Choose DuPage IL

05/27/2026

DuPage Business Beat dives into the issues driving business across Chicagoland, and in this episode, the focus is energy.

Greg Bedalov and Rick Trujillo of Nicor Gas discuss how policy, infrastructure, and growing demand are influencing where companies expand and invest.

Tune in for the full conversation.

Learn more.

05/21/2026

We are now accepting nominations for our annual Smartest Workplaces in DuPage feature! These spaces are more than beautiful offices. They are environments where people feel supported, connected, and inspired to do their best work. 🌟

From offices and industrial spaces to research facilities and more, we’re looking for a variety of “cool” workspaces to feature in 2026.

Learn more and nominate your workplace now: https://bit.ly/3Pue5bW

05/18/2026

Business conditions are moving fast, and clarity matters more than ever.

The 16th Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook brings together local data, national insights, and business expertise to help organizations understand recent changes and prepare confidently for what comes next.

Hear from expert speakers, gain insight into national and local trends, and connect with fellow professionals across the region.

🗓️ Thursday, June 4
📍 Drury Lane Conference Center, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
🔗 Register today: https://bit.ly/4nonKNs

05/14/2026

Yesterday, we welcomed business and community leaders at Real Talk, a real estate forum on what it takes to attract new development, advance transformative projects, and keep momentum moving in our communities.

Thank you to our outstanding speakers and panelists for sharing valuable insights on site readiness, infrastructure, energy, redevelopment, and the evolving commercial real estate landscape. Your expertise sparked important conversations about the future of growth in DuPage County and beyond.

We also want to thank our event sponsor, Nicor, as well as our venue host, PowerForward DuPage, for helping make this conversation possible and for supporting regional collaboration that drives long-term prosperity.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and contributed to such a thoughtful and forward-looking discussion.

05/14/2026

Congratulations to Chicago Glue & Machine, on earning their Green Business Certification through the Illinois Green Business Program! Last week, representatives from Choose DuPage and DuPage County joined EnergySense Resilience Center to present them with a certificate for this achievement.

By meeting the IGBA’s high standards, Chicago Glue & Machine has joined an elite group of Illinois businesses dedicated to reducing their environmental footprint while boosting economic performance.

Their certification was made possible through the Sustainable DuPage Green Business Program, a partnership between the EnergySense Resilience Center and Choose DuPage.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4dnLDQY

05/13/2026

Host Greg Bedalov welcomes Joie Chitwood, John Duggan, and Jim Hart to discuss the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club. They break down why DuPage County earned the global stage, what goes into planning a tournament of this magnitude, and the long-term impact it will have on the region.

Listen in to the full conversation on DuPage Business Beat. https://bit.ly/4eCZjK2

05/08/2026

We’re going behind the scenes with Manar Nashif from the Illinois Tollway on our next DuPage Business Beat episode.

Manar leads the Engineering Department and helps guide major projects that keep our region moving. In this conversation, he shares updates on key capital programs like Move Illinois and Bridging the Future.

New episode coming soon.

04/28/2026

We’re going behind the scenes of our next DuPage Business Beat episode featuring Rick Trujillo from Nicor Gas.

Rick joins us to talk about a topic shaping the future of economic development, energy. As demand grows from data centers, AI, and new industries, energy infrastructure is playing a bigger role than ever in where companies choose to invest and expand.

We explore how Nicor Gas partners with businesses and communities to support growth across Chicagoland.

New episode available soon.

04/27/2026

This National Apprenticeship Week, consider how Project Hire-Ed at College of DuPage can strengthen your workforce.

The program connects local businesses with apprentices who earn while they learn, gaining the skills your company needs. Employers benefit from increased productivity, reduced turnover, and customizable training—while fostering a diverse, capable team.

Build your pipeline of skilled talent: bit.ly/4cHT1rv

04/23/2026

The discussion at our Breakfast with the Chair event made one thing clear: the future of work isn’t AI or people—it’s both.

We brought together leaders from Aurora University, Benedictine University, College of DuPage, and Lewis University with regional employers to explore AI at the intersection of business and higher education. John Manilla from Crowe kicked off our discussion with a powerful demonstration showcasing what’s possible with AI.

Educators shared how they’re integrating AI into curriculum and equipping students with the tools they’ll need to adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape.

At the same time, employers emphasized something just as important: technical AI skills alone aren’t enough. They’re prioritizing critical thinking, communication, and relationship-building—skills that technology can’t replace.

The takeaway? AI is a powerful tool, but human connection still drives innovation, collaboration, and long-term success.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a thoughtful and forward-looking discussion. The future is being built through partnerships like these.

Special thanks to Dan Persa of CBRE for hosting us at your office in Oak Brook.