Francis J. Smith Receives IMPACT Award

The IMPACT Award honors the accomplishments of an individual, business or organization that has propelled sustainable growth and progress within the community. Through decades of innovation, investment and service, Francis Smith (Smitty) has significantly shaped the economic landscape of the region in driving progress, attracting business, involvement in various organizations and overall dedication to Kankakee County.

Gotion will make an expected $2.09 billion investment will bring 2,600 jobs to Kankakee County. This is the largest electric vehicle battery production investment in Illinois to date, and the first operation in North America for Gotion.

The need for additional and affordable housing in Kankakee County is critical to the population, growth, and economic development of the community. Results from a residential housing analysis administered by Tracy Cross & Associates, Inc. found the opportunity for new residential development over the next several years in Kankakee County is viewed as STRONG.

Live, work, play and build in Kankakee County. That was the overwhelming theme at the Mayor’s Breakfast hosted by the Kankakee Iroquois Ford Association of Realtors.

Global food and agribusiness PE leader Paine Schwartz Partners invests in our plant-based specialty dough manufacturer Urban Farmer Foods through new “Food Chain Fund V” platform.

A vacant 576,000-square-foot warehouse in Manteno has found a new occupant and the company is seeking 600 workers. It appears the location, 1125 Sycamore Road, will house the packaging and distribution of supplies connected to COVID-19 pandemic. McKesson Corp., an Irving, Texas-based company, has signed a lease with property owner Cardinal Real Estate of Sherman Oaks, Calif. McKesson is advertising for 600 warehouse workers — specifically material handlers and machine operators — with pay at $17.45 per hour, including benefits. To support the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed (OWS), the company, through its centralized distribution network, will be involved with the movement of COVID-19 vaccines and ancillary supplies needed to administer vaccines.

Governor JB Pritzker today released industry-specific guidelines that allow for the safe re-opening of businesses as the state progresses into the next phase of the Restore Illinois plan. All four regions of the state are on track to advance to Phase 3 of the plan in the coming days, allowing thousands of residents to return to work, and the reopening of businesses in the following industries: retail, offices, manufacturing, barbershops and salons, summer programs, various outdoor recreation activities and bars and restaurants for outdoor dining.

The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce, Manteno Chamber of Commerce and the Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau are joining chambers and small businesses across the state of Illinois to launch the ‘IL’ove Local campaign to encourage people to support local businesses during the week of April 11 – 18, 2020, led by the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE).

Kankakee County sees opportunity in the growing economic trend of remote workers. Many Chicago-land employees are seeking a reduced cost of living and a more family-friendly area that can be found in Kankakee County by working remotely.