Southern Illinois’ economic ecosystem is booming 💥 Learn more about these communities and their success!

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including: ✔️ Vehicle Coordinator ✔️ Assistant Deputy Director of Community Development Apply today! bit.ly/3MNt2zV

McLean County is expecting big crowds for this year’s U.S. Route 66 centennial. 🎊#EnjoyIllinois Learn more about events planned for this year’s historic celebration!

On set at Flyover Film Studios today. A part of the economic game-changer our film and TV industry is bringing to Central Illinois and throughout the state.

Illinois is a proven leader in the solar industry. The state’s momentum has resulted in almost 6,000 good-paying jobs for young Illinoisians. 💥 🔋 Learn more about the state’s booming solar industry and its positive economic impact.

The Joliet Slammers and the Gateway Grizzlies will face off this spring as part of the Route 66 Centennial celebration at the historic Old Joliet Prison. ⚾ Learn more to plan your trip – www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/18/o...

Today, we celebrate & reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & his work to combat racial & economic injustice everywhere. His efforts serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done as we strive toward a more equitable future for all Illinoisans. #MLKDay

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including: ✔️ Senior Career Services Manager-Upstate ✔️ Assistant Deputy Director Illinois Works ✔️ Assistant Deputy Director of Community Development Apply today! bit.ly/3MNt2zV

A little piece of Oz is coming to Illinois! Wicked costume designer, Paul Tazewell’s designs will be showcased at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. The exhibition will run Jan. 19 – Sept. 7. #EnjoyIllinois Plan you visit –

Illinois’ film industry is booming!💥🎥 In 2025, film productions based in Central Illinois generated over $12 million in statewide business sales according to Experience Champaign-Urbana. #BeInIllinois Read more – bit.ly/49IjVMN

Attention grantseekers! DCEO’s Office of Accountability is hosting a virtual training session to discuss resources for potential and current Grantees, including finding grant opportunities & searching the CSFA. Wednesday, January 21 9-10 a.m. Learn more: bit.ly/3Rajnrp

Big news for bookworms! Barnes & Noble is set to open their largest Chicago area store, measuring at 30,000-square-feet, on State Street. 📚🐛 #BeInIllinois Learn more about Barnes & Noble’s success in Illinois!

Two years after opening their first Illinois location, Cava is expanding 🥗 #BeInIllinois Read more about Cava’s future locations!

Illinois' talent pipeline & training are driving national recognition! 🛠️ #1 for workforce development in Midwest 📝 #3 for workforce development in nation 🌐 #4 in North American Tech Hub index 🏆 Impact Award for Cronus Chemicals project Read more: bit.ly/4swE7tH

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including: ✔️ Senior Career Services Manager-Upstate ✔️ Assistant Deputy Director Illinois Works Apply today! bit.ly/3MNt2zV

The City of Sesser was recently awarded funding through the State’s Community Development Block Grant Program to support housing rehab throughout the community. 🏠 Read more

DCEO is leading a trade mission to Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain from March 2-5, 2026. MWC is the ultimate platform to showcase Illinois’ innovations.🤝 Applications close January 16th. Contact [email protected] for more information. #MWC26

#EnjoyIllinois through its diverse art scene. 🎨 Find a list of art exhibitions throughout the state to visit this winter!

🚨Grant funding is now available to establish six new Manufacturing Training Academies at community colleges in Illinois' downstate regions to expand training for high-demand manufacturing jobs. Learn more and apply today: bit.ly/4jp1eCp

Honored that Business Facilities Magazine has recognized DCEO and #TeamIllinois with a 2025 Impact Award! The award highlights the success in bringing Cronus Chemicals to Tuscola, strengthening Illinois’ economy and creating jobs. Read more – businessfacilities.com/business-fac... #BeInIllinois

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including: ✔️ Internal Auditor Trainee ✔️ Outdoor Recreation Development Manager ✔️ CEJA Capacity Regional Manager Apply today! bit.ly/3MNt2zV

Happy New Year from all of us at DCEO! 🎆 May 2026 be a bright and prosperous year for the many residents, communities, and businesses across Illinois.

Attention grantseekers! DCEO’s Office of Accountability is hosting a virtual training session covering the first step in the grant process: pre-qualification. 📅Wednesday, January 7 9-10 a.m. Learn more: bit.ly/3Rajnrp

The Village of Deer Creek is receiving $1M to support the expansion of Heartland Food Solutions LLC. This investment will help the company enter the popcorn market, purchase new equipment, and create 40 new jobs, strengthening Central Illinois’ local economy. 🍿 Read more – bit.ly/490VL15

Illinois achieved record-breaking economic growth in 2025! 🏆🚀🔥 State incentive program drove a record $13B in investments while Illinois delivered record tourism accomplishments & marked major milestones in key sectors. Learn more: bit.ly/49w4loC

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including: ✔️ Outdoor Recreation Development Manager ✔️ East Central Regional Manager ✔️ Energy & Vehicle Tax Credit Program Manager Apply today! bit.ly/3MNt2zV

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!🎄DCEO would like to wish everyone a joyful and peaceful holiday season celebrating with family and friends.

DCEO met with members of World Chicago and the Vatican delegation to discuss AI quantum, microelectronics, and future opportunities for collaboration.🤝⚛️#BeInIllinois

REMINDER: Applications for the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance Grant Program closes in three weeks. To learn more about the program and application process, visit – bit.ly/4pl7xbV

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including: ✔️ Chief Workforce Officer ✔️ East Central Regional Manager ✔️ Energy & Vehicle Tax Credit Program Manager Apply today! bit.ly/3MNt2zV

The recent expansion of the Illinois Film Tax Credit will drive new projects to the state and boost Illinois’ creative workforce. 🎥 #BeInIllinois Learn more

#IllinoisMaker Bee Coco Candle has a wide selection of non-toxic candles and self-care products make it the perfect place to find a gift for your loved ones this holiday.🕯️🛍️ Learn more- bit.ly/3MFm5VI

Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate! We hope your holiday is filled with joy and light.

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including: ✔️ Hiring & Outreach Specialist ✔️ Chief Workforce Officer Apply today! bit.ly/3MNt2zV

With the holidays right around the corner, it is the perfect time to shop local. ❄️ 🛍️ Illinois’ local businesses and artisans have great gifts for all your loved ones. Make sure to check out the list of #IllinoisMakers – bit.ly/451ut84

ICYMI: Swiss semiconductor company, SealsQ Corp. invested $35 million in #quantum startup EeroQ. ⚛️ Bolstered by EDGE for Startups and INVENT, EeroQ expanded its Chicago headquarters last year.

Continental’s tire plant in Mount Vernon is their first facility in the U.S. to earn the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification PLUS. 🚗 Learn more about this recognition and its importance for Continental’s global sustainability strategy – bit.ly/3KWvFmq

Attention grantseekers! DCEO’s Office of Accountability is hosting a virtual training session covering audits, including the different audit types, requirements, and the importance of record retention. Wednesday, December 17 9-10 a.m. Learn more: bit.ly/3Rajnrp

Congratulations to Chicago’s Quinlen Blackwell, owner of Southside Blooms, on winning CNN’s Hero of the Year Award. 💐🏆 Learn more about Southside Blooms and their mission

Join DCEO’s Office of Trade and Investment for a free webinar of Africa’s dynamic and evolving markets. 📅Wednesday, December 17 at 2:00 p.m. CST Make sure to register – tinyurl.com/y9wjj5fp

ICYMI: U.S. Steel will restart operations of one of their blast furnaces at the Granite City Works steel plant. This decision is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the Metro East region. #BeInIllinois Read more – www.ksdk.com/article/mone...

Intermountain Electronics will double the size of their Centralia plant. The $12 million expansion project will create job opportunities for Illinoisians across the trades. ⚙️ #BeInIllinois Read more – bit.ly/48kf8BL

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including: ✔️ Hiring & Outreach Specialist ✔️ Asst. Deputy Dir. of Mgt Operations ✔️ Licensing & Permitting Portal Mgr. ✔️ Program Quality Assurance Specialist Trainee Apply today! bit.ly/3MNt2zV

Join Team RED and the Illinois Finance Authority/Illinois Climate Bank for an in-depth presentation on funding programs and opportunities available for clean energy efforts across the state. 📅 Thursday, December 11 at 10:00 a.m. Register here –

Applications are open for the Job Training and Economic Development Program! $10M is available for workforce training & wrap-around services to bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment. Apply today: bit.ly/3Y5pa3H

Illinois has been honored at the 2025 Startup Ecosystem Stars Awards in Paris, co-organized by the International Chamber of Commerce and Mind the Bridge, earning global recognition for our leadership in innovation! ⭐ Read more: bit.ly/3XuxlGI

Green Era, located in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood, is helping Illinois continue to be a leader in renewable energy with support from DCEO and others. The project is bringing green tech to the neighborhood while also creating job opportunities. ♻️

Celebrate #SmallBusinessSaturday by supporting local small businesses today! 🛍️ Find a list of Illinois small businesses to support – buff.ly/uNf90oR

DCEO is hiring! We have a variety of openings across the state, including: ✔️ Classification Specialist ✔️ Sr. Career Services Manager-Downstate ✔️ Licensing and Permitting Portal Manager ✔️ Program Quality Assurance Specialist Trainee Apply today! bit.ly/3MNt2zV

Attention grantseekers! DCEO’s Office of Accountability is hosting a virtual training session covering the first step in the grant process: pre-qualification. 📅 Wednesday, December 3 9-10 a.m. Learn more: buff.ly/MDSKyNY