News & Events

The Made in Illinois program provides up to $50,000 in matching grant funding to small- and mid-sized Illinois manufacturers to support innovation and strategic advancements in manufacturing.

Kankakee County is moving full steam ahead in welcoming new industry and new opportunity to the region. The area, just 45 miles south of Chicago, showcases an economical cost of living, diverse industry base, significant transportation and infrastructure improvements, and strong education and workforce partners. Check out the 2024 Market Profile for Kankakee County.

Makers Madness is an online contest highlighting amazing manufacturers and their fantastic products made in our state. The contest is a partnership with Comcast Business, an innovation champion and technology provider to manufacturers across Illinois.

The March 2024 edition of Site Selection magazine features Gotion’s investment in Kankakee County.

Theodis Pace, longtime area resident and President of the Kankakee County branch of the NAACP, has been named the President of the statewide chapter.
Pace was recently appointed President of the Illinois State Conference of the NAACP.

The Kankakee County Craft Beverage Trail is a great way for visitors and locals to taste their way through the county and interact with local businesses. This trail is comprised of 13 (and counting!) local businesses all boasting their own craft. Some offer coffee, some offer craft beer or wine, some offer smoothies or wine, but all offer a great atmosphere for people to gather.

The River Edge Redevelopment Zone Program (RERZ) helps revive and redevelop properties adjacent to rivers in Illinois. RERZ provides several incentives authorized by State law, including sales tax exemption and property tax abatement. Other incentives are claimed on your Illinois Income Tax filing forms.

The Kankakee Regional Land Bank Authority (KRLBA) completed their first acquisition and sale of a distressed property in Kankakee. The multi-unit property at 831 S. Washington Ave was acquired by the KRLBA through a deed in lieu of foreclosure. KRLBA abated taxes and released a request for proposal to find a qualified buyer to rehabilitate the property.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering a FREE Pre-Apprenticeship program in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties designed to provide on the job training and essential trade skills.