The Alliance works collaboratively to improve the local business climate and advance development in key areas including business retention, expansion and attraction, workforce and community development, residential growth, and educational outcomes.
The Economic Alliance of Kankakee County is a 501c6 public and private partnership dedicated to driving new investment and supporting sustainable growth throughout the Greater Chicago region. Our mission centers on collaboration across business, workforce, and community development to create long term opportunity for the region.
Kankakee County offers a low cost of doing business, strong utility and transportation infrastructure, and access to a skilled labor force of 2.8 million within a 45 minute radius. Companies of all sizes benefit from responsive educational partners, tailored workforce training, and a competitive environment that supports both expansion and innovation.
The region’s key industries include life sciences, food processing, healthcare, business services, metals and machining, renewable energy, hospitality, and transportation and logistics. Developers and companies can access a wide range of financial incentives, along with comprehensive business intelligence tools that provide real time data on properties, markets, and regional trends.
The Economic Alliance Board of Directors meets regularly on the second Thursday of scheduled months at 7:30 a.m., with locations announced in advance. Meetings are open to the public.
Dedicated professionals driving economic growth and business success.
President/CEO
Angela Morrey is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in media communications, business management, operations, and leadership. A native of Kankakee County, she brings a strong connection to the local community along with a broad range of professional experience.
Angela began her career with the Economic Alliance in 2020 as the Director of Marketing and Business Attraction before transitioning to the Vice President of Business Attraction. Angela has served as President and CEO for the since September 2025.
Angela began her career in broadcast journalism, working with NBC and WB affiliates in Wisconsin. Her reporting covered a wide spectrum—from community features like farmers markets to in-depth stories on unsolved crimes. Angela transitioned into hospitality management, serving as General Manager of a hotel and convention center. During her time there, she successfully led a large-scale renovation project and day-to-day operations.
Over the years Angela expanded her career experience beginning an in-home childcare business, as an online journalist and columnist, and a quality control specialist.
Now based in Bourbonnais with her three children, Angela is actively engaged in her community, volunteering at her children’s schools, her church, and with several local organizations. Angela holds a Bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University.
Director, Marketing & Business Attraction
Hannah has called Kankakee County home for over 30 years, developing strong ties to the community. A graduate of Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School and then North Park University in Chicago, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications before returning home to work at the Kankakee County Museum, where she promoted the institution through public outreach and contributed to exhibit development.
Later Hannah joined the Kankakee Public Library, managing social, print, and digital media, curating the non-fiction collection, and leading public programming. She also served for many years as the graphic designer and media lead for Merchant Street MusicFest in Downtown Kankakee.
Hannah currently resides in Kankakee and remains active in the community, serving on the board of Acting Out Theatre Company and volunteering at her children’s school. She brings to the Economic Alliance a deep understanding of the region’s heritage, a strong connection to its people, and a sincere commitment to investing in the communities we call home.
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
The Economic Alliance Board of Directors meets regularly throughout the year, with sessions open to the public and media. Meetings take place on the second Thursday of scheduled months at 7:30 a.m., hosted at various locations across Kankakee County.
2026 Board of Directors meeting dates are as follows. Locations are yet to be determined.
Take the first bold step toward transforming potential into tangible economic success in Kankakee County.
