Businesses interested in reducing import costs, improving cash flow, and gaining a competitive advantage in global trade are invited to attend the JA Logistics Foreign Trade Zone Open House on Thursday, September 24, at the company’s McHenry facility. As a newly activated Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operator within Foreign Trade Zone #176, JA Logistics is opening its doors to manufacturers, distributors, importers, logistics providers, and business leaders who want to learn how FTZ participation can support their operations. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the facility, conne…

Stay up to date with the latest from MCEDC in the September edition of The Development Digest—featuring announcements for two important open house events, details on the benefits of Foreign Trade Zones for McHenry County businesses, community news, business resources, and investor spotlights driving growth across McHenry County. Discover new opportunities, programs, and partnerships supporting local businesses and economic development initiatives. Read the full September Development Digest newsletter to explore what’s happening across McHenry County.

McHenry County companies that import goods have access to a federal program built to lower duty costs and free up working capital. Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) 176 covers McHenry County, and businesses here can use it whether they operate their own warehouse or rely on a third-party logistics provider What is a Foreign Trade Zone? A Foreign Trade Zone is a designated location within the United States that operates under special U.S. Customs procedures. For duty purposes, merchandise sitting in a zone is treated as though it has not yet entered U.S. commerce. Companies can bring imported goo…

Commercial property owners in McHenry County should be aware of an important change to the property assessment process. Beginning this year, McHenry County is no longer mailing property assessment notices for properties that are adjusted only by the annual equalization factor. Instead, assessment notices are now available online through the McHenry County Property Tax Inquiry Portal. Property owners can view their assessment information by visiting: https://mchenryil.devnetwedge.com On a computer or tablet, select your property and click the “Property Assessments Notice” link. On…

Stay up to date with the latest from MCEDC in the August edition of The Development Digest—featuring MCEDC news, business resources, and investor spotlights driving growth across McHenry County. Discover new opportunities, programs, and partnerships supporting local businesses and economic development initiatives. Read the full August Development Digest newsletter to explore what’s happening across McHenry County.

At IMEC’s Defense Industry Day, industry leaders gathered for a timely breakout session, “The Succession Cliff is Coming: How Companies Can Prepare,” to discuss a growing challenge facing America’s manufacturing and defense supply chains: the retirement of business owners and the lack of succession plans for many small and mid-sized manufacturers. Moderated by Hannah Loftus of World Business Chicago, the panel featured Mark Piekos of the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation, Christa Madison of Xartis, and Alexander Nadtochiy of General Assembly and the IMEC Board of Directors. T…

Stay up to date with the latest from MCEDC in the May edition of The Development Digest—featuring Economic Development Week in McHenry County, MCEDC news, business resources, leadership insights, and investor spotlights driving growth across McHenry County. Discover new opportunities, programs, and partnerships supporting local businesses and economic development initiatives.  Read the full May Development Digest newsletter to explore what’s happening across McHenry County.

For nearly 15 years, Shane Nerby has helped drive the growth and operations of JA Group, a family-owned transportation, logistics, and warehouse company rooted in McHenry County and dedicated to delivering reliable service solutions across the Midwest and nationwide. As Vice President of Operations, Shane oversees two of the company’s four divisions, JA Frate and JA Logistics, helping lead operations that support businesses throughout northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin, and beyond. Shane’s journey with The JA Group began in 2011 as a messenger. Through hard work, determination, and a desir…

From infrastructure and workforce development to tourism, healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship, economic development impacts every aspect of daily life. During Economic Development Week, hosted by the International Economic Development Council, communities across the country celebrate the partnerships, projects, and people driving long-term growth and opportunity. In McHenry County, that impact is visible across every sector of the economy.  Building a Stronger McHenry County Together   Economic development is more than attracting new businesses. It’s about strengthening the business…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   April 29, 2026  MEDIA CONTACT   Kristen Gesicki  Marketing and Outreach Coordinator  McHenry County Economic Development Corporation   815-893-0895 | kgesicki@mcedc.com     Alicia Schueller   Deputy County Administrator   McHenry County   Aaschueller@mchenrycountyil.gov     The McHenry County Economic Development Corporation and McHenry County Board participated in a nine-day trade mission to Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, Baden-Baden, and Hannover as part of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership.  CRYSTAL LAKE, I…