Author: courtney

Breakfast with the Chair: Creating Workplaces that Work for Everyone

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DuPage County business leaders gathered on Wednesday, April 10th at The Westwood in Lisle for a roundtable discussion on mental health in the workplace, employee wellness, and generational differences. The discussion is part of an ongoing series hosted by The Hon. Deborah Conroy, DuPage County Board Chair, and Choose DuPage, designed to provide an opportunity for the business community to connect, learn, and discuss important topics affecting DuPage County.

Gina Sharp, President of Linden Oaks Hospital and System Behavioral Health Service Line for Endeavor Health led the discussion along with Dr. Lindsey Harrington, PsyD.  

Key Takeaways From the Discussion:

  • It all goes back to establishing a strong connection between your employees and the purpose and why of your organization. Employees need to feel intrinsically connected to their workplace.
  • We really have to think about mental health and the workplace differently. It’s not something that can be done as an afterthought – it has to be something we are engaging in as a preventative measure, and incorporated into all aspects of things we do. As you are making business decisions, think about mental health – for your staff, yourself, and your customers. And how that can be enhanced or potentially harmed by decisions you make.
  • Your most important resource is staff – you can’t run without them. And you need to “service” them like you would an engine. Review your employees’ workload regularly and make sure they have time to breathe and think about their work. Otherwise, they become a cog in the wheel. Or they burnout.  
  • It all starts with leadership because everyone is going to mirror their behavior. For example, if you are a leader that goes on vacation and checks email and responds every day, think about the message that sends your employees. It says that you don’t prioritize taking a mental break from work, you think others should work on their vacation, and you must not trust your employees to do their work while you are gone.
  • We shouldn’t be [only] trying to make people happy. There is a lot that you can do to make people happy, but it doesn’t necessarily give them a sense of fulfillment or connection to their workplace. It’s about making them feel valued and seen.
  • Everyone communicates differently – you can’t take one single approach to connecting with employees and assume it will work. It’s like Swiss cheese, there are holes. You have to keep layering the cheese on to close those holes. It’s called the Swiss cheese model of communication. A message needs to be communicated 7-10 times before it really gets through. And the ways you need to communicate that message should be different for different people.

Resources:

Pictured above: Joe Dant, Endeavor Health, Gina Sharp, Endeavor Health, The Hon. Deborah Conroy, DuPage County Board Chair, Dr. Lindsey Harrington, Endeavor Health, and Greg Bedalov, Choose DuPage.
ComEd

ComEd Announces Elmhurst Substation Expansion Project to Power Regional Economic Growth

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Upgrades support future energy needs and electricity capacity growth for homes and businesses in DuPage County and northern Illinois

ComEd announced the expansion of its 345,000-volt (345 kV) Elmhurst transmission substation, a critical infrastructure investment that will prepare the region for future power needs and increase resiliency of the transmission system. Construction is now underway, with the project expected to be complete by December 2025. Investments to expand the substation will support continued dependability for existing customers and will allow for future capacity upgrades to be made to foster continued economic and business growth for the region.

“ComEd is proud to maintain and grow the most reliable grid in the country, which requires proactive planning to meet the future power needs of our customers,” said Mark Baranek, senior vice president technical services at ComEd. “Investments like the expansion of the Elmhurst substation will ensure the grid is primed to support local business growth for many years to come.”

This substation is one example of how ComEd is taking action to modernize the grid to support increasing demand as a result of the accelerated adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), residential heat pumps and solar deployments in Illinois. Following the upgrades to this substation, ComEd will be able to increase high-voltage transmission capacity in the region as demand continues to grow. 

“Through all areas of its business, ComEd is looking at ways to prepare the grid for the future, and that includes looking at the potential for business growth in our communities,” said Greg Bedalov, president and CEO of Choose DuPage. “The expanded capabilities of this substation will continue to make DuPage County an attractive location for large, commercial and industrial businesses who depend on a reliable and resilient grid to maintain their operations.”

“This investment in critical infrastructure means DuPage County residents can now benefit from the increased resiliency of the transmission system and find their electric power is more reliable, especially during high-use periods and inclement weather. It’s important that these upgrades take place now, while also providing for future enhancements based on the residential and business needs of our community,” said DuPage County Board Chair, Deborah Conroy.

Engineering and design for this $93 million project began in 2023 and construction is currently underway. Construction of this substation is being completed by a diverse, local firm, Ruiz Construction Systems. Customers currently served by this substation will not experience interruptions in power delivery due to construction.

“We are proud to be part of the team advancing technology and connectivity for northern Illinois,” said Gonzalo Ruiz, CEO of Ruiz Construction Systems. “As a long-time partner of ComEd, we are excited to work on another innovative grid project.”

Upgrades from this project will support increased connectivity to neighboring substations in northern Illinois, increasing the overall resiliency of the system. By increasing the number of connective pathways from substation to substation, ComEd is hardening the high-voltage transmission system to perform better during severe weather.

This project builds on ComEd’s commitment to maintaining nation-leading grid reliability. Since beginning its smart grid investments in 2011, ComEd has helped customers avoid more than 22 million outages and save more than $3.8 billion in outage-related costs.

2024 Compensation & Benefits Survey

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The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center invite you to participate in the 2024 Compensation & Benefits Survey.

The survey covers approximately 180 titles across 13 job families including jobs at the plant, supervisory, management, executive, and board level. Data will be collected on base pay, pay grades, target incentive levels, and benefits information including insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

All companies that complete the survey in its entirety will receive a FREE electronic copy (PDF) of the final aggregate survey report which will contain compensation information for different geographies (e.g., Cook County, Northern IL), revenue levels, and number of employees. This is a $1,500 value. In addition, companies that participate will also get a free personalized report benchmarking their data against the aggregate, as in this sample report which contains mock data.

IMA member companies that do not participate in the survey will be able to buy a copy of this year’s report at the IMA member rate.

The more companies that participate, the more valuable the survey results will be. If you are not the correct person to complete this survey at your company, please forward this e-mail to your appropriate team member. Users are able to fill out partial information and then return to the link at a later time to continue filling it out as long as it is the same IP address (computer).

Mployer Advisor is conducting the survey as a third-party survey administrator.

All individual data submitted will be kept strictly confidential, and no individual organization or employee data will be released. Survey results will be reported in aggregate to ensure confidentiality.

Please complete the survey by Tuesday, April 30, 2024. All compensation data should be reported based on a March 1, 2024, effective date. Results will be published in August 2024.

Corporate investment

Illinois Ranks #2 in Nation for Corporate Expansions and Relocations for Second Year

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Site Selection Magazine – an international industry-leading business publication – released its annual corporate expansion and relocation rankings, naming Illinois #2 in the nation for corporate projects and Chicago the Top Metro for the 11th year in a row. The state ranks #2 in the nation for corporate expansions and relocations for the second year in a row, with 552 business expansion or relocation projects in 2023 (up from 487 in 2022). Illinois also placed #2 in projects per capita, up from #4 the previous year.

“Illinois continues to attract leading companies to our state, with hundreds of openings and expansions every year,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With our unique incentives, our growing market, and our diverse and talented workforce, there’s no doubt that the economy in Illinois is thriving. This impressive recognition from Site Selection Magazine for the second year in a row makes it clear: Illinois is back and open for business.”

The magazine also recognized the Chicago metropolitan area as the Top Metro for business expansion and relocations among large metros for the 11th straight year. With growth in key sectors including life sciences, data centers, and technology, companies benefit from Chicago’s deep talent pool, diverse economy and robust infrastructure.

Companies that located or expanded throughout Illinois in 2023 include:

  • Gotion – $2 billion electric vehicle battery gigafactory in Manteno, creating 2,600 jobs
  • Kraft Heinz – $400 million distribution center in DeKalb, creating 150 jobs
  • Gulfstream – $285 million investment in Cahokia, creating 200 jobs and retaining 500
  • Incobrasa – $250 million expansion in Gilman, creating 40 jobs and retaining 200
  • Prysmian Group – $64 million facility expansion, creating 80 jobs
  • Manner Polymers – $54 million facility in Mount Vernon, creating 60 jobs

“With unrivaled incentives and top assets, Illinois’ momentum is undeniable as hundreds of companies expand or relocate to the Land of Lincoln,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Year after year, Illinois continues to grow its reputation as a global economic powerhouse, create jobs and nurture our thriving business ecosystem.”

“We continue to see companies from a diverse range of industries locate or expand in Illinois because of our state’s unmatched infrastructure, central location and talented workforce,” said Intersect Illinois CEO Dan Seals. “Site Selection’s rankings are a testament to the positive momentum we are seeing throughout Illinois.”

Illinois has seen an upward trajectory, earning nine credit upgrades since June 2021, and making focused investments in economic growth initiatives. The state’s modern infrastructure provides easy access to the world via air, road, rail and port and its top-notch higher education system produces the skilled workforce companies need to thrive.

“Site Selection congratulates state and local economic development professionals across Illinois for the state’s second-place finish in both the total projects and projects per capita facilities races,” said Mark Arend, editor-in-chief of Site Selection. “This demonstrates to our readers that Illinois is delivering the right location criteria to companies siting new projects and expanding existing ones.”

Corporate real estate analysts regard Site Selection’s yearly analyses as “the industry scoreboard.” To qualify, projects must meet one or more of these criteria: investment of $1 million or more, creation of 20 or more new jobs or 20,000 square feet or more of new space.

To learn more about doing business in DuPage County, contact us or search for available properties. 

Chris Heckle Argonne

Argonne is Supercharging Manufacturers with Science

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DuPage Business Beat Podcast | Ep. 7

Most Chicagoland residents have heard of Argonne National Laboratory, the DuPage County-based U.S. Department of Energy facility. But what many don’t realize is that Argonne is teaming up with manufacturers to develop groundbreaking projects at-scale, from EV batteries to carbon capture tech.

For today’s episode, host Greg Bedalov sits down with Chris Heckle, Director of the Materials Manufacturing Innovation Center, to discuss the transformative work happening at Argonne—and the collaboration behind it.

Dive Deeper:

  • Home to two National Laboratories (Argonne and Fermilab) as well as one of the nation’s top science and engineering talent pools, DuPage County has a science-first ecosystem. Learn more.
  • Argonne researchers recently won three R&D 100 Awards, AKA “the Oscars of Innovation.” Their award-winning work included an AI program designed to accelerate cancer research and a physics simulation for nuclear energy. Read the full story.
  • If your business is interested in partnering with the Material Manufacturing Innovation Center at Argonne, reach out to Chris Heckle on LinkedIn.

A special thanks to the College of DuPage for supporting today’s episode. To keep up with what’s happening in DuPage County and the Chicagoland region, follow Choose DuPage on social media or visit ChooseDuPage.com/Ready.

DuPage Business Beat Podcast

Today’s biggest business issues, told from a Chicagoland perspective. A podcast about emerging industries, shifting borders, economic ecosystems, and you. Featuring experts and entrepreneurs. Hosted by Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage. DuPage Business Beat is produced by Choose DuPage.

sustainability in dupage county

DuPage County Receives Private Donation for Solar Panels

Posted on | by courtney

On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the DuPage County Board celebrated a $50,000 donation from a Glen Ellyn couple which will contribute to a solar project on the County campus. Ann Boisclair and Jeff Jens presented a check to County Board Chair Deborah Conroy and Environmental Committee Chair Sheila Rutledge at this week’s County Board meeting.

“We are fortunate to have two very generous environmentalists in DuPage County who are putting their energy and resources toward preserving and improving the health of our planet,” said Chair Conroy.

The County installed a 164-kilowatt solar panel system on the roof of the 421 Administration Building. This system will lead to a reduction of more than 100 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is enough to power nearly 30 homes annually.

“We hope this project will inspire others to pursue renewable, clean energy projects in the future,” said Environmental Committee Chair Sheila Rutledge. “We are grateful to Ann and Jeff for helping make this project a reality.”

Boisclair and Jens have supported 18 solar projects across the country, including a project at the Willowbrook Wildlife Center.

“We congratulate DuPage County on this impressive achievement that will provide many years of fossil-free energy,” said Boisclair and Jens. “The Country is providing much-needed leadership in the battle to contain global warming. This project benefits all the people of DuPage County. We would love to see more projects like this everywhere.”

corporate investment

Chicagoland Named Top Metro for Corporate Investment, 11 Years in a Row

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“The sense of regionalism exemplified by the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership will only reinforce the area’s attractiveness to tech, logistics, innovation, and vibrant young talent in an economy as diverse as its population.” — Site Selection Magazine

CHICAGO, March 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside representatives from World Business Chicago and key figures from the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, gathered at S&C Electric in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood to announce that, for the eleventh consecutive year, Chicago has secured the prestigious title of the top metro area in the United States for corporate investment, according to Site Selection magazine. This ranking underscores Chicago’s sustained appeal as a prime destination for business growth and development.

“Access to diverse talent, global connectivity and the City’s strong infrastructure are among the reasons why Chicago has been ranked a top metropolitan area for selection and corporate relocation for 11 years,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “On behalf of all the residents of the City of Chicago, I extend our gratitude to S&C Electric and the 162 other companies who made pro-Chicago decisions in 2023 – investing in our people, our neighborhoods, and our city—driving job creation and opportunities for all.”

In 2023, the Chicago metro area continued its streak by outpacing all other regions in the nation, with an influx of new corporate locations and expansions. World Business Chicago reported a total of 163 “pro-Chicagoland decisions” throughout the year. These decisions comprised 117 expansions and 46 relocations or new market entries, with notable investments targeting the South and West sides of the city, alongside significant developments across the Chicagoland region. Collectively, these initiatives resulted in the creation of over 23,000 job opportunities, further fueling the city’s economic vitality.

“We are profoundly honored to once again be acknowledged as the foremost metro for corporate investment in the United States,” said Charles E. Smith, Vice Chair, World Business Chicago. “This accomplishment reflects the unwavering dedication of our team, board of directors, the Mayor of Chicago, and our esteemed partners across the greater Chicagoland region. It underscores our shared commitment to nurturing an ecosystem where businesses flourish and communities thrive.”

Among the notable contributors to Chicago’s economic landscape in 2023 was S&C, which announced its expansion with a 275,000-square-foot facility in Palatine, reinforcing its commitment to the region’s growth. This expansion, situated approximately 25 miles from S&C’s headquarters in Rogers Park, is expected to generate 200 new jobs, contributing to the company’s significant local workforce of over 2000 team members in the Chicago area.

“Chicago has been home to S&C for over 110 years, and the talent pool here is an essential part of our growth and success, allowing us to better serve customers with solutions that advance a resilient and reliable electrical grid,” said Anders Sjoelin, S&C’s president and CEO. “Additionally, we’re pleased to add jobs, create meaningful careers, and value for our local team members, and support our communities.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, and others emphasized the significance of today’s announcement, highlighting the collective efforts of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), which was established in January 2023. The GCEP, comprising the City of Chicago and seven surrounding counties (Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Kendall County, Lake County, McHenry County, and Will County), has spearheaded initiatives, and business delegations, aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth and promoting equity across diverse communities. Leveraging the region’s assets, including robust transportation infrastructure, diverse talent pools, and thriving sectors, the GCEP remains committed to driving sustainable development and maximizing opportunities for all.

“Chicago is a dynamic city for energy storage innovation, robust R&D culture, and dedicated workforce,” celebrates Desmond Wheatly, CEO of Beam. “Embracing these strengths, Beam is strategically expanding its manufacturing presence in the Chicagoland region, delivering premium-grade batteries tailored for diverse applications such as eMobility, recreation, and robotics. With Chicago’s foundation of innovation and hard work, we’re poised to drive transformative advancements in energy technology.”

The continued recognition of Chicago as the top metro for corporate investment underscores the city’s resilience, innovation, and unwavering appeal to businesses seeking a dynamic environment for growth. As the third-largest metro area and a top 20 global economy, the Chicago region boasts tremendous talent and is home to some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. Leveraging these assets, Chicago remains at the forefront of economic prosperity, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses to thrive and succeed in a vibrant and diverse marketplace.

GREATER CHICAGOLAND REGION LEADERS REFLECT UPON TODAY’S NEWS:

Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County President: “Companies like S&C Electric, Beam, Solo Cup, and so many others chose Chicagoland for a reason – they know here you will find a rich and diverse tapestry of strong industry sectors ranging from food manufacturing to film and television production. Site Selection’s eleventh consecutive win affirms the Chicago region’s continued promise of opportunity for the business community allowing for them to continuously grow, expand and thrive.”

Greg Bedalov, CEO and President, Choose DuPage, and Chairman of Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership: “The unprecedented recognition of the Chicago Metro region as the top site in the nation for corporate relocation and site selection for an 11th consecutive year is proof positive that the city and the metro area are absolute first-in-class locations for business growth. Achieving this lofty goal once a decade is worth shouting about. Achieving it for consecutive years that span more than a decade is nearly inconceivable. Working collaboratively with all the partners in the Metro area is producing measurable economic results for Chicagoland. The Chicago metro area is not only open for business, but also is clearly the place for business. Congratulations to all those involved in making this happen and thank you to Site Selection magazine for this recognition.”

Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog: “The recognition from Site Selection magazine highlights the region’s allure for new businesses and investments. It also illustrates our dedication to being a responsive community that supports a diverse range of sectors, including agriculture, corporate and small business.”

Kendall County Board Chairman, Matt Kellogg: “We are proud but not at all surprised to see the Chicago area receive recognition for its continued business growth. We see real evidence of that growth in Kendall County, as businesses choose to expand or relocate in the region. We are not only business friendly but a great place for employees to relocate and join our community. The Chicago region connects to the entire globe, whether its people, information, or logistics, which makes it an excellent place to live and do business.”

Sandy Hart, Lake County Board Chair: “Lake County joins the entire Chicagoland region in proactively working together to advance sustainability and inclusive growth through strategic investments in infrastructure, talent, vibrant communities, and a diverse economy. Our central location, in the middle of the country and within arms-reach of a vast, global transportation network, makes the area a premiere location for business and people. We are proud that Chicagoland’s strength is once again being recognized by the industry-leading publication Site Selection Magazine. Being ranked the top U.S. metro for corporate relocation for the 11th year in a row comes as no surprise given all that the region has to offer to growing businesses.”

Mike Buehler, Chairman, McHenry County Board: “The Chicago Metro region’s unparalleled success in corporate relocation and site selection for over a decade is a testament to the collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication of our community. This continuous recognition by Site Selection magazine affirms that our city and metro area stand as beacons for business growth and innovation. Just as the Chicago region connects seamlessly to the global stage, so too does our commitment to fostering a diverse and vibrant ecosystem for businesses to thrive. Congratulations to all those who contribute to this remarkable achievement and thank you to Site Selection magazine for acknowledging our ongoing journey as a first-in-class destination for business.” 

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Will County Executive: “The Chicagoland Region remains a strong economic force and globally competitive. Chicagoland communities are attracting corporations and high-paying jobs at a rapid pace thanks to our many regional assets, including diverse talent, affordability, high quality of life, and connectivity. I look forward to these assets driving continued growth into the future.”

Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership: Year in Review, 2023

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A Note From the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership’s Executive Leadership

Dear Partners and Friends,

One year ago, we embarked on a remarkable journey with the launch of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP). Our mission was clear – to unite and showcase the global competitiveness of the Chicagoland region, leveraging our diverse talent, advanced infrastructure, renowned institutions, and top-ranked industries. Today, we proudly share with you the GCEP’s 2023 report, a testament to our collective efforts and an invitation for you to join us as we further define the future of the region.

In just twelve months, the GCEP has emerged as a dynamic force. Our success lies in the active collaboration among county partners across the region. From international engagements like the Collision Conference in Toronto and the Chicago Sister Cities International 50-year anniversary business delegation trip to Japan, to local initiatives such as Chicago DeepTech Week and the Chicago Venture Summit series—we have cultivated a thriving ecosystem that extends far beyond our municipal or county borders. At the time of the launch, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle remarked, “We all do better when we all do better.” This continues to represent the spirit of this collaboration. With equity and inclusivity as the cornerstone of economic development, we are contributing meaningfully to the economy throughout Chicagoland in many ways, including:

  • The GCEP is growing the regional economy. In the last year, 8,576 jobs were created or retained because of GCEP, which generated $715.9 million in direct and indirect worker earnings.
  • Sharing strategic initiatives, programming, and public funding opportunities which has led to increased trust across partners in the region, and a more collaborative approach to drive growth.
  • Providing data driven analysis and research that will continue to define future opportunities for economic growth across the city and seven county region.

In March 2023, Site Selection Magazine named Chicagoland the Top U.S. Metro for Corporate Relocations and Expansions, consecutively for ten years, and named four GCEP counties among “America’s Best Counties.” Last year, the WBC Research Center published the first-ever Regional Asset Map—a comprehensive guide that provides vital economic data. WBC’s support of GCEP includes producing monthly economic dashboards, quarterly updates, opinion pieces, and other vital assets. Furthermore, WBC’s leadership continues to enthusiastically deliver presentations, participate in panel discussions, and advocate for the strengths of Chicagoland as a prime business destination to businesses throughout the world.

We invite you to become a champion of the greater Chicagoland region. Consider this report as not just an overview, but a call to action. Here is a digestible glimpse into the strides we’ve made, the milestones we’ve achieved, and the vision that will continue to propel us forward. As a champion, you have the power to amplify and talk about the competitive advantages of Chicagoland. Join us as we solidify Chicagoland’s reputation as a global hub for innovation and the epicenter where the future of business is incubating.

Click here to download the report.

Greg Bedalov
Chairman, Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership
President & CEO, Choose DuPage

Kyle Schultz
Chief Growth Officer, World Business Chicago

ComEd Announces New EV Rebates for Business and Public Sector Customers; Applications to Open February 15

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ComEd launching $87 million in new rebates to incentivize expansion of electric vehicle charging, bring greater access to zero-emissions vehicles for communities throughout the region

CHICAGO (February 8, 2024) – As part of a larger investment to accelerate an equitable adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in northern Illinois, ComEd is launching two new business and public sector EV rebate programs. New programs will provide a total of $87 million this year to help reduce upfront costs of all-electric commercial and public sector fleet vehicle purchases and incentivize the buildout of more business and public charging across the region.

ComEd today joined a diverse mix of environmental, community, industry, and municipal stakeholders in announcing its newest EV rebates from the annual Chicago Auto Show, held at McCormick Place. The two new EV rebate programs will begin accepting applications on February 15, 2024, with funds awarded on a first come, first served basis. New EV rebates for businesses and public sector customers follows the recent launch of the EV Charger and Installation Rebate Program for residential customers, for which customer can apply for by visiting ComEd.com/Clean.

“Working with our partners in northern Illinois, ComEd is committed to helping customers benefit from zero emissions vehicles, which can significantly reduce pollution and enhance air quality for all residents across our communities,” said Erica Borggren, ComEd Vice President of Customer Solutions. “Through new targeted incentives, we are aiming to accelerate the transition toward all-electric fleets, cars, buses, and trucks, while at the same time catalyzing the buildout of a regional network of public EV charging to serve more customers – a key factor to growing EV adoption equitably.”

New programs launching in 2024 include a total of $87 million for business and public sector EV initiatives. This year, $57 million in rebates will be available for business and public sector EV purchases, and $30 million in rebates are available to support electrical infrastructure “make ready” upgrades needed for the installation of publicly available Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations. Level 2 chargers can charge an EV battery 6 to 8 times faster than charging from a wall outlet, often referred to as a Level 1 charger. Level 3 chargers, often referred to as Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) can charge a typical EV battery in less than one hour.

More than half of all rebate funding is reserved to help boost EV investment in equity-eligible communities, and with higher levels of rebates reserved for customers located in, driving, or doing business in low-income and equity-eligible communities. 2

“Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, the state of Illinois is leading an EV revolution, delivering incentives and enabling significant expansion of our EV charging network so more residents can take advantage of environmental and air quality benefits of zero emissions vehicles,” said Megha Lakhchaura, EV Officer for the state of Illinois. “ComEd’s new EV programs complement state and federal incentives designed to boost EV adoption and charging buildout on a larger scale. This means more school districts, transit agencies, local governments and small and large businesses and their surrounding communities can access the benefits of EVs.”

Specifically, funding amounts and eligibility for the two new ComEd rebate programs for business and public sector customers to support large-scale EV adoption are as follows:

  • A total of $57M is available in 2024 for EV Purchase Rebates
    Rebates between $5,000-$180,000 each, with funding not to exceed the cost of the vehicle. This includes funding for light duty, medium duty, and heavy-duty fleet vehicles, transit buses, and K-12 school buses. The rebate can also be applied retroactively in some cases; ComEd will accept applications for vehicles purchased as far back as June 1, 2023.
  • A total of $30M is available in 2024 for Make-Ready Electrical Infrastructure Rebates
    Rebates of up to $8,000 per Level 2 EV charger plug or port (with a 10-port maximum) or up to $1,000 per kW for infrastructure serving Level 3 chargers with a minimum of 50kW (maximum rebate of $500,000). Rebates can cover project make-ready costs including, but not limited to, contractor labor, conduits, cable, fasteners and breakers. Rebates will not cover the cost of the physical charger. This rebate can also be applied retroactively in some cases; ComEd will accept applications for qualifying projects completed as far back as June 1, 2023.

New investments to accelerate EV adoption in the region complement statewide plans to boost EV adoption in Illinois – a key focus as part of the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which sets a goal of putting 1 million EVs on state roads by 2030. EV ownership has increased in recent years, with 80,000 vehicles driving in northern Illinois today, up from just 17,000 in 2019. ComEd programs build on state and federal programs designed to reduce upfront costs to vehicle purchase, and to reduce range anxiety through the expansion of a network of charging serving more communities.

The new rebate programs announced today are geared toward business and public sector customers, including:

  • Those who are considering electrifying their fleet to improve their environmental footprint while reducing their fuel and operating costs.
  • Those who are looking to offer charging access to their customers and communities.

The programs will accept applications from a broad range of business and public sector customers, including small and large businesses, local government, school districts, and transit authorities.

“ComEd’s investments to expand EV adoption will support our regional efforts to address climate change and enhance air quality by reducing tailpipe emissions,” said Kevin Burns, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Chairman of the Executive Board, Environmental Committee and Energy Subcommittee. “New rebate programs from ComEd will 3

complement the work our local governments are doing to develop infrastructure, policy and to lay the framework for an equitable EV future here in northern Illinois.”

“With dangerous air pollution still a regional challenge and with the burdens of asthma weighing more heavily on lower income communities, this new EV program will help reduce air pollution from the largest source in northern Illinois and make owning a clean, zero-emission vehicle more affordable precisely where they can provide the greatest health benefits,” said Brian Urbaszewski, Director of Environmental Health Programs at Respiratory Health Association.

EVs provide numerous benefits for customers. Not only do they offer fuel and maintenance cost savings and performance benefits, but communities can experience broad environmental improvements from reduced tailpipe emissions. Additionally, electrifying transportation—including cars, trucks, school buses and public transit fleets—can create tangible health benefits for all communities and families across northern Illinois, especially communities which have traditionally borne the brunt of climate change and air pollution.

“The Environmental Law & Policy Center is especially encouraged that school districts can get ComEd assistance with electric school buses and charging equipment,” said Susan Mudd, Senior Policy Advocate at the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “This is an equity issue as more low-income families rely upon bus transportation to safely get their children to and from school than higher-income families. We know that electric school buses provide a zero-emission ride to and from school, which means children are not exposed to asthma-inducing fumes. The quieter electric buses also mean students arrive at school calmer and more ready to learn.”

“ComEd’s ongoing commitment to advancing electrification is vital for reducing carbon emissions, improving health, and creating financial benefits for all communities in Illinois,” said Nate Baguio, Senior Vice President of Commercial Development at Lion Electric. “As a regional partner of ComEd’s, we recognize the importance of clean energy transportation programs, which are further amplified by state and federal investments such as the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois Act (REV), Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and EPA Clean School Bus Program.”

“The launch of ComEd’s new EV rebates will make a big difference in helping low-income and environmental justice communities play a direct role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Billy Davis, Co-Founder, General Manager, Jitney EV, LLC. “By reserving half of all funding for equity eligible communities, ComEd is enabling a more just and equitable transition toward EVs and will incentivize more sustainable investment and cleaner air for the communities that need it most.”

ComEd’s new rebates take into consideration the large upfront costs associated with commercial grade electric vehicle purchase. ComEd also intends to work with local auto dealers to establish a process in 2024 that seeks to enable pre-approved rebate vouchers that can be applied at the point of purchase.

“ComEd’s new EV rebate programs mark a significant step in advancing sustainable transportation. Through providing substantial rebates for residential, commercial and public 4

sector charging, and fleet electrification with a focus on addressing financial barriers and communities in northern Illinois most impacted by pollution, ComEd demonstrates its dedication to enhancing accessibility to electric vehicles and beneficial electrification,” said Samantha Bingham, Coordinator of the Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation. “The Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation applauds ComEd’s rebate initiative and its broader efforts in advancing energy sustainability in the U.S. by facilitating clean fuel adoption and accessible charging infrastructure.”

New investments to support EV adoption at scale builds on existing ComEd programs to assist customers with electric fleet and charging infrastructure planning. This includes customized fleet assessments, as well as the recent launch of a new ComEd Fleet Toolkit at www.comed.com/EVbiz. The Fleet Toolkit can be used to develop a comprehensive estimate of the cost of converting a fleet, and to determine the optimum rate plan, charging times, and charging equipment for a fleet electrification project of any size. The Toolkit also contains a “EV Load Capacity Map” to help customers plan where to install charging infrastructure, based on estimated available load capacity.

To learn more about how ComEd is helping customers plan their journey to an EV, visit www.comed.com/ev. For more information on eligibility and to apply for new EV rebates on or after February 15th, visit www.comed.com/clean.

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ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 250 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers – the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Green Business Checklist

The Green Business Checklist

Posted on | by courtney

How to Cut Costs, Boost Efficiency & Reduce Your Environmental Impact

For many businesses, going green can feel like a gray area. That’s why Choose DuPage and the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) created the Green Business Checklist: a simple yet effective tool to help Chicagoland businesses be more sustainable. Inside, you’ll find helpful tips and best practices for everything from energy consumption to transportation and more.

HOW TO USE THIS CHECKLIST

Designed for small to mid-sized manufacturers, warehouses, and other businesses, this green checklist offers general guidelines and best practices for sustainability. Use the checklist to identify areas of improvement for your business, then make an action plan.

To download the Green Business Checklist, complete the form on this page.

ABOUT CHOOSE DUPAGE AND SUSTAINABLE DUPAGE

Choose DuPage is a network of Chicagoland stakeholders committed to fostering a pro-people, pro-business environment. As part of our strategic mission, we created Sustainable DuPage, an initiative that provides information and resources promoting sustainable practices. By helping local businesses go green, we aim to build a more efficient economy and a better future for all.

Learn more at ChooseDuPage.com/Sustainable-DuPage.