Lisle, Ill. – On Tuesday, May 7 Choose DuPage along with Ice Miller LLP and Mesirow Financial hosted the DuPage County Regional Business Outlook at Drury Lane in Oak Brook, Ill. Local business owners, government leaders and other members of DuPage County’s business community gathered to listen to insights about current regional, national and global economic conditions.

Dan Cronin, chairman of the DuPage County Board, opened the event by honoring the newly elected municipal leaders. Following Cronin, Diane Swonk, chief economist and senior managing director at Mesirow Financial, discussed the nation’s current financial outlook.

“Fundamental corporate tax reform can get us where we need to go,” said Swonk. Swonk’s colleague and Deputy Chief Economist at Mesirow Financial, Adolfo Laurenti, discussed the European financial crisis and its effect on American business partners throughout the nation. “It’s important the U.S. understands the [global] landscape and looks for opportunities to partner with success,” shared Laurenti.

The event continued with a panel discussion led by President and CEO of Choose DuPage, Greg Bedalov. The panel featured local business leaders Chuck Allen, CEO of Crowe Horwath, Kevin Giglinto, vice president of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, Chris Sears, partner at Ice Miller LLP and Scott Hoekman, CFO of UICO, LLC. The panel discussed various topics including the economy, DuPage County government, taxes, innovation, medical reform and entrepreneurship.

Following the panel discussion, the keynote speaker sponsor, PNC introduced Tom Ricketts, chairman of the Chicago Cubs and chairman/CEO of Incapital LLC. Staying consistent with the event’s theme of moving forward and acting now, Ricketts revealed his restoration and renovation plans for Wrigley Field. Ricketts said he is confident the project will move forward and forecasts that the Chicago Cubs will just get better and better with time.

The event concluded with the Comcast Business Networking Reception where guests met, mingled and spoke with the featured speakers.

Application Due: Varies by program year; next due date is June 13, 2013

Under the Economic Development Assistance Programs (EDAP) Federal Funding Opportunity announcement, EDA will make construction, non-construction, and revolving loan fund investments under the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs. Grants made under these programs will leverage regional assets to support the implementation of regional economic development strategies designed to create jobs, leverage private capital, encourage economic development, and strengthen America’s ability to compete in the global marketplace. EDA is soliciting applications from rural and urban communities to develop initiatives that advance new ideas and creative approaches to address rapidly evolving economic conditions. For more information, visit the grant opportunity synopsis.

Governor’s Clean Water Initiative Helped Draw World’s Largest Water Pump Manufacturer to Illinois

DOWNERS GROVE – As part of his agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois’ economy forward, Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Grundfos officials to break ground on the global water pump manufacturer’s new North American headquarters in Downers Grove, Illinois. Denmark-based Grundfos, the world’s largest water pump producer, will create 40 new jobs at the headquarters. The Illinois Clean Water Initiative – which was launched by Governor Quinn in 2012 to overhaul the state’s water infrastructure – was cited by the company as a key reason why they chose Illinois. Continue reading →

Choose DuPage works to bring Chicago Symphony Orchestra to
The Morton Arboretum in June 2013

Lisle, Ill. —The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) announced Thursday that it will present five concerts at The Morton Arboretum on June 27, 29 and 30, 2013.

Choose DuPage played an integral role in the process to bring the CSOA to the DuPage County, working with the Symphony and their consultants to provide accurate demographic information, economic information, infrastructure information, focus groups and other critical components needed for a decision of this magnitude. Continue reading →

DuPage County Business Forum Welcomed Local Experts and Government Officials

(Medinah, Ill.) Choose DuPage along with CBIZ, Rathje & Woodward, and Grant Thornton hosted a business forum at Medinah Country Club on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Experts and representatives from each company presented valuable information and answered questions from attendees regarding the issues plaguing DuPage County businesses and residents. Continue reading →