DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation - DCEDC

10/30/2026

🎉 Introducing the Inaugural DCEDC Groundbreaker Award 🎉

This year, we're proud to unveil a brand-new recognition at the DCEDC Annual Breakfast: the Groundbreaker Award.

The Groundbreaker Award was created to honor an individual whose contributions have left a truly historic mark on the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation. This award recognizes a person whose vision, leadership, dedication, and long-term impact have helped shape not only our organization, but the economic development landscape of DeKalb County itself.

Some contributions go beyond a single project, initiative, or achievement. They help lay the foundation upon which future success is built. The Groundbreaker Award celebrates that level of influence, recognizing those whose efforts have created lasting change and whose legacy continues to be felt throughout our organization and community.

As this is the inaugural year for the award, the selection represents someone whose impact on the DCEDC has been extraordinary and enduring. It is a recognition reserved for individuals whose commitment and leadership have helped define who we are and where we are headed.

And while we're excited to share this new honor with our members and community, you'll have to wait just a little longer to find out who will receive it. The inaugural recipient of the Groundbreaker Award will be announced at the DCEDC Annual Breakfast on November 5.

Join us as we celebrate the leaders, partners, and organizations helping drive economic growth across DeKalb County and be among the first to witness this special moment in DCEDC history.

📅 November 5, 2026
📍 DCEDC Annual Breakfast

10/29/2026

NIU and the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition are co-hosting an Illinois Innovation Voucher mixer on November 10, 4-6 pm at NIU Naperville campus (1120 E Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563). This will be an opportunity for small/medium-sized businesses and faculty to interact and learn how they can apply for up to $75K in R&D funding.

10/29/2026

The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation is proud to recognize Faranda's Banquets as the recipient of the 2026 Friend of the DCEDC Award.

As a locally owned and family-operated business, Faranda’s has been a valued partner of the DCEDC and a strong supporter of our mission for many years. Their commitment extends far beyond providing exceptional event services. Through their generosity, in-kind contributions, and ongoing support of DCEDC events, they have consistently helped us create meaningful opportunities for our members, stakeholders, and community leaders to come together.

Faranda’s has built a reputation not only for outstanding hospitality, but also for their dedication to supporting organizations and initiatives that strengthen DeKalb County. Their willingness to invest in community events, foster connections, and contribute to the success of local organizations exemplifies what it means to be a true community partner.

As a small family business, Faranda’s understands the importance of giving back and helping others succeed. Their continued support helps empower community organizations, create memorable experiences, and strengthen the relationships that drive economic growth throughout the county. Their contributions may often take place behind the scenes, but their impact is felt across the community.

The Friend of the DCEDC Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose partnership and support help advance the work of the DCEDC, and Faranda’s is a deserving recipient of this recognition. Their generosity, community-minded spirit, and unwavering support have made a lasting difference to our organization and the countless events and initiatives they have helped bring to life.

Please join us in congratulating Faranda’s on this well-deserved honor and thanking them for their continued commitment to the DCEDC and the DeKalb County community. We look forward to celebrating them at our Annual Breakfast on November 5!

10/28/2026

Speaker Spotlight: Pramit Patel

Meet Pramit Patel, current DCEDC Board President and representative of eo5 Hotels, who will join "Voices of Past Presidents" at DCEDC’s 2026 Annual Breakfast. As DCEDC celebrates 40 years of growing DeKalb County, Pramit will join fellow former Board Presidents to share perspectives on the organization’s history and lasting impact on the community.

Don’t miss this special anniversary panel!

Register today: https://dcedc.org/event/2026-annual-breakfast

10/28/2026

The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation is proud to recognize Bill Nicklas, DeKalb City Manager, as the recipient of the 2026 DCEDC Board Member of the Year Award.

For many years, Bill has been a steadfast advocate for economic development in DeKalb County and a dedicated supporter of the DCEDC's mission. Through his leadership, expertise, and commitment to collaboration, he has played a significant role in advancing initiatives that strengthen our local economy, foster business growth, and create opportunities for communities throughout the county.

This award is especially meaningful because it is determined by Bill's fellow board members, who recognize firsthand the time, energy, and dedication he brings to the organization. Their comments speak volumes about the impact he has made:

"Dr. Bill Nicklas is Board Member of the Year because of his strong advocacy for DCEDC and his unwavering commitment to advancing economic development throughout DeKalb County. His leadership, engagement, and support have helped strengthen partnerships and promote opportunities that benefit the county's long-term growth and success."

Board members also highlighted Bill's instrumental role in supporting major economic development projects.

"Bill is a tremendous asset to the Board and has been an integral part of bringing a number of economic development projects to the area and helping secure others that were brought to DeKalb. He's also been a big supporter of the organization, helping with changes to bylaws, board make-up, and strategic direction. He's a very important person to have on the board and deserves recognition for his work."

Please join us in congratulating Bill on this well-deserved recognition and thanking him for his outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the success of DeKalb County. We look forward to celebrating him at our Annual Breakfast on November 5!

10/28/2026

10/27/2026

We are excited to announce Heaven Allen as the inaugural recipient of the Elevate Standout Award!

Heaven serves as the Administrative Assistant at the DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board and chairs Elevate’s Networking Subcommittee. Since Elevate’s relaunch this year, she has been instrumental in helping rebuild connections, bring people together, and create a welcoming space for young professionals across DeKalb County.

Her positive, upbeat, can-do attitude is contagious. She welcomes new ideas, encourages feedback, and is always one of the first to ask, “How can I help? What do we need?” It’s that kind of thoughtful, inclusive leadership that makes a lasting impact and inspires the next generation of community leaders.

We are so grateful for Heaven’s enthusiasm, dedication, and the energy she brings to Elevate!

Join us in celebrating Heaven as she receives the inaugural Elevate Standout Award at the DCEDC Annual Breakfast on November 5! Congratulations, Heaven!

10/27/2026

Speaker Spotlight: Paul Callighan

Paul Callighan, past DCEDC Board President and retired ComEd professional, will join "Voices of Past Presidents" panel at DCEDC’s 2026 Annual Breakfast. As part of DCEDC’s 40th Anniversary celebration, Paul and fellow former Board Presidents will reflect on their leadership and the organization’s impact on DeKalb County.

You won’t want to miss this special anniversary discussion!

Register today: https://dcedc.org/event/2026-annual-breakfast

10/26/2026

Join us for the next Rural Vitality Exchange workshop highlighting the FREE real estate and marketing supports DCEDC offers to our DeKalb County communities. Plus, members of our Elevate young professionals group will discuss their experiences with community involvement and engagement. All of these resources are free to our communities and organizations!

This event features an overview of the LocationOne real estate listings database and Placer.ai marketing tools available through the DCEDC office. The LocationOne database can help market empty buidlings and sites, providing advertising and exposure to potential buyers. With Placer.ai, DCEDC staff can help you gain insights on visitor/resident activity within your communities and identify gaps that can help draw additional downtown visitors and improve services to current residents.

The evening concludes with a panel of our Elevate young professionals. Our panelists will share how they got involved in their communities and how they continue to support development. Unsure of how to engage across generations? This is your chance to gain valuable feedback! Young professionals – from soon-to-graduate high school students to our emerging professionals – this is an opportunity to learn how you can be involved in your communities! Successful community development needs all voices.

Elevate Young Professional Panelists:

Ashley Hughes; Communications and Engagement Manager; DeKalb County Government
Andrew Miller; Banking Center Manager; Old National Bank

Please join us to hear more about what our DCEDC supports can do to help your community – municipal staff, organizations, residents – everyone is welcome!

FREE event but advanced registration encouraged!
Refreshments will be provided. Register on our website.

10/26/2026

Speaker Spotlight: Cortney Strohacker

Cortney Strohacker, DCEDC Board Vice President, will moderate "Voices of Past Presidents" at DCEDC’s 2026 Annual Breakfast.

This special 40th Anniversary panel will bring together former DCEDC Board Presidents Paul Callighan, Doug Dashner, Pramit Patel, and Jerry Smith to reflect on their leadership and the organization’s impact on DeKalb County.

You won’t want to miss this conversation!
Register today: https://dcedc.org/event/2026-annual-breakfast