The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) will host its Annual Breakfast on Tuesday, December 2, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Faranda’s, 302 Grove Street, bringing together community leaders, business partners, educators, and stakeholders for a morning of connection and insight into the region’s continued economic momentum.
The event will open at 8:30 a.m. with a breakfast buffet and networking, offering attendees an opportunity to engage with partners from across the county. At 9:15 a.m., the program will feature “Collaboration and Connection in Action: Powering Economic Growth and Strengthening Communities,” a fireside chat with Dr. Lisa Freeman, President of Northern Illinois University , Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College, and Dr. Brian Knetl, President of Waubonsee Community College, moderated by DCEDC Executive Director Melissa Amedeo.
Kishwaukee College (KC), Waubonsee Community College (WCC), and Northern Illinois University (NIU) form powerful connections that bridge local talent development with regional and statewide impact. This conversation will spotlight how each campus uses collaboration to integrate local talent development with regional and statewide economic impact. Through strengthened educational pathways, these institutions are preparing students for high-demand careers, supporting a robust local workforce, and contributing to business attraction across DeKalb County. Their ongoing work to align academic programs with employer needs has coincided with significant regional growth and improved student outcomes, demonstrating the pivotal role each campus plays in community and economic development. This fireside chat will explore how KC, WCC, and NIU are shaping strategic priorities to meet emerging opportunities.
“When we invest in learning at every level, beginning with pre-Kindergarten, we have the power to create opportunities, not just for individuals, but for our entire community,” Amedeo said. “Whether individuals attend a 4-year university, a community college, an apprenticeship program, or complete a certification program, it creates a strong pathway to a meaningful career. This, in turn, strengthens our neighborhoods and fuels long-term economic stability and growth. I’m looking forward to moderating a fireside chat with our local higher education leaders at our Annual Breakfast on how our collective commitment to education continues to drive community development for our region.”
At 10 a.m., Amedeo will present the organization’s Annual Report, sharing key accomplishments, progress on major economic development initiatives, and priorities for the upcoming year.
DCEDC proudly recognizes its event sponsors: presenting sponsor Meta; platinum sponsor ChicagoWest Business Center & Krusinski Construction Company; silver sponsors Kishwaukee College, eo5 Hotels, Express Employment Professionals – DeKalb , Mortenson, and Old Rich Point LLC at Electric Park; and bronze sponsors Larson Engineering and SomerCor.
For more information about the DCEDC Annual Breakfast or to register, please visit DCEDC.org/events.
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