Great news for DeKalb County.  Chicago-based Ferrara Candy Company announced on Friday, Jan. 31^st, that they are investing $100 million dollars to build a 1.6 million-square-foot distribution facility, after months of consideration and contact with the city, county officials, and DCEDC. The distribution and packing center will be located within the ChicagoWest Business Center on DeKalb’s south side.  With Ferrara’s commitment, they are expected to bring 1,000 temporary construction jobs and 1,000 full-time jobs once the build-out is completed.

DCEDC is thrilled by the news and wants to congratulate the City and the County on the promising opportunities this transformational project will lead to.  We also want to thank all the community leaders and partners from the County and the supporters from the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the cooperation and relentless efforts in attracting, expanding and retaining local businesses.

A not-yet-announced knowledge-based company is also interested in the ChicagoWest business park and could bring 100 to 200 high-paying, technology jobs.  As Mayor Smith called this announcement a catalyst for even further economic development, we believe in the potentials and resources that DeKalb County has for economic prosperity and community development.

The future of DeKalb County is very bright. DCEDC recognizes the importance of working as a team with the public and private sectors as we continue to champion diversified and sustainable business attraction, expansion, and retention for the foundation of the county.

Click here to read the full article as published in the Daily Chronicle.