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illinoisdceo.bsky.social
Illinois DCEO
@illinoisdceo.bsky.social
The official account of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

🔗 dceo.illinois.gov
Southern Illinois’ economic ecosystem is booming 💥

Learn more about these communities and their success!
National report says southern Illinois' economy and workforce are outperforming some larger metro areas
Carbondale ranks 67th in economic strength and 74th overall, placing it in the top 10 percent nationally.
bit.ly
January 23, 2026 at 6:49 PM
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
January 23, 2026 at 3:28 PM
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!
McLean County leaders expect big crowds this year for Route 66 centennial
Leaders gathered Tuesday in Downtown Bloomington to announce a yearlong celebration for the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Organizers expect an influx of tourism tied to the celebration of the famed A...
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 4:06 PM
Reposted by Illinois DCEO
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.
January 22, 2026 at 1:21 AM
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.
Illinois’ booming solar sector entices young job seekers
Thanks to strong state policy, Illinois is a leader on solar installations. That’s creating a lot of job opportunities — and young people are taking…
www.canarymedia.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:19 PM
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...
Baseball returns to Old Joliet Prison as part of Route 66 celebration
Joliet is one of six communities nationwide — and the only one in Illinois — selected as an official Route 66 Centennial Kickoff city.
www.chicagotribune.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:48 PM
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
January 19, 2026 at 3:02 PM
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
January 16, 2026 at 2:45 PM
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 –
‘Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell’ will debut at Griffin MSI
From “Wicked” to “Hamilton,” Paul Tazewell’s iconic costumes will go on display Jan. 19 at Griffin MSI.
buff.ly
January 15, 2026 at 8:01 PM
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
www.wcia.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:06 PM
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
January 14, 2026 at 4:30 PM
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!
Barnes & Noble to open largest Chicago store, after other 'successful' openings
The bookstore chain plans to open four locations in the first half of 2026, including in Hyde Park, Skokie and Oak Park.
bit.ly
January 13, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Two years after opening their first Illinois location, Cava is expanding 🥗
#BeInIllinois

Read more about Cava’s future locations!
Cava opens Des Plaines location, plans 2 more local restaurants in 2026 - Chicago Business Journal
Cava just opened a restaurant near O'Hare International Airport and has pinpointed where two additional Chicago-area locations will open in the second quarter of next year.
bit.ly
January 12, 2026 at 7:22 PM
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
January 9, 2026 at 3:04 PM
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
January 9, 2026 at 2:53 PM
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
City of Sesser Awarded $650,000 Housing Rehabilitation Grant
SESSER, Ill. — The City of Sesser has been awarded a $650,000 Housing Rehabilitation Grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), with funding provided by the
bit.ly
January 8, 2026 at 4:01 PM
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 riccardo.navon@illinois.gov for more information. #MWC26
January 7, 2026 at 5:43 PM
#EnjoyIllinois through its diverse art scene. 🎨

Find a list of art exhibitions throughout the state to visit this winter!
Art exhibitions for winter 2026: Don’t miss these 10 at the MCA, Art Institute and in Elmhurst
Photography at the Elmhurst Art Museum and MOCP, “Chair-ish” in Glen Ellyn, and coming in March, some very artful visual puzzles at the DePaul Art Museum.
bit.ly
January 6, 2026 at 5:03 PM
🚨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
January 5, 2026 at 10:01 PM
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
Business Facilities Announces 2025 Deals Of The Year & Impact Awards | Press Releases | BusinessFacilities.com
Manufacturing, tech-related projects take top honors in Business Facilities' annual awards, which recognize corporate relocations, expansion investments. | BusinessFacilities.com
businessfacilities.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:34 PM
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
January 2, 2026 at 4:55 PM
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.
January 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM
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
December 31, 2025 at 3:12 PM
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
December 30, 2025 at 7:48 PM
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
December 29, 2025 at 9:46 PM