2 weeks until the MCEDC Annual Dinner - get your tickets now! | | |
A limited number of tickets are still available for the 2026 MCEDC Annual Dinner, McHenry County’s premier business networking event.
The evening will spotlight our Business Recognition Awards, celebrating the organizations and individuals fueling McHenry County’s economic success.
Join more than 400 business and community leaders on November 18, 2026, for an evening of connection, recognition, and forward momentum.
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2026 Theme: Live, Work, Stay.
This year’s theme will feature keynote speaker Amanda Ellis, Editor in Chief of Livability.com.
Her keynote presentation will explore the central question behind this year’s theme and ask:
What does it take to transform a community that attracts residents into one that retains talent, investment, and opportunity for the long term?
Through a discussion of place, workforce dynamics, and economic growth, the speaker will examine how communities can leverage their existing strengths to create vibrant local economies where people choose not only to live, but to build their careers, start businesses, raise families, and invest in their future. Framed by McHenry County’s unique advantages and challenges, the keynote will provide insights and strategies for fostering the jobs, amenities, and community connections that encourage residents and businesses alike to put down deeper roots and stay.
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Celebrating the Best of McHenry County Businesses
One of the most anticipated moments of the Annual Dinner is the presentation of the Business Recognition Awards, where we celebrate the companies and organizations making a lasting impact across McHenry County.

This year's awards will honor excellence in three outstanding categories:
Welcome to McHenry County Award
Recognizing businesses that have recently chosen McHenry County as their home and are already making a positive mark on our community. Last year's recipient: Action Packaging.
Community Partner Award
Celebrating organizations that go above and beyond to strengthen our region through collaboration, leadership, and community investment. Last year's recipient: McHenry County College.
Business Cornerstone Award
Honoring long-standing businesses that have helped shape the economic foundation of McHenry County through years of growth, innovation, and commitment. Last year's recipient: Phoenix Woodworking.
Join us as we recognize the remarkable businesses and organizations helping make McHenry County a great place to live, work, and do business. Stay tuned as we reveal this year's honorees at the Annual Dinner!
| | A limited number of individual tickets, tables of 8, and sponsorship opportunities are still available - reserve your seat or showcase your leadership as a sponsor today! | | Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors | | Thank you to our Premier Sponsors | | Help Shape the Future of Suburban Bus Service | | |
Pace recently unveiled its Draft ReVision Plan, a bold proposal to transform suburban bus service across its six-county region for the way people travel today. The plan calls for a 50 percent overall increase in service across Pulse lines, fixed routes, and On Demand service, with more frequent, connected, and accessible options, particularly at night and on weekends. Every county in Pace’s service area would receive at least a 45 percent increase in service.
Pace has launched a broad public engagement effort to gather feedback on the draft network. Opportunities to participate include a public webinar, a survey, pop-up events, and online channels. Pace’s Field Team will also speak directly with riders across the region and encourage them to share their perspectives.
Riders, residents, and community partners can review the Draft ReVision Plan and complete the survey at PaceBus.com/ReVision, attend a virtual open house on November 18th from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., or visit Pace at one of several pop-up events throughout the region from October 24th through November. A full list of events is available at PaceBus.com/popups.
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Is Your Small Business Prepared for the Next Natural Disaster?
Small businesses can’t always predict when disaster will strike, but they can take steps now to be better prepared.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with support from Verizon, is helping small businesses strengthen their disaster preparedness through the Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Mitigation Grant Program. The program connects disaster resilience training with financial support to help small businesses take practical steps to reduce their risk from natural disasters.

To apply, businesses must first complete one of two free Disaster Resilience courses through Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready platform:
- Know Your Hazards
- Build Your Business Continuity & Mitigation Plan
After completing one of these courses, small businesses can apply for a competitive $5,000 R4R Mitigation Grant to support a disaster risk reduction project.
Applications are open now through November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants will be notified of their grant status by January 2027.
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Join the Next MPC Social!
The Manufacturing Pathways Consortium (MPC) is excited to host its second MPC Social, offering manufacturers, partners, and community members an opportunity to connect outside of regular Consortium meetings in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Date: Thurs., Nov. 12
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Location: Rush Creek Distilling | Harvard, IL
Attendees can enjoy a casual evening of networking, conversation, drinks, and food truck fare while supporting a local business and strengthening connections within the manufacturing community.
This event is open to everyone. Participants are encouraged to invite coworkers, colleagues, friends, and others who may be interested in learning more about MPC and the opportunities it provides.
Advance registration is requested to help organizers plan for attendance.
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  Municipal Supporter Spotlight | | | We sincerely thank our municipal investors for their ongoing support and shared commitment to a strong and vibrant local economy. | |
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.
| | CONNECT WITH US | 815.893.0895 | info@mcedc.com | | | | | |
