Will County Center for Economic Development

Meet Blake Hardin, the CED's 2026 Business Data Management Intern! Hired through the Will County Summer Internship Program, Blake is a recent Plainfield East graduate with aspirations of becoming a small business owner, following in his father's entrepreneurial footsteps. This summer, he is gaining hands-on experience in economic development while helping support internal programs and initiatives that strengthen businesses and communities throughout Will County. We're excited to have Blake on the team and look forward to seeing all he accomplishes this summer!

Old National Bank proudly serves clients across the Midwest and Southeast, with banking centers in nine states. With approximately $73 billion in assets and comprehensive wealth management and capital markets capabilities, Old National Bank ranks among the top 25 U.S. banks headquartered in the Midwest and among the top 30 banking companies headquartered in the United States.

In 2026, Old National Bank celebrates 192 years of strength, stability, and commitment to clients and community partners. Founded in 1834, Old National Bank is deeply focused on building long-term, highly valued relationships while strengthening and supporting the communities it serves. In addition to consumer and commercial banking, Old National Bank offers robust wealth management, private banking, capital markets, and advisory services designed to help individuals, businesses, and families thrive.

Every mile of I-80 is telling a new story. 🚗

Today, about 60% of the reconstruction is already complete—where drivers are using new pavement, improved bridges, and modern roadway sections right now.

And the momentum is building: nearly 80% of the corridor is expected to be complete by the end of this year.

The future of I-80 isn’t years away—it’s already taking shape.

For more information, visit I80Will.org.

What a morning at Eye Opener 2026! 🎉

With more than 400 registered attendees and a sold-out crowd, this year’s event brought together business leaders, elected officials, community partners, and stakeholders from across the region to discuss the momentum driving Will County forward.

Key highlights included:�
✅ Chicagoland ranked #1 in project recruitment�
✅ Will County continues to lead as #1 in job creation�
✅ Will County remains the #1 single-family home builder in the region

Attendees also heard insights from the CED’s Housing Study, highlighting the significant investments being made throughout Will County to expand housing opportunities.

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Stantec, for helping make this event possible.

We also extend our appreciation to our Event Sponsors, Constellation and i365, and our Program Sponsors: Heartland Bank and Trust Company, D’Arcy Motors, The Village of Bolingbrook, Silver Cross Hospital, Wintrust and Cullinan Properties LTD. for their continued investment in the growth and success of Will County.

The future is bright, and together we’re building it. 🚀

CED President and CEO Doug Pryor and Nancy Norton, President and CEO of the Grundy Economic Development Council, joined the Three Rivers Association of REALTORS at Warehouse 109 in Plainfield.

Doug discussed the Will County Housing Study and Will County’s role as a leader in growth throughout Illinois. The discussion focused on the current state of housing, shifts in housing demand, and the importance of housing in positioning Will County for future economic success.

Congratulations Grace! We are so excited for all of our Will County Summer Internship Program Interns to begin their positions this summer! Thank you, Will County Clerk and our dozens of other employers, for being great hosts to our students year after year!

Please join us in welcoming Grace Orth to the Will County Clerk’s Office!

Grace recently graduated from Joliet West High School and will attend Howard University this fall to study Chemistry. She joined our office to learn more about government administration and gain valuable professional experience. As this is her first job, Grace is excited for the unique opportunity to develop hands-on skills and learn more about public service before beginning college. We are excited to have Grace on our team!

Thank you Will County Center for Economic Development for allowing us to be a part of your internship program.

⏳ Just two weeks until Eye Opener 2026 sponsored by Stantec!

Join business leaders, elected officials, community partners, and regional stakeholders for one of Will County’s premier business and economic development events. Eye Opener offers a powerful midyear conversation on the future of our region, featuring updates on major developments, transformative projects, and the economic trends driving growth across Will County.

This is your opportunity to gain valuable regional insight while connecting with leaders shaping the future of our business and civic community.

Thank you to Stantec, our Presenting Sponsor, for supporting this important regional conversation.

Event Details:
📅 June 10, 2026
⏰ Doors: 7:15 a.m. | Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. | Program: 8 - 9:15 a.m.
📍 Tuscany Falls | 9425 W. 191st St. Mokena, IL

Secure your spot today: https://willcountyced.com/2026-eye-opener/

Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Will County CED for an unforgettable morning honoring the students of the Will County Summer Internship Program.

Governor JB Pritzker spoke candidly about his own journey, the challenges of finding his path, and the importance of staying open to opportunity as these students begin building futures of their own. His words were a powerful reminder that every career starts somewhere.

What began as a simple belief, that students deserve meaningful, paid opportunities to explore careers and build real world experience, has grown into a workforce initiative making an impact across Will County and beyond. Over the last three summers, more than 230 students have interned with dozens of local employers, earning nearly $1 million in wages while gaining valuable skills, confidence, and connections.

We are proud to see Will County recognized by our state and local leaders as a model for how education, workforce development, and business partnerships can come together to create opportunities and change lives.