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Office of Regional Economic Development
The Regional Economic Development (RED) Team is Your One-Stop Resource
Illinois businesses benefit from the state’s strategic location, world-class transportation and logistics infrastructure, well-educated workforce, major research and higher education assets, and legacy of innovation. To make your selection process quick and efficient, the office of Team RED provides free and confidential services to companies seeking to expand or relocate within Illinois.
Services:
- Site Selection
- Customized Workforce Training
- Regional & Local Collaboration
- Expedited Permitting, Licensing & Other Approvals
- Connection to Key Stakeholders and Civic & Business Partners
- Potential Financial Support
In addition, Illinois offers a highly competitive suite of incentives that may be available, including:
- Tax Credits Based on Job Creation
- Enterprise Zones & HIB Designations
- Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
- Workforce Recruitment & Training
- Non-Traditional Loans
- Roadway, Rail & Infrastructure
To help ensure local coordination for your project, the State of Illinois is divided into 10 economic development regions.
Download a copy of the Illinois Economic Development Regional map.
Statewide Economic Development Contacts
Alyson Grady
Deputy Director
217.299.8853
Alyson.Grady2@illinois.gov
Manuel (Manny) Lopez
Assistant Deputy Director
773.502.7506
Manuel.Lopez@Illinois.gov
Contact a member of our Regional Economic Development Team for assistance.
Team RED Office hours
Join DCEO's Regional Economic Development Team as we provide interesting discussions on a variety of topics on the third Thursday of every month at 10 am. Along with the discussion, we will provide the latest updates on federal and state programs, share information about other resources, and answer any questions you may have.
Webinar
DCEO’s 2025 Roadshow:
Taking the News on the Road Virtually
With the summer passing quickly, it’s that time of year for DCEO’s Team RED to provide you with updates on our programs from legislative changes to new programs for the new fiscal year, to updates on existing programs. As we have great information to share and a lot of activities to cover in the next few weeks, we’re going to hold a virtual roadshow on August 21, 2025, at 10:00 am. Registration information is below. Later this fall, Team RED will be traveling around the state bringing you even more information. Look for a schedule of those meetings later in the summer. Until then, please join us for our Virtual Roadshow!!
Join Us for the DCEO Roadshow!
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect directly with the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO)! Hear from Regional Economic Development Deputy Director Alyson Grady as she shares updates on the latest state programs, funding opportunities, and strategic initiatives designed to support businesses, local governments, and community organizations across the state.
Whether you're a business leader, elected official, or community stakeholder, the DCEO Roadshow is your chance to engage, ask questions, and discover how DCEO can help power economic growth in your community.
When: Thursday, August 21 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am (We want to be able to have plenty of time for Q&A)
Intersect Illinois
Intersect Illinois (Intersect) is the state’s economic development organization and a key partner of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in business attraction efforts. As a valuable resource for businesses seeking expansion or relocation in Illinois, Intersect connects companies with its network of partners and provides essential data, site selection assistance, and guidance to ensure successful business operations. In collaboration with DCEO, Intersect is dedicated to supporting businesses and helping them thrive in Illinois. For more information on Intersect, visit intersectillinois.org.