 as well as GPS approaches to all runways.
- The SK Hand Tools Building was completed in a remarkable 16 weeks.
- 3M’s fifth DeKalb Distribution Center, a 650,000 square foot facility, was completed in Park 88 by Clayco and Venture One Real Estate in 4 months.
- Northern Illinois University and Kishwaukee College provide opportunities for growth, education, and training for your workforce.
Hear from 3M’s Director of Supply Chain Operations Jason Dickinson, beginning at minute marker 22.00 to hear WHY DeKalb County Illinois is 3M’s largest and most efficient 3M Distribution Centers in the World! DCEDC State of the County & 3M Keynote Address *Google Drive has been used to embed the video*
