Powering Business, Energizing McHenry County: A Celebration of Collaboration & Growth
The 15th McHenry County Economic Development Corporation Annual Dinner, held on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025, brought together 400+ business leaders, innovators, community partners, and civic champions for an evening dedicated to celebrating regional growth, partnership, and progress. This year’s theme, “Powering Business, Energizing McHenry County”, captured the spirit of the night, highlighting the collaborative strength that continues to make McHenry County a remarkable place to live, work, and play.
The MCEDC dedicates the 2025 Annual Dinner in memory of Jean Schober, former Vice President of the organization, who passed away earlier this year. For three decades, Jean led MCEDC and its Annual Dinner with her expert knowledge, unwavering commitment to the community and nonprofit sector, and her legacy of economic development. This evening was made possible because of her leadership, vision, and dedication to strengthening the McHenry County business community.
From start to finish, the energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to building a thriving, resilient business ecosystem. Attendees gathered not only to celebrate accomplishments, but to reaffirm their support for one another and the collective mission of driving economic vitality throughout the County.
The Power of Collaboration in McHenry County
MCEDC Marketing and Outreach Coordinator, Kristen Gesicki, kicked off the night with opening remarks, highlighting that the evening serves as a powerful reminder of what happens when businesses, educators, government, and community organizations work together.
Collaboration has always been a hallmark of McHenry County’s success, and this year’s dinner showed how those partnerships continue to shape opportunities, strengthen local industries, and support the region’s long-term economic vitality.
A highlight of the evening was the keynote address from Wendell Dallas, CEO & President of Nicor Gas, an MCEDC Investor and Presenting Sponsor.
With 80 employees in the Nicor Crystal Lake office and providing natural gas to 2.3 million residential, public sector, and business customers in more than 650 communities throughout northern Illinois, Dallas delivered a compelling message about the essential role that energy infrastructure, innovation, and workforce readiness play in powering regional growth.
Dallas emphasized that economic vitality is not built in isolation; it requires strong partnerships, a shared vision, and a community committed to continuous improvement. His insights resonated throughout the ballroom, reinforcing the theme that collaboration is the key to energizing McHenry County’s future.
Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Business Recognition Awards
Each year, MCEDC honors businesses and leaders who are making a meaningful impact on the county through their innovation, investment, and dedication to community success. Whether through workforce development, business expansion, or community investment, the people in the room represented the forward momentum that keeps McHenry County growing and thriving year after year.
The 2025 award recipients exemplify what it means to contribute to a strong and vibrant economy.
Welcome to McHenry County Award: Action Packaging
Action Packaging’s relocation to Woodstock in July of this year brought 40 new local jobs and revitalized an existing facility, strengthening the city’s position as a forward-thinking hub for modern manufacturing. The MCEDC and City of Woodstock helped make this significant move possible, working closely with the Action Packaging team to ensure this move was strategic with site selection and beneficial for the local economic development goals of the city.
“We are so honored to receive this award and be able to plant roots here in McHenry County,” said Haley Cwynar, CEO and Owner. “Action Packaging is a women-owned business that was started 45 years ago and shares many of the same values we see here: hard work, integrity, and building a culture that feels like family. We are especially grateful for the help and guidance of Jessica Erickson, Mark Piekos, and Mayor Turner. The whole community has been so welcoming, and we look forward to being a part of it!”
Community Partner Award: McHenry County College
McHenry County College continues to lead the region through impactful programs, student services, and workforce development initiatives. With major investments like the Liebman Institute for Science Innovation (LISI), the creation of the Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation (CATI) in 2024, and the upcoming Engagement Hall, MCC is building industry-specific programs and student-focused initiatives, ensuring strong talent pipelines for leading and emerging industries, keeping jobs local and supporting the county’s future workforce for future generations.
“Receiving an honor for collaborating with your community feels a bit like a fish receiving an award for swimming,” MCC President Clinton Gabbard said. “It is absolutely, positively our privilege and our responsibility to seek out opportunities to collaborate with each of you and the organizations you represent.”
Business Cornerstone Award: Phoenix Woodworking
Phoenix Woodworking Corporation, a woman-owned, WBENC certified leader in architectural millwork, has proudly served McHenry County from Woodstock since 1996. Their expertise spans commercial offices, educational facilities, healthcare, hospitality, and municipal projects, bringing craftsmanship and innovation to every space. Phoenix Woodworking’s long-term commitment and community involvement, including long-time MCEDC Investor, exemplifies the power of dedication and collaboration in making McHenry County thrive.
“I am honored to be recognized and to receive an award from my peers after 53 years in manufacturing in McHenry County,” said Sandra Pierce, former President of Phoenix Woodworking. “Being selected for the Business Cornerstone award by the MCEDC is deeply meaningful to me. This recognition reflects our commitment to our employees, our customers and our community engagement. We are proud to contribute to the vitality of McHenry County and to be part of the strong business foundation MCEDC works to sustain.”
Through a recent acquisition this year by Marcy Golonka, Owner of Phoenix Woodworking, the company continues its legacy as a woman-owned company, expanding its business footprint while keeping its roots firmly in our community.
“I am overflowing with gratitude towards Sandra for having the faith in me to acquire and grow Phoenix into the future! This is a wonderful McHenry County operation, and I am so proud to be at the helm with such a terrifically capable team,” Golonka said. “The support that has been provided by the MCEDC is beyond measure as this crew has supported me, answered my questions, provided resources for me and just been a wonderful cheering squad as I progressed on this path. The resources and guidance are invaluable and so appreciated!”
Outstanding Contribution Award: Peter Austin
MCEDC proudly honored Peter Austin for his remarkable 20 years of leadership and service on the MCEDC Board of Directors. Austin will retire from his position as County Administrator at the end of this year. His dedication and influence on the board have played a key role in shaping the MCEDC and its economic development efforts across McHenry County.
Momentum for the Future
The Annual Dinner not only celebrated achievements: it amplified the collective vision for the future. The passion, innovation, and unity displayed throughout the evening showcased why McHenry County remains a powerful engine of economic opportunity. The support demonstrated at the dinner and throughout the year fuels the work that keeps the region competitive and prosperous.
MCEDC Executive Director Mark Piekos shared updates on current initiatives and strategic programming developments, including the Strong Transitions programs, building sustainable entrepreneurship in McHenry County. Powered by an Advance McHenry County grant, this two-pronged program supports current business owners in preparing for their retirement and succession plans through confidential advising, while the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition class teaches emerging and existing entrepreneurs about buying, building, and growing existing businesses.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We extend our sincere appreciation to the sponsors who made this evening possible and who support economic development year-round:
Presenting Sponsors: Nicor Gas, Mercyhealth, Home State Bank
Premier Sponsors: Crystal Lake Bank & Trust, LeadingIT, JA Group
Your partnership strengthens MCEDC’s ability to elevate the business community and advance strategic initiatives that support countywide growth.
MCEDC’s Commitment to Economic Vitality
As McHenry County’s dedicated public-private partnership for economic development, MCEDC remains dedicated to the pillars of business attraction, retention, and expansion. Our work is driven by the needs of the business community and supported by regional leaders who recognize the importance of collaboration, innovation, and shared success. Together, we continue to power business and energize McHenry County, today and for years to come. We look forward to hosting the 2026 MCEDC Annual Dinner to continue the momentum and celebrations of economic success in McHenry County.
Learn more about the MCEDC and our mission to attract, retain, and expand businesses in McHenry County by visiting our website, www.mchenrycountyedc.com.