Plotting Progress: One Conversation at a Time During Kane County's Economic Roundtable
For the past decade, Kane County has brought together key regional partners to explore innovative ways to grow the local economy. The annual roundtable includes representatives from municipalities, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and nonprofits—each sharing success stories, new initiatives, and issues of concern.
Kane County collaborates closely with municipal and economic development partners to attract and retain businesses while building a workforce prepared to meet future needs.
“Many of our municipalities and partners have limited staff, so the roundtable creates a valuable opportunity to connect and learn from others who share a focus on economic development," said Christopher Toth, Planner with the Kane County Development and Community Services Department. 
“Attendees shared highlights from their local communities, talking about all of the great developments coming to Kane County, said Toth." Once small communities, like Pingree Grove, as seeing growth happen at a incredible speed. Other communities talked about the companies bringing new jobs, services and tax revenues to local governments.“
Participants also received an update on the newly formed Kane County Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit public-private partnership that will help coordinate economic development efforts across the county. This marks the first time Kane County has had such an organization, making it the last of the collar counties to establish one.
The group of two dozen participants also learned about the Kane County Housing Ready Plan; an initiative developed in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). The plan aims to address the shortage of affordable, workforce housing by offering data, zoning recommendations, and guidance on accessing state and local funding.
Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog attended the event, joined by County Board members Anita Lewis (Chair of the Jobs Committee), Ted Penesis, Jon Gripe, Deb Allan, and Bill Roth.
Chairman Pierog highlighted the County's workforce development initiatives, including training opportunities for the agricultural sector, youth employment programs, and the upcoming launch of workforce kiosks that will serve as job-search stations across the county.
To learn more about Kane County's Economic Development Corporation, contact John Greuling at john.greuling@kanecountyedc.com.
