Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation

Promoting industrial Development and site selection - a core component of csedc's mission is to support industrial site Development. Throughout the year, csedc worked closely with the state of Illinois to address company requests for site information. By streamlining the response process and providing critical data on available locations, csedc played a pivotal role in attracting businesses to the Southland region, further positioning it as a prime destination for industrial growth.

Engaging youth through stem and workforce Development- recognizing the importance of workforce Development, csedc continued its efforts to connect local businesses with high school students through the southworks engineering and robotics competition. This year-long program provided hands-on experience and exposure to stem-related fields, with over 500 high school students participating. The initiative not only fostered innovation and technical skills among students but also strengthened the pipeline for future talent in the region's engineering and technology sectors.

Launch of the 1916 business & media center - csedc successfully launched the 1916 business & media center, a 3,500-square-foot shared office space designed to support small business growth and regional collaboration. Equipped with a state-of-the-art training center and a conference room, the facility serves as a vital resource for entrepreneurs, providing access to training programs, networking opportunities, and regional Economic Development initiatives. The center has quickly become a hub for fostering business innovation and professional Development in the Southland community.