Choose DuPage IL

Accelerate your manufacturing success with the IMEC Sprint to Success grant. DuPage manufacturers can apply to be considered for a range of fully funded projects tailored to boost competitiveness, from enhancing brand visibility to upskilling workforce. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4d8HtKT.

Advantage Illinois is a win-win for businesses and communities. The program helps businesses clear financing hurdles to get the funds they need for inventory, equipment, real estate and more, accelerating economic growth and job creation across the state. Learn more about the program and how to apply: rb.gy/9ppudo Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Our newest board member, Jacobs Solutions Inc., is “Challenging Today. Reinventing Tomorrow.” From science to engineering, Jacobs uses its broad skills and deep expertise to create thriving cities and resilient environments. The company will be represented by Vice Presidents Michael Houston and Melissa Hoffmeister.

Collectively, Michael and Melissa cover several markets—including transportation, water and buildings—and transform communities through climate response, data solutions, and consulting & advisory. Now, they’re using their expertise to help us create a better tomorrow right here in DuPage.

Learn more about board membership: rb.gy/c9oj33

Manufacturers: Are your compensation and benefits competitive? Earlier this summer the Illinois Manufacturers' Association launched a comprehensive compensation and benefits survey of manufacturers around the state. On Thursday, July 18th, they will share the results during an online event.

The discussion will explore the survey responses and look at key variables used by manufacturers to help attract, retain and increase the performance of their workers, as well as the anticipated shifts coming into 2025.

Register: https://bit.ly/4eZRxYs

Recently, we joined at the — the country’s top event with over 5,000 attendees and 96 international markets represented. At the event, we showcased our region’s talent, infrastructure, access to global markets, and FDI resources to companies from all over the world.

Talk about koala-ty of life. 🐨 For the first time in its 90-year history, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is home to koalas. Born in 2022 at the San Diego Zoo, Brumby and Willum arrived at Brookfield on June 10th. Now, after settling in and getting a taste of the local eucalyptus, they’re making their public debut.

Brookfield Zoo is one of many institutions that makes our region a great place to live, work, visit and do business. In addition to providing a home for animals like Brumby and Willum, the Zoo supports an ecosystem of local businesses, while providing educational entertainment for guests.

Hit the link to learn more about visiting the Brookfield Zoo and supporting its newest residents! https://bit.ly/45RqKcC

Meet Glenn Mazade, SVP of Commercial Business Banking at Old National Bank and Private Sector Co-Chair of Choose DuPage. Glenn has a passion for supporting local entrepreneurs and communities; when he isn’t partnering with family-owned businesses at Old National, he’s serving on numerous boards focused on community development. Now, as a Choose DuPage board member, Glenn taps into more than 35 years of banking experience to foster an environment where businesses can connect, grow, and succeed.

Congrats to Oak Brook’s Wavicle Data Solutions for being named one of Crain's Chicago Business’ fastest-growing companies—for the 5th year running! 👏

Located just west of Chicago, DuPage County is home to a rapidly growing tech sector. Here, businesses like Wavicle can tap into our deep talent pool and business-friendly climate, and discover amazing opportunities at our two national laboratories: Argonne and Fermilab. Full story: https://bit.ly/3RFNmqt

Local manufacturers: Join us on July 24th for our next MFG Pro Series webinar and get expert advice on using data & AI tools to predict demand more accurately than ever. This webinar is free to attend, but registration is limited. Click below to learn more and register.

Innovative Forecasting Strategies | July 24 at 10am Register

Thank you, to everyone who joined us at the 14th Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook event! Hosted by Choose DuPage, Ice Miller LLP, and Mesirow, this year’s event drew over 600 business and civic leaders, under the theme ‘What Now & What Next?’.

Our fantastic lineup of speakers included: The Hon. Deborah Conroy, Chair of the DuPage County Board; Leo Harmon, CFA, CAIA, Senior Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer, Portfolio Manager Equity Management for Mesirow; and Mark Sander, President & Chief Operating Officer for Old National Bank. Each of them sharing valuable perspectives on the evolving business climate and how the community can work together for a better tomorrow.

Special thanks to the many people and organizations that have made this event a success, including:

🎤 Our speakers: Chair Conroy, Leo Harmon, Mark Sander
⭐️ Our co-hosts, Ice Miller and Mesirow
🌸 Ball Horticultural for donating the centerpieces
📸 Blooming Color for printing the programs and donating our new photo backdrop
📣 MACLYN for providing all the creative and promotion for the event
🤝 The MANY elected officials, community partners, and economic development organizations for supporting us and working together to advance our region
🏙️ The business community, especially the Choose DuPage Board Members, who attended the event and choose DuPage County as their home
💪 The event planning committee, volunteers, and Choose DuPage staff who work so hard to put this event together

New podcast episode: https://bit.ly/3R45o5y 🎙️

“They feel like they have a future. And they’re looking forward to the day when they have their own company.” In our new podcast episode, we discuss how local organizations are shifting perceptions about manufacturing careers—and developing the next generation of Mavericks. Hit the link above to listen!

The DuPage Business Beat is hosted by Greg Bedalov. Featuring: Nancy O’Leary, Vice President of Custom Direct, Inc.; Danielle Kuglin Seago, Manager, Apprenticeship & Workforce Development for Project Hire-Ed, College of DuPage; and Susan Fischer, President of Premier Manufacturing Corporation.

As always, thank you to the College of DuPage for supporting our show!

💥 The Aurora Supercomputer has officially broken the exascale barrier, making it one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world. 💥

Located at Argonne National Laboratory (right here, in DuPage County), Aurora’s speed and artificial intelligence capabilities will transform scientific research and enable breakthroughs in some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate and materials science to energy storage and fusion energy.

Aurora Supercomputer Breaks Exascale Barrier Read more.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an observance that recognizes the role mental health plays in our overall well-being and the value in raising awareness and helping those in need of receiving treatment.

In DuPage County, there are many resources available for those experiencing a mental health crisis. And recently, the DuPage County Health Department broke ground on The Crisis Recovery Center (CRC)—a critical next step in building the infrastructure needed to support a best-in-class behavioral health system.

Opening next summer, The CRC will help residents de-escalate, stabilize, and connect to community resources catered to their individual mental health and substance use treatment needs. The center will serve as an alternative to unnecessary emergency room visits and 911 calls.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3yhO6LN

Additional resources:

✅ DuPage County Health Department: https://www.dupagehealth.org/
✅ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/
✅ National Alliance on Mental Illness DuPage: https://namidupage.org/
✅ American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/
✅ Hope DuPage: https://www.hopedupage.org/
✅ Prevention Leadership Team: https://www.dupageplt.org/
✅ Impact DuPage: https://www.impactdupage.org/

On May 22, DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy will be co-moderating a panel discussion at Chamber630’s event, ‘Checking in on Your Mental Health and Building a Stronger Business Community’. Topics of discussion include workplace trends in mental health practices, available benefits and effective resources. Learn more & register: https://bit.ly/4bzBQVr

Let’s talk talent. Recently, Choose DuPage’s President & CEO, Greg Bedalov joined three local experts to explore how manufacturers are developing and recruiting the next generation of workers. Catch it on the next episode of the DuPage Business Beat Podcast!

Featuring: Nancy O’Leary, Vice President of Custom Direct, Inc.; Danielle Kuglin Seago, Manager, Apprenticeship & Workforce Development for Project Hire-Ed, College of DuPage; and Susan Fischer, President of Premier Manufacturing Corporation.

🎙️ Recorded at the College of DuPage

Catch up on all the DuPage Business Beat podcast episodes here: rb.gy/z647m8

“It’s important for us to recognize that we’re only going to grow when we ALL grow.” For today’s episode, we join local leaders to discuss how the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership is changing the region’s future: https://bit.ly/4bajNEK 🎙️

The DuPage Business Beat is hosted by Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage. Featuring Robin Ficke, Senior Vice President, Research, World Business Chicago; Kevin Considine, President & CEO, Lake County Partners; and Xochitl Flores, Bureau Chief, Economic Development for Cook County Government.

As always, thank you to the College of DuPage for supporting our show!

Attracting visitors has significant economic impacts on communities, through increased spending and support for local businesses. Working in tandem with the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau, here in DuPage County, we have a thriving tourism industry, attracting millions of visitors each year to our hotels, restaurants, shops, sports facilities, arts & culture venues, and more.

To ensure the best quality-of-life for our residents while continuing to drive tourism, the DuPage County Board and Choose DuPage recently conducted feasibility studies to determine the market demand opportunities that exist for both the performing arts center and sports tourism.

And the results are in! Does DuPage County have enough demand for a new sports complex? ⚾️ 🏸 What about a performing arts center? 🎶🎸 Hit the link below to find out!

Preliminary Recommendations from Feasibility Studies Read more.

For today’s , we’re featuring a company that is impacting the lives of just about everyone in DuPage County: Nicor Gas. Beyond providing natural gas to 2.3 million customers, Nicor Gas invests in numerous programs to improve infrastructure, invigorate local economies and support environmental stewardship.

As a Choose DuPage member, Rick Trujillo, Chief of Staff to President & CEO at Nicor Gas, helps us create a collaborative, business-friendly environment across DuPage County and Chicagoland. Learn more about becoming a board member here: https://bit.ly/3QdU5as

Want the latest insights into DuPage’s economy? Then download our new Economic Indicators Report for Q1. Inside, you’ll find detailed information about the state of office, industrial, and retail real estate, as well as information about employment trends, transportation, and more.

Get the Q1 Economic Indicators Report Get the report

On , let’s take a moment to celebrate the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County! For more than 100 years, the District has protected, improved, and restored our community’s abundant natural resources. From horseback riding at Blackwell to hiking at Waterfall Glenn, DuPage offers so many ways to connect with nature, and it’s all thanks to the Forest Preserve District.

Looking for quality local workers? workNet DuPage currently has 178 professionals training for high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, manufacturing, logistics, and more. Connect to qualified talent here: rb.gy/x6wtn

How is collaboration shaping Chicagoland’s future? Recently, Choose DuPage President & CEO Greg Bedalov sat down with three members of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP) to find out. Catch it on the next episode of the DuPage Business Beat podcast!

Featuring: Robin Ficke, Senior Vice President, World Business Chicago; Kevin Considine, President and CEO, Lake County Partners; and Xochitl Flores, Bureau Chief, Economic Development for Cook County Government.

🎙️ Recorded at the College of DuPage.

Want a better, more eco-friendly commute? With Pace Vanpool, Chicagoland commuters can now travel together to and from work for a low monthly fee. Save money and reduce your carbon footprint with this convenient program today! Learn more: https://bit.ly/4au02YX

Pace Suburban Bus

As part of their mission to support the regional economy, Argonne National Laboratory is looking to partner with small, local businesses. Check it out: anl.gov/partnerships/small-business-program

As a neurodiverse woman in a male-dominated field, DuPage County entrepreneur Marie Kavadias faced several hurdles when founding her own tech company. Did she let them slow her down? Not one bit. Read her full story to get inspired!

In honor of Women’s History Month, workNet DuPage’s Business Services team is proud to acknowledge women making a difference in our community. Marie Kavadias is the owner and president of BioScan Tek, based in Wheaton. BioScan Tek is a licensed, livescan fingerprint vendor agency whose clients include Illinois State Police, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, FBI, and NATA. BioScan Tek provides background checks, ID’s and digital forensic services.

Marie is a certified Digital Forensics Examiner, a Secured Cloud Computing Practitioner, and a Certified Professional Forensics Analyst.

As a neurodiverse individual with a brain injury, Marie is driven to bring awareness to the impact of brain injury and disability. In support, her company offers a unique paid internship program for neurodiverse individuals that provides hands-on training in a sensory-friendly environment.

To women in the field, Marie offers this advice:

“Try not to get discouraged! Reach out to your community when you’re being challenged, and never give up. When one door closes, try other avenues; network and try nontraditional routes when it comes to getting your foot in the door. This is the only way I have managed to build my business. I am terrible at employment interviews and often need a quiet environment to do my work due to my disabilities. Try to find what fits best for you out in the world. Try many different hats and see what works.

Often, women are overlooked for opportunities due to the male dominated world or the societal notion that a women cannot do something. I see this changing, but still needing improvement. I see women taking on more roles than before, so my hope is our society can continue to evolve by bringing more women into leadership roles."

Thank you, Marie, for making an impact in DuPage.

BioScan Tek: www.bioscantek.com
Marie’s art: www.mariekavadias.com

What women-owned businesses are making a difference in DuPage? Let us know in the comments!

The 14th Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook asks the two questions on everyone’s mind: What’s happening in the economy now? And where do we go next? Join the discussion on Thursday, June 6th. Seating is limited, and tickets will go fast – register now!

DuPage County Regional Business Outlook Get tickets.

Meet the newest Choose DuPage members, Frank Cerrone and Susan DiMeo-Sargent of Pan American Bank & Trust! Founded in 1995, Pan American started as one bank in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. Today, with five locations, the bankers tap into their entrepreneurial grit to support businesses across Chicagoland and beyond. As board members, Frank and Susan will help foster a business-friendly environment across the region. Welcome to Choose DuPage!

In this episode, we’re putting Argonne National Laboratory under the microscope: https://bit.ly/3wUJLNO. 🎙️ Join us for a discussion on the science of business and the business of science!

Hosted by Greg Bedalov. Featuring Chris Heckle, Director of the Materials Manufacturing Innovation Center at Argonne.

Manufacturing’s evolved. Have you? In our first-ever MFG Pro Series webinar, reps from Richards-Wilcox Conveyor discuss how Industry 4.0 businesses can be more efficient. Join us Thursday, April 25, 10-11AM. Free to attend, but registration is limited. Click below to learn more and register.

How to Optimize Manufacturing Efficiency Register Now