Manufacturer of the Year: Nucor Steel
The 2022 Manufacturer of the Year has invested many dollars into our community over the last few years. From upgrades at their location to helping as a major funder of the Kankakee Community College Industrial Technology Center that just had their grand opening this summer. Paul Carlson, KCC dean of business, technology and human services…
Business of the Year in Innovation & Technology : Carlile Group
The Carlile Group dates back to 1998 and is based in Kankakee County serving a 5 county area. They will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary in 2023. They have established themselves as a trustworthy and knowledgeable firm.  As demand for high performing buildings increased, this company began to offer Environmental Testing and Energy Audit services. …
Not-For-Profit Business of the Year: United Way Kankakee and Iroquois Counties
For 80 years, this organization has mobilized caring people to invest in our community where resources are needed most. They fight for the education, health and financial stability for every person in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. Funder. Thought Leader. Convener. Advocate. These words describe the role that they play within our community. They…
New Business of the Year: Rise & Thrive Wellness
This New Business of the Year celebrated their ribbon cutting at the end of August in their brand new location in Bradley. This company provided over 1,300 hours of clinical treatment in direct 1:1 service to clients and has served over 175 individuals. Additionally, they have created partnerships with schools and businesses in the area…
Large Business of the Year: Peoples Bank of Kankakee County
Founded in 1962, this family-owned business works with its customers the old fashioned way: engaging customers with straightforward options, integrity, and professionalism. They have been giving back since their founding because their owner believed “doing something in return for his good fortune. In 2021, they donated over $70,000 to our local community between their own funds…
Small Business of the Year: Candy & Cake
This business started in October of 2017 as a home baking business selling cupcakes, cheesecake, and pies at the Kankakee Farmers Market. Their first day at the Farmers Market they completely sold out of everything and were thrilled from their customers encouragement and support which pushed them to dream big. In June 2018 they opened…
Press Release: Holiday Home Security Tips
HOLIDAY HOME SECURITY TIPS Most all of us look forward to the holiday season as a time of family, sharing, and caring. But to certain factions of our society, it is “prime picking” for residential burglaries and thefts…and can easily destroy the season for all of us. With that in mind, I’d like to share…
Press Release: Holiday Safety
December 3, 2022 / Personal Insurance, Safety & Prevention Tips Holiday Safety By Tom Klonowski Let’s keep everyone safe this holiday season! The holidays are a time for family and friends to be together and celebrate, but they are also the time of year we see far too many insurance claims come across our desk…
Blog Post: 2022 Annual Gala Recap
Annual Gala 2022 Recap On November 30, 2022, the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Gala. The Annual Gala had an attendance of 385 people, making it a sold out event. The speakers for this event included: President and CEO of Peoples Bank of Kankakee, Jeff Hammes, President and CEO of the Kankakee…
Press Release: Kankakee County Tourism Continues to Recover
Kankakee County, IL -Tourism Economics reported that Kankakee County generated $146.1 million in visitor expenditures in 2021, which is an increase from $122.6 million in 2020. Covid-19 restrictions and closures negatively impacted visitor volume throughout 2020, however Kankakee County experienced a rebound as restrictions eased. Though not quite reaching the 2019 spend of $157.5 million,…