Elgin group releases booklet on business and residential development and growth
The Elgin Development Group, a division of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, has released its comprehensive 2025 Data @ A Glance informational booklet on the state’s sixth most populous city.
The 12-page booklet provides a quick, in-depth look at statistics featuring Elgin’s business, municipal, and residential activity and growth; population and diversity factors; workforce sectors and categories; health care resources and services; and educational institutions.
“As a very pro-business community and organization, this information is critical to share as it serves as a valuable first path for Elgin businesses interested in expansion and for prospective businesses looking to open in Elgin,” said Carol Gieske, president and CEO of Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, in a news release.
In analyzing the information, the group found only 20.5% of Elgin residents work in the city.
“The information shows that Elgin is a wonderful place to live, have a business, receive an education and has world class medical facilities,” said Tony Lucenko, EDG director. “Elgin offers affordable housing, entertainment options, an expanding arts scene and a quality of life other communities wish that they had.”
Yet, there are many job opportunities in town that are going unfilled, he added.
“They are available right now across all workforce categories including educational services, manufacturing, health care, professional services and more,” Lucenko said. “Our residents don’t have to drive outside of Elgin for a good, well-paying job, which is valuable given the increased cost of commuting.”
The most current information on job availability in Elgin can be found on the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce website at ElginChamber.com/jobs.
Data in the booklet was compiled from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Illinois Department of Security, Elgin Community College, and CoStar Group, Inc., which provides real estate information and analytics in the commercial and residential property markets.
Prospective businesses, manufacturers, and employers view Elgin’s workforce in a positive light, Lucenko said.
“We are very strong in offering the necessary educational training and workforce development to assist businesses in creating a pipeline of workers, educating current employees, and keeping their employees,” he said.
The new Manufacturing and Technology Center being built at Elgin Community College “is a game changer with state-of-the-art facilities to meet the growing demand for skilled personnel,” said ECC President Peggy Heinrich.
The EDG 2025 Data @ A Glance booklet was directly mailed to developers throughout northern Illinois, local businesses, elected officials, real estate brokers and Elgin Area Chamber members. It also will be available to the public at different venues in Elgin, on the Elgin Development Group and chamber’s websites, and at the chamber’s office at 31 S. Grove.
“The Elgin Development Group and Elgin Area of Commerce are a great resource for businesses and the community,” said Rolando Guerrero, current Elgin Area Chamber chair and senior vice president/general manager of the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin. “The information that they are able to provide really helps us to determine our audience and course of action.”
The group provides business assistance, including site selection, permitting, retention, relocation and expansion, workforce development, and resources for budding entrepreneurs. For more information, visit elgindevelopment.com.