KANE COUNTY, Ill. — Kane County staff provided a status update on the newly formed Kane County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and described recent regional business recruitment efforts that have produced at least one local win.

Staff said the EDC held its first board meeting and is drafting bylaws and rules of engagement. The next steps are adopting bylaws, adding board members, and filing for tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(6). Staff said the organization expects the IRS filing process to take several months and noted a three-year federal “look-back” provision that can allow the EDC to claim tax-exempt treatment for qualifying activity occurring prior to formal federal recognition.

Staff also reviewed the county’s multi-year participation in a regional economic partnership (referred to in the meeting as the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership), which works with World Business Chicago, CMAP and Intersect Illinois to attract national and international site selections. County staff credited World Business Chicago’s research team with supplying data used in regional advocacy, including material cited during the county’s push to eliminate a toll on Longmeadow Parkway.

On local leads, committee members were told that Perla Foods, a Polish food processor, is establishing operations in the area: the company has purchased a building in North Aurora, is outfitting it for production, and is leasing additional space in Bartlett during the buildout. Staff said Perla Foods could ultimately employ roughly 200 people; total capital investment was described as “substantial” but not yet specified.

Board composition and governance

Staff named three current EDC board members listed on incorporation documents: Steve Pitsick (farmer), Austin Dempsey (developer, Batavia) and Sean McCarthy (Comcast). The county chair and the chair of the Jobs Committee are designated by agreement as automatic board members; staff said more members, including women and additional minorities, are expected after the forthcoming bylaws vote.

Funding model and timeline

Staff said initial seed funding for the EDC came from county ARPA dollars and that the long-term goal is to shift the balance toward private-sector support — a target roughly described as 60% private funding and 40% public funding over time. Staff said they are discussing office space, CPA support and marketing vendors so the EDC can begin operations in about six months if bylaws and filings proceed as planned.

Why it matters

County leaders said a stronger, staffed economic development organization will give Kane County a direct line to state and regional resources and research teams, enabling quicker responses to site-selection opportunities and better coordination with municipalities on redevelopment and industrial-site reuse.

Clarifying details

• Perla Foods: purchased building in North Aurora; leased space in Bartlett during buildout; estimated eventual employment ~200 (not specified precisely).
• EDC timeline: bylaws and additional board appointments expected in coming weeks; IRS 501(c)(6) filing targeted within months with an expected administrative timeframe around six months; federal look-back provision referenced as three years.
• Funding aspiration: roughly 60% private / 40% public over time; initial capitalization used ARPA funds.

Speakers (selected)

• Mark Van Kirkhof — Director of Development and Community Services (government)
• John Gruhling — Economic development advisor (government)
• Jason (presenting staff) — County economic-development staff (government)
• Steve Pitsick — Named EDC board member (business)
• Austin Dempsey — Named EDC board member (business)
• Sean McCarthy — Named EDC board member (business)

Ending

Staff asked the committee to continue supporting the EDC’s start-up work through oversight and follow-up; the committee did not take a formal vote on EDC governance or funding policy during the meeting.