Learn about where an MCC degree can take you at Transfer Partner Fair

Written on January 21, 2025.

Learn how an MCC degree can help unlock your future at Transfer Fair

Did you know that McHenry County College offers guaranteed admission agreements with more than 20 colleges and universities? You can learn much more at MCC’s upcoming Transfer Fair!

The fair takes place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, in Building B of the college, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.

Twenty-one colleges and universities will have tables at the event. Be sure to come to learn more about education opportunities, and learn more as well about MCC’s new University Center, which partners with four universities offering the ability to earn a four-year degree right here in McHenry County!

To learn more about the Transfer Fair and University Center, click here.

Don’t forget about the Manufacturing Job Fair on Jan. 29

Whether you’re just starting your career, looking for a change, or seeking an advanced position, make sure you mark your calendar for the Manufacturing Job Fair!

The fair takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at McHenry County College, in partnership with the McHenry County Workforce Network and the Manufacturing Pathways Consortium.

Participants will be able to meet and connect with area manufacturers and find out what employers are looking for and how to stand out. The event is free and open to the public – dress to impress, have copies of your resume in hand, and bring a positive attitude!

Learn more by clicking here.

EDGE Group welcomes Intersect Illinois speakers

The EDGE Group, a coalition of county economic development experts, hosted representatives from Intersect Illinois at its meeting Jan. 9 at McHenry County College’s new Catalyst Campus.

Intersect Illinois Director of Business Development Cathriona Fey, and Senior Vice President of Research Robin Ficke, gave a presentation to show the ways that EDGE and other groups can come together to help attract businesses to locate in McHenry County. Intersect Illinois, which specializes in helping companies decide to come to Illinois, provides businesses with detailed profiles of viable sites for relocation – and local economic development organizations and municipalities are a key in the site selection process.

Thank you to Intersect Illinois for coming out to show us ways we can all pool resources, and thank you to the McHenry County Economic Development Corp. for bringing all of our best economic development minds together to enhance our local economy.

D-155 students, business leaders celebrate internship program

On Friday, more than 200 students and teachers from High School District 155 joined business and industry leaders to share student experiences and success stories at the annual Industry Partner Breakfast at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn.

The third annual breakfast celebrates the Career Experiences Program, which provides “micro-internships” to students at all five D-155 schools. The school district partners with local businesses and manufacturers to provide internships in a wide range of careers. The program was created through a $1.5 million grant from the Advance McHenry County program, which invests American Rescue Plan Act funds directly into programs benefitting our communities.

Nearly 200 students participated this year, and D-155 hopes to ramp that number up to 300 by next summer. Thank you to D-155, their partners in business, and Advance McHenry County for helping young adults forge their future career paths.

We’re not done yet talking about how Advance McHenry County helps our economy – be sure to read the next article.

Advance McHenry County funds business transition program

A new program funded through a $225,000 Advance McHenry County grant will help sustain local business ownership by helping owners craft succession plans.

The Strong Transitions Program assists existing business owners with transition planning, and helps aspiring entrepreneurs acquire businesses seeking a transition here in McHenry County.

Under the program, business owners who intend to sell their company receive one-on-one exit strategy counseling from experienced advisors, while an interactive workshop series prepares learners to buy and operate an established company.

You can get more information about the Strong Transitions Program by clicking here. Also, McHenry County Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Mark Piekos joined representatives from the Illinois Small Business Development Center and McHenry County College to give a presentation on the program to the McHenry County Board – you can watch it by clicking here.

Iconic winter events coming up in McHenry County

Yes, winter can be a pain – especially today, when schools are closed on account of the extreme cold. But every cloud has a silver lining – and in McHenry County, January cold heralds the approach of two of its most beloved festivals!

This weekend, the 120th annual Norge Annual Winter Ski Jump Tournament comes to Fox River Grove! Learn more about it here, and buy admission buttons here. Don’t worry about the lack of snow – if the temperatures stay cold, Norge can make its own.

And starting Jan. 30, Woodstock Groundhog Days returns to celebrate the filming of the cult classic movie in town! Learn more about the four days of festivities by clicking here, and with this ongoing deep freeze, let’s hope Woodstock Willie doesn’t see his shadow.

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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.