Two Great Events. Countless Connections. | | |
Join us for an open house at JA Logistics celebrating the activation of McHenry County's newest Foreign Trade Zone facility within FTZ #176. Learn how Foreign Trade Zone benefits can help companies reduce costs, improve cash flow, and strengthen global competitiveness.
Thursday, September 24
4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
JA Logistics
1202 S. IL Route 31
McHenry, IL
A presentation by the FTZ #176 Zone Administrator will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Food and beverages will be provided, including an open bar.
Registration is required through the button below.
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Join us for an open house to learn how Enterprise Zone incentives can help unlock new development, investment, and business growth opportunities in the designated zone.
Wednesday, October 7
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Rush Creek Distilling
1501 W. Diggins St., Harvard, IL
A presentation by the Enterprise Zone Administrator will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Food will be provided, and a cash bar will be available.
We look forward to sharing information about the benefits and opportunities available through the McHenry County Enterprise Zone.
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Could Your Business Benefit from a Foreign Trade Zone?
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 goods into an FTZ, store inventory, assemble products, or conduct manufacturing activities before deciding whether those goods enter the U.S. market or ship to a customer abroad.
Read more
| | Congressman Bill Foster Visits McHenry County to Discuss Manufacturing and Infrastructure | |
On August 26, MCEDC welcomed Congressman Bill Foster to McHenry County for a discussion focused on manufacturing, economic development, and future infrastructure investment in the southwestern portion of the county.
A highlight of the visit was a tour of Logisnext America's forklift manufacturing facility in Marengo. MCEDC extends its appreciation to the Logisnext America team for showcasing the innovation, skilled workforce, and advanced manufacturing operations that contribute to the region's economic success.
During the visit, Congressman Foster met with county and municipal leaders, along with representatives from McHenry County College, the McHenry County Council of Governments, and MCEDC. Discussions focused on opportunities and challenges facing the region and the critical role manufacturing and infrastructure investment play in supporting long-term economic growth.
MCEDC thanks Congressman Foster for taking the time to visit McHenry County and engage with local leaders and stakeholders committed to strengthening the county's economy and competitiveness.
Photos from the visit are included below.
| | Strengthening Business Continuity in McHenry County | | Planning Your Exit or Next Acquisition? Start Here. | | Whether you’re planning to sell or looking to buy, Strong Transitions delivers expert advising, access to resources, and the connections needed to navigate every step of the business transition and acquisition process. | |
Transition Advising
Considering retirement or selling your business?
Gain confidential guidance tailored to your goals and prepare for a successful exit strategy at no cost. 

Connect with our Transition Advising team to get started today.
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Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
You’ve got the hustle. We’ve got the framework.
The ETA program empowers early-stage and growth-minded entrepreneurs like you with the tools, resources, and guidance to turn your passion into real-life business ownership.
| Interested in joining a future ETA cohort? Submit an Interest Form for more information and to secure your spot. | | |
Upcoming Sessions
Cohort 7: September 30th - November 18th
All 8-week sessions run on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
In-person at the Catalyst Campus, 222 E. Church Street, Woodstock, IL 60098
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Common Ground: Balancing Growth with Land Conservation
September 22nd
Richardson Adventure Farm | Spring Grove, IL
Doors Open: 3:00 p.m. Networking
Program Begins: 3:30 p.m.
Join CMAP for a discussion on navigating development opportunities, conservation priorities, and preservation of agricultural lands.
Forests, wetlands, parks, and farms are essential to northeastern Illinois. Open lands contribute to residents’ quality of life, mitigate floods and heat, feed our communities, and are part of what gives northeastern Illinois its character.
At the same time, communities are facing tensions between developing land for housing and economic growth and preserving their local identity.
How can northeastern Illinois preserve natural and agricultural lands while also supporting economic development?
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2026 McHenry County Water Forum
Learn how our water works, the threats to our water and how you can help protect it.

McHenry County is extending its annual invite to the public and policymakers to learn more about McHenry County’s water supply, and the need to use it wisely and protect it.
The ninth annual McHenry County Water Forum will be held from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 16th at the McHenry County College Luecht Auditorium (Building B), 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.
Read More
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Property Assessment Notices Are Now Online
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.
Read more
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AFA Dispensing
AFA Dispensing contributes to economic growth by delivering innovative, high‑performance liquid dispensing technologies that help brands compete and succeed in markets worldwide, while supporting local partnerships and advanced manufacturing excellence that bolster McHenry County’s reputation in research, design, and production.
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McHenry County Council of Governments
The McHenry County Council of Governments plays a vital role in strengthening regional collaboration across McHenry County by bringing municipalities and other local governments together to uphold and advocate principles of effective local government, facilitate solutions to regional issues, and otherwise lessen the burdens of government. Through strategic coordination and advocacy, MCCG helps create a more connected, business-friendly environment that supports the long-term economic vitality and competitiveness of McHenry County.
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Scot Forge
Scot Forge strengthens McHenry County’s economy by providing skilled local jobs and reinforcing the region’s robust manufacturing base from its Spring Grove facility. Scot Forge manufactures high-quality forgings used in the world’s most demanding applications, from the depths of the ocean to the outer limits of space. As a 100% employee-owned company actively investing in and giving back to local initiatives, from food pantries to school partnerships, they help build community prosperity alongside economic growth.
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Power the Economic Progress of McHenry County: Become an MCEDC Investor
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 | | | | | |
