Catch up on what’s happening in McHenry County in this week’s email!

Through our collaboration with McHenry County, we will continue to share important information on services, programs to help our citizens, and events in our county through Resume McHenry County updates.

Please take a moment to scroll down to see new advancements this week as we move forward in McHenry County. If MCEDC can be of any help, please call. Forward this email to your friends and family to help get the word out!

Happy Birthday, Naturally McHenry County!

It was one year ago that Visit McHenry County rebranded to become Naturally McHenry County – sporting a new name, and a completely new look to unify McHenry County’s brand.

And what a year it’s been for them! It’s been one success after another, and the proof is in the statistics – tourism to McHenry County is up 30% from 2019 – yes, up from pre-COVID numbers!

The rebranding is part of a partnership with McHenry County Government and the McHenry County Economic Development Corp. to craft an awesome identity to better promote McHenry County as the best place to visit, live, work, and start a business. And it’s safe to say that Naturally McHenry County spent this first year hitting it out of the ballpark!

We can’t wait to see what 2023 brings! Congratulations to Naturally McHenry County, happy birthday, and great job!

Besides visiting their website, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, and download their smart phone app (Google and Apple), so that you don’t miss a thing that McHenry County has to offer!

Manufacturing consortium creates common hiring application

Looking for a manufacturing job in McHenry County has gotten easier, thanks to a new common hiring application created by the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium.

The consortium created the application for those who are interested in a manufacturing career, but unsure on which position or which company would be the best fit. As the consortium describes it, think of it as a job fair in which local manufacturers come to you!

Click here to find the online application, and click here to find the consortium’s hiring webpage, which contains links to member companies’ specific job boards and open career opportunities.

Virtual input session for 2050 Comprehensive Plan set for tomorrow

Did you miss McHenry County’s visioning sessions last month for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan? If you want to put in your two cents, you can do so tomorrow from your home, or wherever you wish.

The county’s Planning and Development Department has scheduled another virtual community visioning session to gather your ideas for 6 p.m. Wednesday. You can click here to attend at the starting time.

The 2050 Comprehensive Plan will serve as a blueprint for McHenry County’s future by setting policies that will direct growth and development for the next 30 years. You can learn more about the plan by visiting www.hla.fyi/McHenryCounty.

Visitors to the website can take a survey about important issues and opportunities that the plan will address. The page also includes an interactive map tool that allows users to create their own map to highlight issues in McHenry County that they feel would impact the plan.

Keltner memorial blood drive brings out donors

The fourth annual Jake Keltner Memorial Blue Blood Drive was, again, a great success.

With the help of donors who generously gave of their time – and a pint of blood – the Red Cross collected 231 units, which will go on to save lives. This is an increase over the 194 units collected last year, and we’re sure that next year will be even better.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to honor the fallen McHenry County Sheriff’s deputy by helping others. If you missed it, you can donate blood any time of the year, and the need is always great – visit redcrossblood.org to find sites and times near you and schedule a donation.

Recycle your live Christmas tree and dead holiday lights

Opportunities abound through the end of the month for McHenry County residents to recycle their live Christmas trees and nonfunctioning holiday lights.

A number of local governments accept nonfunctioning holiday lights, which are not accepted in curbside recycling bins. And if your local municipality doesn’t have a contract with your waste hauler to pick up live Christmas trees, several local governments will accept them as drop-offs.

Click here for a list of local live tree and light recycling locations.

MCC hosting McHenry County Wedding Show next Sunday

Are you looking for the best vendors in the area as you plan your wedding? If so, don’t miss out on the McHenry County Wedding Show!

The free event takes place from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.

More than 40 local professionals offering all sorts of wedding services will be there – and besides having delicious foods and desserts to sample, there’s a $500 cash giveaway up for grabs for attendees.

Click here to learn more, and click on the video above for a look at last year’s event.