Success stories that define Kankakee County's growth

Explore how companies and community partners have grown, expanded, and thrived in Kankakee County. These stories highlight the people, projects, and partnerships shaping the region’s economic future.

Success Stories

Local Leaders who redefined potential in Kankakee County.

Kankakee County boasts a diverse manufacturing economic base of industrial, pharmaceutical, food manufacturing, and agricultural customers.

Together, these customers bring a rich history of making products that are used all over the world and are proudly made in the U.S.

– John McCann, Economic and Business Development Manager, ComEd

Kankakee County is the perfect place for CMC Rebar and Paving operations because of the resources available to thrive and grow.

The train rail access, transportation lanes, diversity of supporting services, and relative distance to key markets make Kankakee a great choice for our business. CMC has been part of the area for 18 years, and plans on contributing for years to come.

– James Junis, Area Manager, CMC Rebar

Opportunity is what makes Kankakee County unique.

Besides the natural amenities, Kankakee County offers strengths and resources to make it a business-friendly place. The local support for people investing in our communities has been rapidly growing over the years. The cost of living is not so bad, especially when compared to the northern markets! Community events, infrastructure upgrades and the ability to think forward are helping create a pro-business environment.

– Leo Jaramillo, Economic Development Navigator, City of Kankakee

For more than six decades, Riverside Healthcare’s success in Kankakee County has been built on the foundation of community trust.

That trust propels us to invest in advanced technology, recruit top-tier physicians, expand access to care, and embrace innovation that meaningfully improves the care we deliver to the community. Our commitment ensures progress without losing sight of what matters most: to deliver the highest quality and compassionate care, close to home.

– Phil Kambic, President/CEO, Riverside Healthcare

Kankakee County's current achievements and future success lie in the strength of our relationships.

This is a place where we collaborate – we work together, and we care for each other – to the mutually benefit of everyone. Kankakee is a place that honors and respects the many institutions and organizations which enhance quality of life, and we are always intentional about supporting and strengthening them together.

– Dr. Michael Boyd, President, Kankakee Community College

I enjoy working in this region because of the collaboration we all have with each other.

The business leaders, academic leaders, and community leaders all work for the greater good of the community. It’s very evident with the support we received to pass our referendum in the fall of 2024. BBCHS is a unique learning environment. We have the sense of community of a small school with the opportunities of a large school. Our teachers care deeply about student success, and our parents are great partners. The Board of Education has a strong vision for academic success, and the administration team is committed to continuous improvement.

– Dr. Matt Vosberg, Superintendent, BBCHS

Many States offer incentives for manufacturers, but Kankakee County was able to rise above all other sites.

By offering a nexus of job training at Kankakee Community College, STEM programming in our high schools, access to major research and engineering Universities, and enough available land for Gotion Illinois to be an off-grid Gigafactory that produces a truly circular product.

– Andy Wheeler, Head of Government and Public Relations, Gotion

Kankakee County offers a rare balance of opportunity, affordability, and quality of life.

The county’s rich, fertile soil supports a strong agricultural tradition that continues to serve as a backbone of the local economy. The county is strengthened by its diverse and welcoming communities. People from different backgrounds contribute to its culture, resilience, and sense of belonging. Job opportunities span agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, and housing prices are generally lower than in surrounding metropolitan areas, making homeownership more attainable.

– Mark Hodge, Mayor, Hopkins Park

Case Studies

Business Spotlights from Across Kankakee County

Van Drunen Farms

Located in Momence, in eastern Kankakee County is a 7th generation family business known as the world’s leading manufacturer of freeze-dried and drum-dried products. Over the decades, Van Drunen Farms has continued to grow to 900 employees spread across 9 sites in Kankakee County, as well as additional employees around the globe.

Products made by Van Drunen Farms are ingredients in many popular brands including Post, General Mills, McDonalds, Chic-fil-A, Crumble Cookie, Wendy’s, Starbucks and hundreds more.

The company has plans to continue investment in the region and around the world.

Gotion

$2.1 B Capital Investment

The Gotion project was announced in 2023 to retrofit a former Kmart warehouse that had been standing empty for more than a decade. The project is the largest EV battery production investment in Illinois to date, and the most significant manufacturing investment in Illinois in decades.

The global advanced manufacturing company is tasked with energy solutions and focus on manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems and products that serve as a ‘generator’ for personal and home use.

The employee count is projected at 2,600 by 2028.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s Build Your Future in Kankakee County

Take the first bold step toward transforming potential into tangible economic success in Kankakee County.