Chamber630, along with eight other area Chambers of Commerce from the western suburbs, hosted the 2020 State of DuPage County address on Wednesday, January 8th, 2020. The event was held at the Doubletree Suites by Hilton in Downers Grove.
DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin gave the address to over 200 business professionals in attendance, discussing the importance of the 2020 Census as well as the high quality of services the county provides. Also mentioned was the issue of affordable housing, which remains a very important priority for the county, according to Cronin.
“It remains a very, very important priority for us,” Cronin said. “The housing authority has recently forged a stronger partnership with our community services, and I am really delighted that we have changed and reformed what the experience has been there. As great of a place as DuPage County is, we need to make [it] an affordable place for people to come, to live and to work.”
Cronin said he understands the challenges that 2020 brings, but the county is ready. “I’m happy to report to you that our county is healthy,” Cronin said. “A vision is only as good as a leader’s ability to carry it on. Our results speak for themselves, I believe.” Cronin added the county has a 2.5% unemployment rate, an AAA bond rating, balanced budget and low debt.
“As a county leader, I am focused on creating conditions that will allow businesses and families to grow and thrive, including reducing the size of government while making the government that we have more efficient,” he said.
Following his address, Chairman Cronin; Bob Berlin, DuPage County State’s Attorney; and Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage also participated in a robust panel discussion, led by PowerForward DuPage Executive Director Karyn Charvat. Topics ranged from economic development to the challenges and enhancements coming to DuPage County in 2020.
- Photo Credit and article excerpts: Shaw Media, MySuburbanLife.com
