Choose DuPage: Edward Don Move 'Big Win for Public/Private Partnership'

will bring $25 million in new business investment to DuPage County, according to a Choose DuPage press release. 

Choose DuPage is a "public/private nonprofit countywide economic development alliance that promotes DuPage County as a premier business location." 

The press release was full of praise from Edward Don & Company's CEO, the DuPage County Board President and Choose DuPage on Edward Don's decision to stay in Illinois and  

"The village anticipates that over the next 30 years, Edward Don will generate approximately $39 million in sales tax, utility tax and property tax revenue," Senior Planner Emily Rodman wrote in an e-mail.

"Of that $39 million, the village anticipates it will rebate Edward Don approximately $10 million, or 25 percent of the revenues generated."

Edward Don's headquarters is just the first phase of what will be Woodridge's newest business park, located along Woodward Avenue and I-55.  

The move raised controversy and resident confusion last month had been approved by the Woodridge village board.

While the press release mentions 400 new jobs coming to DuPage County, it refers to the 400 Edward Don employees who will make the move, not 400 open positions. 

You can read the full Choose DuPage release below: 

(LISLE, IL) -- Edward Don and Company’s decision to move its corporate headquarters and logistics center to the Union Point Business Park in Woodridge, IL, means nearly $25 million in new business investment and 400 new jobs are coming to DuPage County. The announcement is the latest win for Choose DuPage, the county’s economic development organization.

Edward Don and Company is the world’s leading distributor of foodservice equipment and supplies. The company will immediately begin the $25 million construction of a 362,500 square foot facility at Woodward Avenue and Heritage Parkway in Woodridge to house nearly 400 employees.

“We would like to thank Edward Don for its commitment to DuPage County,” said Choose DuPage President and CEO Greg Bedalov. “On behalf of our business leaders, County Board Chairman Dan Cronin and our County Board members, we look forward to working with Edward Don executives as they complete their transition and create jobs in our region. This is another example of strong, focused efforts by public and private sector leaders working successfully to retain a great Illinois business and help it grow.“

The move completes Edward Don’s efforts for modernizing their facilities throughout their national network. The new facility will allow Edward Don to increase operational efficiency and strengthen their ability to serve all its market segments while growing its business. After considering locations outside the state of Illinois, Edward Don chose Woodridge, IL for its ability to allow the company to better manage its strategic objectives.

“Edward Don & Company is excited about this next stage in our growth and development as a company,” said Steve Don, President & CEO. “We are pleased with all the effort that was put forth by the State, DuPage County, Mayor Murphy and the staff of Woodridge to make the site in Woodridge our next home. The collaboration between our staff, McShane Companies, Gallagher & Henry and all the governmental entities is what made this project a reality.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will provide Edward Don with “Economic Development for a Growing Economy” (EDGE) tax credits, which are based on job creation, and a job training grant. The state’s business investment package is valued at approximately $4.5 million over 10 years and is contingent on the company meeting its investment and job numbers.

“We want to thank Gov. Quinn’s administration for making job retention and creation a top priority,” Bedalov said.

DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin praised the move.

“On behalf of the entire DuPage County Board, I am thrilled that Edward Don has elected to keep its headquarters and distribution facility in Illinois,” said Chairman Cronin. “I am especially pleased that DuPage County and Woodridge were able to meet their needs and I sincerely thank Edward Don for their commitment. The team at the county and Choose DuPage worked very diligently to assure that DuPage County was properly represented and it is my sincere belief that our combined efforts will continue to strengthen job growth and economic development within the region.”

“It really was a pleasure working with the state of Illinois and the village of Woodridge to assure that Edward Don would not only remain in the region but also grow its business here,” said Bedalov “Adding new jobs to the county has always been a primary goal for Choose DuPage. The direct sales tax component of their business model makes this opportunity even better for all parties.”

Founded in 1921, Edward Don has grown from a small family business to the world's leading distributor of foodservice equipment and supplies. Today, under the leadership of the Don family, Edward Don & Company serves over 35,000 customers throughout the world and employs over 1000 hard-working people, including 400 in Illinois. Drivers and warehouse workers in Illinois are represented by Teamster local 710.

Choose DuPage is the public/private nonprofit countywide economic development alliance that promotes DuPage County as a premier business location. In the face of regional and global competition for business investment, Choose DuPage marshals public and private sector leaders of DuPage County to:

• Support local municipal economic development efforts
• Grow, retain and attract business
• Leverage assets and partnerships
• Connect with state, regional and local public resources
• Promote a coordinated marketing message and county identity

To learn more, visit www.choosedupage.com or visit us on Facebook.