The Power of Partnerships: Economic Development Week in McHenry County
Economic development is the engine behind the jobs that allow families to put down roots in McHenry County. It’s the reason manufacturers continue to invest here, entrepreneurs launch businesses here, and communities across the county continue to grow and thrive. 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 businesses already here, preparing a skilled workforce, investing in infrastructure, and creating opportunities for residents and employers to succeed. McHenry County is home to more than 10,000 businesses supported by a workforce of over 170,000 employees whose innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry leadership drive job creation, expansion, and long-term economic growth across the region. Supporting that growth takes a community-wide effort.
Community Collaboration, Countywide Impact
Our 28 municipalities invest in infrastructure and create environments where development can happen in their cities and villages. Our 9 dedicated Chambers of Commerce connect and advocate for local businesses, helping them grow and succeed in their neighborhoods and beyond.
Hosted by MCEDC, the Economic Development Growth Experts (EDGE) Group brings together chamber leaders, municipal economic development professionals, and workforce partners for quarterly meetings to align strategies and advance countywide priorities. In 2025, EDGE served as a collaborative forum to address key topics, including site readiness, infrastructure, and business attraction, strengthening coordinated efforts to support economic growth across McHenry County.
In McHenry County, this work is powered by collaboration. Together, these efforts create a measurable impact across the region.
Student Success & Strengthening our Workforce
McHenry County College (MCC) supports our workforce by preparing students for high-demand careers aligned with local industry needs. In FY 2023–2024, MCC generated $227.2 million in added income for the Community College District 528 (MCC Service Area) economy and supported 3,202 jobs, meaning one out of every 47 jobs in the MCC Service Area is supported by the activities of MCC and its students. With more than 23,000 students and programs in healthcare, manufacturing, automation, skilled trades, and technology, MCC builds a strong talent pipeline through initiatives like Career Spark, the Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation, and the University Center, ensuring students gain in-demand skills and connect directly to local employers.
The McHenry County Workforce Network strengthens McHenry County’s economy by connecting residents to careers and businesses to skilled talent. Over the past year, the organization supported more than 4,000 individuals, connected 63 employers with 835 job seekers, and reimbursed over $418,000 to local employers for workforce training and internships, helping build a stronger, more competitive workforce pipeline across the county.
photo credits: McHenry County College
Building the Manufacturing Talent Pipeline
Manufacturing, a cornerstone of the county’s economy, contributed more than $1.5 billion in GRP in 2025, representing approximately 10% of McHenry County’s total $14.98 billion GRP. The Manufacturing Pathways Consortium, convened by McHenry County College, aligns more than 100 manufacturers, 15 educational institutions, and 44 community partners to strengthen the local talent pipeline and connect students to manufacturing careers. MPC supports manufacturers in growing, hiring, and developing their workforce through initiatives like the Common Hiring Application, paid internships for high school students, and career awareness efforts, while also helping individuals find meaningful, stable careers.
photo credits: Manufacturing Pathways Consortium
Quality of Life for Residents and Visitors
Alongside National Travel and Tourism Week, tourism generated more than $353 million in visitor spending in 2024, supported 2,195 jobs, and contributed over $37.5 million in state and local tax revenue, all supported by the work of Naturally McHenry County (NMC) and its promotion of local businesses, events, and destinations. Through strategic marketing of local events, outdoor recreation, dining, and community attractions, NMC attracts visitors and residents alike, driving economic impact while showcasing McHenry County as a great place to live, work, and play.
The McHenry County Conservation District (MCCD) manages 25,800 acres of open space across 35 sites, including trails, waterways, and campgrounds that attract visitors, support local businesses, and enhance property values. Beyond recreation, its work protects natural resources, reduces flood risk, and helps avoid costly infrastructure impacts, strengthening tourism, quality of life, environmental sustainability, and long-term community investment.
Agriculture is an essential pillar of McHenry County. In 2024, agriculture in the region included 1,542 farmers, supported more than 7,400 jobs, and generated over $658 million in total economic value. The McHenry County Farm Bureau supports and advocates for our vital agricultural industry through legislative advocacy, support of local food systems, and agricultural education programs like Ag in the Classroom and Ag Expo. The Farm Bureau helps strengthen the future of local agriculture and its impact on the county’s economy and communities.
photo credits: McHenry County Conservation District (butterfly), Naturally McHenry County
Reliable Public Health & Transportation Infrastructure
Vital transportation and infrastructure are essential to keeping McHenry County connected, supporting the movement of people, goods, and services that drive economic growth. The McHenry County Division of Transportation (MCDOT) maintains 500 lane miles of roadway and 50 bridges that support safe travel, freight movement, and daily business operations, while more than 250 million miles were traveled on county roads in March 2026 alone. Through transit services like Pace, MCRide (about 100,000 rides annually), and regional Metra connections, MCDOT expands workforce access and mobility, strengthening business activity and supporting long-term economic vitality.
A healthy, resilient community is essential to sustaining a strong workforce, stable businesses, and long-term economic growth. The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDOH) protects and promotes community health through prevention, inspection, and rapid response services that help keep residents safe and the workforce strong. In 2025, the Department conducted more than 4,500 food inspections, 749 water tests, provided over 1,400 vaccinations, and supported nearly 19,000 vision and hearing screenings, helping reduce disruptions to schools and businesses while promoting a healthier, more productive community. Through environmental health, clinical services, and outreach programs, MCDOH strengthens the public health systems that underpin long-term economic stability and quality of life across the county.
photo credits: MCDOT (Randall Rd.), MCDOH (Operation Drop Box)
Small Business Support and Entrepreneurship
Coinciding with EDW is National Small Business Week, celebrating the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners and their contributions to the economy. For entrepreneurs eager to run their small business, McHenry County’s two small business incubator programs — the McHenry Riverwalk Shoppes and Huntley Shops on Main —provide entrepreneurs with hands-on experience operating a brick-and-mortar storefront while testing their products in real market conditions.
Shops on Main returns for its second season, with ten businesses ready to reopen their doors to customers from May to December, with store hours of Friday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm.
photo credits: Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce
The Riverwalk Shoppes return for their fourth season from May to December, open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am – 6 pm and Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm. Since launch, 11 alumni businesses have transitioned into brick-and-mortar locations, with 9 remaining in McHenry. Across the first three seasons, participating businesses have generated more than $1.7M in sales, while Downtown McHenry retail growth has expanded from 14 stores in 2021 to 40 stores.
photo credits: K-Adams Foto, McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce
For small businesses looking for support, the Small Business Development Center at McHenry County College supports the growth and success of small businesses across McHenry County through no-cost, confidential advising, practical training, and access to critical business resources, helping entrepreneurs at every stage of the business lifecycle, from startup to expansion and transition. In 2025 alone, the SBDC supported 271 clients, helped launch 15 new businesses, created 44 jobs, retained 142 jobs, and secured $1.8 million in financing, strengthening the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and economic vitality. In partnership with the MCEDC and with support from an Advance McHenry County grant, the SBDC also delivers the Strong Transitions program, which educates existing and emerging entrepreneurs on how to buy, build, and grow an existing business while helping business owners plan for succession and successful transitions.
When these partnerships align, the impact is exponential, creating a stronger, more connected McHenry County economy. From workforce development that meets employer needs, to infrastructure that enables growth, to education and entrepreneurship that fuel innovation, and public health and quality-of-life services that support vibrant communities, each partner plays a vital role in shaping regional success. Together, these coordinated efforts strengthen businesses, support residents, and ensure McHenry County remains a competitive and thriving place to live, work, and invest.
Partnerships Power Prosperity
At its core, economic development is about relationships. The MCEDC serves as a connector, bringing together public and private sector partners to identify opportunities, align resources, and move projects forward. Through partnerships with municipalities, educational institutions, chambers of commerce, workforce organizations, nonprofits, and industry leaders, McHenry County continues building a stronger, more resilient regional economy.
That collaboration extends beyond county borders. McHenry County, as part of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), joined regional leaders on a nine-day trade mission to Germany—Illinois’ second-largest foreign direct investment partner—to strengthen international business relationships and position Chicagoland as a premier destination for global investment and expansion.
Photo credits: GCEP
Collaboration also drives local development efforts. Through partnerships between the Region 1 Planning Council, the City of McHenry, the City of Marengo and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity‘s Regional Site Readiness program, the MCEDC and McHenry County secured nearly $5 million in site readiness and infrastructure grants, including a $4.6 million investment to extend water and sewer infrastructure near the I-90/IL-23 interchange. These investments help prepare strategic sites for future business growth and long-term economic opportunity.
Celebrating Impact, Inspiring the Future
Economic Development Week is an opportunity to recognize the organizations, businesses, and community partners shaping McHenry County’s future. It’s also a reminder that economic development is not the work of one organization alone, it’s a shared effort built through collaboration, investment, and long-term vision. From workforce development and education to transportation, healthcare, conservation, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, every partnership plays a role in strengthening McHenry County’s economy and enhancing quality of life. And in McHenry County, the power of partnerships is building a stronger, more prosperous future for all. To join the MCEDC and learn more about how we partner with organizations to attract, retain, and expand businesses in McHenry County, visit our website: www.McHenryCountyEDC.com.