Economic Development

The Lockport Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve plans for a Wendy's restaurant on Tuesday.

The park is part of the city’s $300 million multiphase Riverfront Reimagined project.

Two new business may be coming to Lockport in the near future. The Committee of the Whole has approved plans for an auto repair shop and 7-Brew coffee kiosk.

Ron Clewer of developer Gorman & Co. said several hoteliers have expressed possible interest in developing hotels at the Lawrence Bros. and National sites, including representatives from Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and two local hoteliers.

Giada De Laurentiis will have a signature restaurant at the future Hollywood Casino Joliet.

The city of Joliet, in partnership with the Joliet City Center Partnership will showcase 10 Chicago Street businesses in a special event on Friday.

City of Joliet continues to resist plans for cannabis shops on Jefferson Street.

A new hotel, anticipated to be a four-story Hilton TRU, will be located at Weber Road and Normantown Road in Romeoville.

The city of Joliet didn't get any proposals for Chicago Street building, but giving more time may help draw a developer.

Hollywood Casino has two upcoming job fairs as it expands staff for its future location in Joliet at Interstates 55 and 80.

Mayor Terry D'Arcy gives speaks about the city's near and far future in presencation to Joliet Rotary Club.

A new Goodwill donation center is now open seven days a week in Coal City

Penn Entertainment has announced that it is partnering with the celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis for the future Hollywood Casino Joliet.

Business development coming slowly to Rock Run Collection, in Joliet but developer says a 'major lineup' will be announced soon.

Demolition crews are tearing down U.S.Steel buildings in Joliet last used for steel production in 2001.

Two state bills have been filed to secure a designation that, if approved, could provide millions of dollars in additional funding for city development in Sterling.

Officially called the Loughran Building and built in 1890, the downtown Joliet location was last used for Crabigale's comedy club in 2005. The city is looking again to market the building.

Cheryl Lee, president of Northern Illinois Home Builders Association and president of CL Design-Build, Inc., a custom home builder in the Chicago Western Suburbs, said the expanded Trump tariffs “will undoubtedly impact both consumers and the homebuilding industry."

First round of appointments to citizens' committee for Joliet comprehensive plan stirred a backlash.

RJW Logistics Group based out of Romeoville will operate out of a 976,954-square-foot warehouse near Houbolt Road bridge in Joliet.

TIF is a tool used by local governments to encourage economic development in underperforming areas.

The Dixon City Council will vote Monday on three ordinances that expand the boundaries of the Lee-Ogle County Enterprise Zone in preparation for three projects planned in rural Lee and Ogle counties.

Plainfield is slated to see several new businesses begin construction or officially open this year while one IL Route 59 mainstay will be closing its doors.

Priscilla Cordero has left Joliet to take a job as economic development director for the village of Matteson.

Other projects include a new restaurant and bar near Sublette and construction of another building at HA International’s manufacturing plant near Oregon.

Five grants have been awarded so far through the city of Joliet's program to keep downtown businesses going through construction.

City and U.S. Steel officials said they are moving ahead with plans for a new use of the company’s Joliet site. Former credit union building will become the Pilsen Wellness Center.

Foundation to hold Jan. 29 public investment meeting for planned riverfront park.

Will County needs more apartments and affordable housing to keep young people and meet the needs of a growing workforce, the head of the Will County Center for Economic Development said Wednesday.

Morris native Aindrea Hogan will begin her new role as vice president of development with the Grundy Economic Development Council on Wednesday.

Since buying the former Kmart distribution center in Manteno in 2023, Gotion has continued to purchase land surrounding the plant at 333 S. Spruce St.

Arcadia CEO says cold storage facility in Joliet will supply growing demand for refrigerated grocery items.

Arcadia Cold Storage will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for a new facility being built at 251 E. Millsdale Road.

The petition to approve the preliminary and final plats for the Rock Falls Love’s Subdivision will take place during the City Council meeting Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Amedeo: DeKalb County is primed for economic growth, industry, workforce

The Sterling City Council has hired Matt Hughes from the lobbying firm MRH Solutions to assist in securing a designation that, if approved, could provide millions of dollars in additional funding for city development.

Led by Tim Nugent, alliance president and CEO, the organization has been in existence since 2007

In 2024, the city of Dixon has grown through various developments, anticipated a historic change in health care offerings and dealt with shocking news because of clemency granted by President Joe Biden.

The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry showcased numerous events and activities during its special 110th year in 2024.

When a group of civic-minded volunteers saw their town in need of a helping hand, they got together to give it one; now, several years later, their efforts have paid off, and Erie is feeling renewed, refreshed and revitalized.

Terrabis, a new marijuana dispensary in Dixon, will have its grand opening celebration from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, at 1679 S. Galena Ave.

The city of Joliet is developing a grant program for Chicago Street businesses to help protect jobs and sustain business operations during and after the downtown construction. The City Council will review Tuesday,

The Will County Center for Economic Development gave its annual report at a breakfast at the Bolingbrook Golf Club Friday, addressing issues of housing, business development, and employment in the county.

Despite unexpected wrinkles in a year of transition, members of a countywide group that advocates for economic development said Friday they believe DeKalb County is poised for growth.

The business incubator houses 24, 1,500-square-foot units for small business owners to grow their operations in a low-rate lease space with access to workplace amenities, equipment and two loading docks.

$100,000 grant award announcement Monday night coincides with council’s acceptance of newly completed strategic plan.

State and local officials say tax incentives were never delivered as job numbers fell short.

X-Golf Shorewood is geared to golfers of all levels: experienced, beginning golfers and even non-golfers, according to owner Jeff Bass.

Scooter’s Coffee will celebrate its grand opening in New Lenox on Friday with a ribbon-cutting and special offers.

Lions Electric, manufacturer of electric buses and trucks, did not provide details on its future plans for its Joliet factory. Mayor Terry D’Arcy said he believes operations stopped as of Monday.