Aurora named as one of the world’s Smart21 Communities of 2015

(Aurora) – The Intelligent Community Forum named the City of Aurora as one of the world’s Smart21 Communities of 2015. This select group of communities will now be in contention for the prestigious designation of Intelligent Community of the Year in June 2015.

“Our analysts have selected 21 communities that have shown progress in their attempt to make the leap to Intelligent Community status.  The Revolutionary Community theme for 2015 is perfect for this group.  Not all of them are cities, towns or regions that people immediately think of as ‘tech cities.’  Tech is not all there is to a great community.  Some are aspirational but all have launched programs that are innovative, and will do something that most cities, towns and regions have been attempting since the broadband economy emerged: launch a successful and full-scale full revolt against brain drain and the creation of industries that will produce jobs.”

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International Economic Development Council Honors Choose DuPage

Oct. 23, 2014, LISLE, Ill.—The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the world’s largest economic development organization, honors Choose DuPage for its 2013 Annual Report. At its recent conference, Choose DuPage was recognized at the Excellence in Economic Development Awards. IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials and the year’s most influential leaders.

“Receiving this award from the most highly respected economic development organizations in the world is truly an honor” says Greg Bedalov, President and CEO of Choose DuPage. “This recognition by the International Economic Development Council reinforces DuPage County’s reputation as a premier global location to do business and live.”

Choose DuPage developed its 2013 Annual Report, titled “The Proven and Premier Global Business Location,” to provide residents and businesses of DuPage County, prospective residents, businesses and outside stakeholders, with information regarding organization’s accomplishments and key opportunities before the county in the business arena.

The IEDC has more than 4,500 members in the United States, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and other countries.

The IEDC bestowed the award to Choose DuPage during the 2014 IEDC Annual Conference on October 20, 2014 in Fort Worth, TX.

Click here to read Choose DuPage’s 2013 Annual Report.

About Choose DuPage

Choose DuPage is a groundbreaking concept in economic development for DuPage County, IL – located approximately 20 miles west of Chicago. Geographically desirable, with a highly skilled labor force, DuPage County has experienced unprecedented growth over the past two decades and has a Gross Regional Product (GRP) of $63.3 Billion. Partnering with local agencies and its board of directors, Choose DuPage works to leverage this growth and continue its momentum for the benefit of DuPage County businesses and residents.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions.
www.iedconline.org.

Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Market to open Carol Stream location Oct. 29, 2014

Carol Stream, Il. (October 24, 2014)- Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets. Inc. today announces it will be opening their Carol Stream location, marking the company’s 8th store in Illinois. The grand opening and and ribbon cutting ceremony begins at 9:00 am Wednesday, Oct. 29. This newest 100,000 sq. ft. location within its Corporate Headquarters (located at 520 E North Ave., on the southwest corner of North Ave. and Schmale Rd.) showcases its “Next Generation Fresh Format”. This new facility‘s next generation format also encompasses exciting earth friendly technology applications with an all new CO2 refrigeration system, being the first installation of its kind in the US and largest application in the world! Their responsible green efforts continue with the facility’s complete interior and exterior LED lighting, and installation of EV (electric vehicle) charging stations for customer convenience. The Family owned and operated retailer has been in business since 1958 and they have established a respected reputation for an unparalleled selection of perishables and specialty foods over the years. Along with that comes a team of extraordinarily friendly professionals who provide service with the same pride and passion that the company’s active founder and ideal role model Angelo Caputo has demonstrated for the past 56 years. “We’re extremely proud and excited to unveil our newest store in the Carol Stream community,” said Robertino Presta, the company’s CEO. “We’ve worked very diligently to produce a shopping experience on a whole new level. I like to refer to it as an “event” for our consumers and their lifestyles. Food is what we know and we understand the impact that a great meal has when enjoyed with family and friends! We want to be that destination for them and be a part of providing that experience” says Presta. The store will certainly boast its famously vast array of “Quality Fresh Produce and Organics” that consumers of every ethnicity have come to expect for well over half of a century now. The original “Farmers Market” that most grew up recognizing, still supports its local farmers as they have done since 1958 and long before it became trendy in most markets! With emphasis still evident on “Fresh and Healthy Lifestyles”, a fresh juice bar and yogurt parfait bar within moments of entering the store will certainly be a destination for the health conscious consumer. Along with the state of the art display of hand crafted fresh meats and elaborate fresh seafood selections, exciting new features have been added. Consumers will now have the opportunity to experience and witness the creative and talented Caputo’s team in production first hand. They will be able to view the production of Caputo’s famous fresh sausage, fresh mozzarella, fresh delicate pasta, and made from scratch cookies, pastries, cakes and much more. All of these hidden gems produced behind the scenes for years are now on stage for everybody to see! Consumers would be missing out by not visiting the incredible Deli, with homemade salads, meats and cheeses from around the world along with entire aisles of specialty and traditional groceries that should inspire the “inner chefs” in everyone! The experience and amenities continue as the tantalizing aromas fill the air from the elaborate food court with freshly prepared homemade meals and sides to authentic wood burning oven pizzas and specialty stations. Enjoying these dishes in an inviting soothing atmosphere within casual dining areas or outside patio can only be elevated as you can now enjoy an alcoholic beverage from Bar Angelo, located just outside the food emporiums. “Adults can choose from a large assortment of craft beers and wines, sit back and enjoy that experience of “Food” with us, says Presta”! He continues to say, “The Angelo Caputo Family and staff is very excited for the opportunity to serve the great community of Carol Stream and its surrounding communities! The investment, although significant, has proven to be very rewarding to the future of our family business, and as the final phase emerges we take great pride in being able to bring hundreds of new job opportunities to the immediate area with an unmatched facility”!

Robert Hutchinson Named Private Sector Co-Chairman

Bob Hutchinson, president of Glen Ellyn Bank & Trust, a Wintrust community bank, has been named Private Sector Co-Chair of Choose DuPage, joining DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin as the Public Sector Co-Chair. Hutchinson moves into this new role after serving on the board of directors for Choose DuPage for the last three years. In his role at the bank, Hutchinson focuses on getting to know business owners and offering financial solutions that will meet their business needs. These skills, along with his community banking background, are key in helping Choose DuPage further collaborate with the private sector and municipalities to enhance the economic development of DuPage County. Continue reading