In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the progress and future initiatives of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GSEP), a collaborative effort aimed at regional economic development that emerged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mark, a representative from the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), highlighted the importance of GSEP in uniting diverse counties with varying resources to attract investment and foster economic growth.

Kyle Schultz from World Business Chicago elaborated on the partnership's origins, noting that it was formed to ensure a more robust recovery from the pandemic compared to the Great Recession. He emphasized the need for regional collaboration, stating that previous attempts at economic partnerships had failed due to a lack of cooperation between Chicago and its suburban counterparts. The current initiative, which includes seven counties—Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will—aims to uplift the entire region's economy.

Schultz reported that in just 19 months, GSEP has facilitated 85 collaborative opportunities and has engaged in international outreach, including a delegation trip to Japan to promote the region. He underscored the importance of building trust among regional partners, a significant shift from past practices that often pitted Chicago against its suburbs in economic competition.

Chris Chadez, the regional business development manager for GSEP, shared insights on specific initiatives, including the SelectShy program, which attracted over 35 international businesses to the region. He also mentioned the creation of a regional asset map to showcase the strengths of the Chicagoland area, which includes key sectors such as advanced manufacturing and food and beverage.

Looking ahead, GSEP plans to host events focused on financial technology and to enhance connections between local entrepreneurs and the broader business network in Chicago. The partnership aims to ensure that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic background, have access to meaningful employment opportunities, reinforcing the commitment to inclusive economic growth across the region.