Business leaders and innovators honored at MCEDC Annual Dinner

MCEDC Annual Dinner recognizes best of business in 2024

US Medical Glove Co. received the Welcome to McHenry County Award for moving into the long-vacant Harvard Motorola plant last year and creating 200 full-time jobs. The McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce received the Community Partner Award for creating the McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes business incubator program, and Crystal Lake-based financial consultant Exemplar Financial Network received the Business Cornerstone Award for its contributions to the McHenry County economy and its support of local not-for-profit agencies.

Four hundred attendees came to the Nov. 13 dinner at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn to network, honor the award winners, and hear an inspiring speech from the keynote speaker, former Chicago Bear and hall of famer Dan Hampton.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners, and to the MCEDC for once again hosting a spectacular event.

Tickets on sale for the Huntley Turkey Testicle Festival

The annual Parkside Pub Turkey Testicle Festival has become a phenomenon known statewide – and it’s back in all its deep-fried testicular glory!

The 42nd annual extravaganza returns, as always, from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. the day before Thanksgiving at the pub at 11721 E. Main St., Huntley.

Culinarily adventurous fans from all over Illinois descend on the Parkside each year to enjoy great drinks, listen to an awesome lineup of live bands, and of course, dine on the festival’s signature dish.

Click here for more information, merch (you’d look great in a Turkey Testicle Festival hoodie), and for tickets. VIP tickets are still available, but they go quick, so move fast!

Look no further than Naturally McHenry County for holiday fun ideas

McHenry County’s calendar from Thanksgiving and Christmas is packed full of holiday events hosted by our local businesses, community groups, towns, theaters, and more.

Many of you undoubtedly have your favorite local holiday events and destinations – but there are so many more, right outside your door, just waiting for you to discover them.

For a great list of local holiday-themed events, check out the special events calendar put together by our friends at Naturally McHenry County by clicking here.

Workforce Network releases Fall 2024 Labor Report

If you’re a local employer, and you don’t read the annual McHenry County Workforce Network Fall Labor Report, you’re missing out on a lot.

The 44-page annual report, produced by the Workforce Network and the Workforce Network Board, is a treasure trove of information designed to provide businesses with current data to assist with their decision making and future planning.

It’s an invaluable tool to see workforce trends in McHenry County, and the report provides valuable information on topics such as local industrial makeup and change, jobs and earnings, unemployment characteristics, achievements of the Workforce Network, and more.

You can read the report by clicking here.

Illinois launches Make It In Illinois campaign to boost manufacturing

Officially launched in October during National Manufacturing Month, the Make it in Illinois campaign is running advertisements in neighboring states to attract manufacturers. The campaign, which uses the hashtag #MakeItInIllinois, also seeks to increase job applications at existing manufacturers, and to increase enrollment in training and apprenticeship programs.

You can learn more about the campaign by visiting its website at www.makeitinillinois.com.

Two beloved McHenry County traditions inaugurate the holiday season

Both the Lighting of the Woodstock Square and the Crystal Lake Festival of Lights Parade take place at 7 p.m. the day after Thanksgiving.

With the flip of a switch, Woodstock illuminates the historic downtown Square and its surrounding businesses and Opera House with more than 80,000 lights. At the same time, the annual parade, featuring Santa Claus himself to light the community Christmas tree with magic, kicks off through downtown Crystal Lake. But festivities begin at 4 and go through to the evening – click here to learn more.

Also at 7 p.m., the annual holiday parade kicks off in Crystal Lake, winding through a downtown that’s awash in bright lights and colors. And as always, Santa Claus himself will throw his magic dust to light the community Christmas tree. Click here to learn more.

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What is McH Thrive?

McH Thrive is a collaborative initiative being implemented by McHenry County and the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) in partnership with the McHenry County community, including cities and villages, businesses and residents.