2025 MCEDC Annual Dinner Recap
|
|
Over 400 business and community leaders joined us for MCEDC’s 15th Annual Dinner, “Powering Business, Energizing McHenry County,” celebrating the partnerships driving regional economic growth. The evening honored the innovators and organizations shaping our community’s future with our Business Recognition Awards and a powerful keynote from Nicor Gas CEO & President, Wendell Dallas.
We are grateful to our attendees, sponsors, and volunteers who helped make the night unforgettable. Together, we celebrated the year-round impact of economic development in McHenry County and look forward to powering the next chapter of growth.
|
|
2025 Business Recognition Awards
|
|
Welcome to McHenry County Award Winner
|
|
|
Community Partner Award Winner
|
|
|
Business Cornerstone Award Winner
|
|
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
|
|
|
ETA Cohort 3 Graduation
Students from our third cohort of the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) program graduated after 8 weeks of instructor-led sessions, gaining the knowledge, tools, and expert guidance to successfully navigate buying, building, and growing businesses through acquisition.
With the support of facilitator Bryan Esarco and a team of industry experts, participants explored real-world strategies to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and prepare for business ownership.
Congratulations to our third cohort of ETA graduates!
|
|
|
|
Step Into Business Ownership: ETA Cohort 4 Applications Open
Applications are now open for Cohort 4 of the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Program!
This 8-week, instructor-led course is designed for business owners and emerging entrepreneurs to learn the ins and outs of acquiring, operating, and growing an existing business—while connecting with peers and gaining hands-on experience.
Cohort 4 runs January 14 – March 4, 2026, meeting every Wednesday from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Applications close January 12th. No business ownership experience needed to participate.
|
|
12th Annual Kellogg-Booth ETA Conference
|
|
Last month, the McHenry County EDC team joined graduates from our Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition program for the 12th Annual Kellogg-Booth ETA Conference at Navy Pier in Chicago.
This event brings together search fund entrepreneurs, investors, MBA students, faculty, and other participants in the ETA ecosystem to meet one another and share insights into this rapidly growing area.
We had graduates from each cohort join us for an entire day dedicated to panels, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities with fellow ETA participants. |
|
|
|
Heather Maieritsch, Economic Development Manager at the City of Crystal Lake
With 20+ years of experience in municipal development and public-private partnerships, Heather Maieritsch brings valuable insights to the MCEDC Board of Directors that strengthen McHenry County’s business community.
|
|
|
|
|
Join the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium for their Q4 Member Connect! Hosted by JA Frate, explore the best practices and strategies for employee retention, from strengthening culture to building long-term engagement.
This is a great opportunity for manufacturers and business owners to learn how others are keeping their teams engaged, motivated, and growing. Open to public participation and free to attend.
December 3rd | 4:00 – 6:00 PM | In person |
|
|
|
Work Experience & Incumbent Worker Training Programs
|
|
Looking for talent to join the team? The McHenry County Workforce Network is offering programs to business owners looking for internships and work training. The Work Experience/Internship program is designed for local businesses to gain access to talent at no cost.
100% of intern wages are covered during their placement, allowing employers to train and evaluate potential future employees with zero financial risk. Internships can be tailored to fit the needs of your organization with no obligation to hire once the internship is completed. |
|
The Incumbent Worker Training Program helps businesses upskill their current employees by providing financial assistance for approved training.
Whether you’re looking to enhance technical skills, leadership abilities, or industry-specific certifications, the team can offset a significant portion of the training costs. This program supports employers in staying competitive, improving productivity, and retaining a skilled workforce while reducing the financial burden of professional development.
|
|
|
If you’re considering retiring, selling, or passing your business to the next generation, our Transition Advising program offers confidential, one-on-one guidance tailored to your goals and values at no cost. You’ll work with experienced advisors to assess readiness, build a transition team, evaluate and strengthen your company’s value, and prepare for a successful exit strategy.
|
|
Flocon, Inc.
FLOCON, Inc. has been a cornerstone of McHenry County’s advanced manufacturing sector since 1989, producing precision-engineered fluid dispensing systems and tooling locally, supporting high-skilled jobs and strengthening the regional industrial base. Their active partnerships with educational institutions through programs like Area Business Connect help bridge workforce development between schools and local manufacturing, ensuring a pipeline of skilled talent for the county’s future economy. |
|
|
Old Second National Bank
Old Second National Bank supports McHenry County’s economic development by offering a range of commercial banking and customized lending solutions that help local businesses grow and expand. With over 50 branches in the Chicagoland area, they foster community growth by keeping loans, deposits, and banking services close to home. |
|
|
Scholl Construction
Scholl Construction contributes to McHenry County’s economic development by delivering high-quality commercial and residential projects that strengthen local infrastructure and support community needs. Their work reflects a commitment to building spaces that foster growth and opportunity across the region. |
|
|
Investing in MCEDC means powering the progress of McHenry County
Your support fuels strategic services, expert insights, and vital regional partnerships that drive economic growth, attract new opportunities, and build a stronger future for our community.
|
|
|
|
