Will County Center for Economic Development

Robert Diedrich serves as the Market President of Will County for Old National Bank (formerly First Midwest Bank) and has served in various positions of leadership in the company over the past 40+ years. He previously was the President of the Wealth Management Division running a $15 billion Division and served on the Executive Committe of the Bank. Bob has served on various philanthropic boards in Will County during his career and currently serves on the Rialto Theatre Foundation, District 86 Grade School Foundation, Joliet Area Historical Museum, Illinois Rock & Roll Museum and Governors State University College of Business boards. Find out more about our leadership and work here: https://lnkd.in/eMjp8BE8

Ben Riser is the Refinery Manager of ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery, which employs more than 600 employees and 250 contractors. Riser assumed this position September 1, 2023, and has 25 years of service with ExxonMobil working in leadership positions at four different refineries across the US and Canada. Find out more about our leadership and mission here. https://lnkd.in/eMjp8BE8

Lien Dastgir, President and CEO for KAD Engineering, is a Licensed Professional Engineer in IL with more than 17 years of professional experience working for the Tollway and IDOT overseeing a wide range of complex transportation projects. Lien recently attended the CED's Annual Report breakfast and was impressed by the work of CED investors and partners. She is interested in giving back to the community and building relationships throughout Will County. Learn more about our leadership and members here: https://lnkd.in/eMjp8BE8

CHICAGO’S 12-PEAT! For the 12th consecutive year, Site Selection Magazine has ranked Chicagoland as the #1 metro in the U.S. for corporate relocation and expansion! This isn’t just a streak—it’s a dynasty of business growth, innovation, and opportunity. In 2024 alone, 140 pro-Chicago business decisions created 14,800+ new jobs, proving that companies keep choosing our region for its world-class talent, infrastructure, and economic strength. Together with World Business Chicago and the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, we’re keeping the momentum going. #1 then, #1 now—12-PEAT and counting! #Chicago12Peat #ChicagoTopMetro #ChicagolandBusinessDynasty

A sincere thank you to Low Voltage Solutions, Inc. for hosting CED After 3 this week! We were excited to be in the City of Crest Hill and to showcase yet another outstanding industry contributing to the growth and vitality of Will County. These gatherings are designed to highlight the diverse businesses driving our local economy, and last night’s event brought together a fantastic group of leaders and partners committed to that mission. We are incredibly grateful to all our investors who joined us and continue to support the work of the Will County Center for Economic Development. Your engagement and collaboration are what make events like these so impactful. Learn more about Low Voltage Solutions and their exceptional work here: https://lnkd.in/gwKazZg8

The Will County CED offers numerous opportunities for networking and meaningful conversation and collaboration throughout the year. We look forward to seeing our partners, stakeholders, local and state government officials and CED Investors at our programs and events. Check out our 2025 Programs & Events schedule here: https://lnkd.in/gwnaMz56 #events #networking #collaboration #willcountybusiness #willcountyillinois

Caroline Portlock, Director of the Workforce Investment board of Will County and is responsible for planning and implement programs and strategies to ensure a workforce system that is flexible, seamless, and responsive to the needs of both jobseekers and employers. She is a member of the Workforce Partners of Metro Chicago, the National Association of Workforce Boards, National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, the Illinois Tollway Advisory Committee, and appointed to the Illinois Advisory Council on Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder Impacts on Employment Opportunities within Minority Communities. Find out more about our leaders and members here: https://lnkd.in/eMjp8BE8

Elected in 2023, City of Joliet Mayor, Terry D'Arcy has served as President of the Buick GMC Chicagoland NW Indiana Dealer Assn., Chairman of the Chicago Auto Show, on the Board of Directors of First Community Bank, and a member of the Buick GMC National Dealer Council and the Illinois Toll Highway Authority. Mr. D’Arcy has been recognized for extraordinary commitment to many organizations including: the United Way of Will County; Joliet Park District Foundation; Joliet Junior College; University of St. Francis; Joliet Franciscan Learning Center; Joliet Historical Museum; Senior Services Center; Meals on Wheels, Silver Cross Hospital and Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, among many others. Find our more about our leadership and members here: https://lnkd.in/eMjp8BE8

Clyne Namuo, Ph.D. serves as Joliet Junior College's 10th President. Most recently Dr. Namuo was named a finalist for the American Association of Community Colleges for CEO of the Year. Dr. Namuo is a member of the CED's Infrastructure Coalition in addition to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Find out more about our leadership and members here: https://lnkd.in/eMjp8BE8

The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP) is pleased to announce a leadership transition as we continue advancing economic growth across the region. Kevin Considine, President & CEO of Lake County Partners, has been appointed Chair of the Board of Directors, succeeding Greg Bedalov, who has led in this role since GCEP’s inception. Doug Pryor, President & CEO of the Will County Center for Economic Development, will serve as Vice Chair, taking over from Kevin Considine. GCEP, led by World Business Chicago, brings together Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Lake, and Will Counties with the City of Chicago to enhance the region’s global competitiveness, attract investment, and support business expansion. With Kevin and Doug’s leadership, GCEP will continue to strengthen Chicagoland’s position as a hub for:?? ?? A highly skilled and diverse workforce?? ?? Robust freight and logistics infrastructure?? ?? Thriving legacy and emerging industries?? ?? World-class research and innovation institutions “The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership is a bold, forward-thinking collaboration—one that recognizes our collective strengths far outweigh what we can achieve alone.” — Kevin Considine, Incoming GCEP Chair “By aligning efforts and leveraging shared resources, we can drive strategic investment, foster innovation, and ensure every part of the Chicagoland region has the opportunity to grow.”_?? — Doug Pryor, Incoming GCEP Vice Chair We look forward to this next phase of collaboration and impact—Please join us in welcoming Kevin and Doug to their new roles! Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gqwNAkVa Cook County Government | Choose DuPage | Kane County Government (Illinois) | Kendall County | McHenry County EDC | Will County Center for Economic Development