We recently met with plant manager Sergio Baruffi and supply manager Luciano Diaz from Incobrasa Industries in Gilman to get an update on the progress of its $250 million business expansion.
Construction crews from Jay Morris Construction and Craigs Concrete have been working nonstop to complete a new water retaining area and concrete slabs, which required 200 trucks of concrete. Morton Buildings, T&T Construction and Rouder Electric have been erecting and finishing out new Morton buildings and a new scale house. Additional railways will be added by December 2025.
At their Pekin site — being constructed for future port expansion — they demolished two buildings in anticipation for new construction, and at their Goodland, Ind., site they created two new silos while working with local farmers to store corn, as well.
We connected Incobrasa with the Illinois Office of Trade to potentially help with the cost of trade show booths and the Eastern Illinois Economic Development Authority to potentially help with the cost of the Pekin Dock/Wharf site development.
In addition, Incobrasa hired three additional mechanical engineer interns from the University of Illinois and is working with the Iroquois Economic Development Association to create a workforce education initiative with area schools in the future.
Illinois Economic
Development Summit
We recently attended the 2025 Illinois Economic Development Summit in Peoria to learn about the most current economic topics and reconnect with economic development colleagues throughout the state. The summit featured more than 200 attendees and a dynamic lineup of panelists who explored critical issues shaping the future of economic development in Illinois.
Topics included housing solutions, workforce development, energy, technological innovation, federal policy. There were presentations from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Intersect Illinois, plus more.
Recently, the DCEO released notice of an increase in funding for job creation, innovation and community investment in the following areas:
— $500 million for the Surplus to Success and site readiness programs.
— $75 million for prime sites business development.
— $50 million for Rebuild Illinois enterprise grants.
— $50 million for the Illinois Works pre-apprenticeship program.
— $30 million for tech innovation hubs
— And $24 million for manufacturing training academies.
The annual summit allows economic development professionals from across the state to network, collaborate and share insights that strengthen our local and regional economies. We’re excited to bring back fresh ideas to support continued growth in Iroquois County and look forward to attending in 2026.
Kankakee Community
College job fairs
Attention, Iroquois County employers. Wanting to recruit new workers? Did you know you can attend job fairs for no charge? Kankakee Community College job fairs provide students and communities with the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with local area employers. There are two main job fairs hosted annually — in the spring and fall. No student registration required, and employers can attend for free through the KCC Handshake Portal under “careers/job fairs” on the KCC website, www.kcc.edu.com.
Eastern Illinois Economic
Development Authority’s annual Grow EI Summit
The Iroquois Economic Development Association co-hosted the Eastern Illinois Economic Development Authority’s Grow EI Summit at the I-Hotel & Conference Center in Champaign in June. It was a huge success.
The EIEDA is the issuer of bonds, passing along double tax-exempt status for constructing, acquiring or improving properties or facilities for businesses, municipalities, nonprofits and schools. It serves Ford, Iroquois, Piatt, Champaign, Vermillion, Douglas, Moultrie, Shelby, Coles and Edgar counties.
Among the keynote speakers, State Treasurer Michael Frerichs reflected on his roots in Champaign County and his journey to becoming Illinois’ treasurer. He spotlighted the $1.5 billion Illinois Growth and Innovation Fund — a transformative program investing in venture capital, growth equity and private debt to attract and retain tech businesses in Illinois.
Also, I was featured among six other regional leaders to speak on a panel to share candid insights on what’s working, what’s not, and the opportunities ahead for Iroquois, Champaign, Coles, Douglas and Vermilion counties. Warren Ribley, director of the EIEDA, moderated this unique panel of economic development leaders. There were valuable perspectives provided on shaping eastern Illinois’ future, with each director bringing their county’s specific challenges and successes to the table for a truly comprehensive regional discussion.
To the many business professionals, elected officials and local leaders who joined us — thank you. Your presence, questions and ideas are what made me Grow EI impactful. We would like to personally give a huge thank you to Sergio Baruffi and Luciano Diaz from Incobrasa Industries for donating the Pure Life bottles of vegetable oil — manufactured at their plant in Gilman — as complimentary gifts at our conference.
If you have a development or expansion being planned, contact us today to see how we can help! Iroquois County Fair is here
Bring the family and enjoy a downhome Midwest celebration at the Iroquois CountyAgricultural & 4-H Club Fair scheduled for July 15-19.
Celebrating more than 60 years, the Iroquois County Fair is all about agriculture and 4-H. Bring the kids to see the county’s best livestock presentations — from cattle to rabbits.
All week long there will be great entertainment for all the family to enjoy, including a headlining concert on July 19 featuring Chris Cagle and Craig Cambell, midway carnival rides, the Iroquois County fair queen and Little Miss pageant, a kids zone, commercial exhibits, a draft horse show and horse pull, a talent show, a demolition derby, a car show and the annual Illinois Tractor Pulling Association tractor pull and more. Plus, there is great local food and all the yummy fair food you can eat. Concert tickets can be ordered at www.iroquoiscofair.com. Please print your ticket and have it available to show at the entrance gate upon arrival.
Make plans to attend the Iroquois County Fair in July for food, fun and great memories. Come as friends and leave as family.
Shop Iroquois County!
If you’re needing assistance starting a business, know of a business opening in your town or would like to promote events in your town, please call our office at 815-432-0072.
Angel Crawford is executive director of the Iroquois Economic Development Association. She can eb reached at iedaillinois@gmail.com.