Elk Grove Village’s ongoing investment in brand
awareness pays off with vacancy rates at about 1%

Elk Grove Village, located 20 miles northwest of Chicago, is home to the largest Industrial Park in the United States. Despite that fact, in 2012, the Village struggled with a low-business occupancy rate due to the loss of manufacturing jobs and excessive taxation. Economic development poses many challenges beyond reputation. Factors like finding the right building or space, pricing, and access to transportation must align perfectly. It’s not just about the site itself; brokers and site selectors play a crucial role in finding the right space by guiding companies to understanding the value of relocating or expanding their business footprint. This process is complicated by the ever-evolving business needs and market dynamics, requiring developers to not only cater to current demands but also anticipate future trends.

• Internal Stakeholder Engagement: An internal brand launch and culture realignment equipped Village staff (Police, Fire, Public Works and Village Employees) with communication tools to support prospective and current businesses in thriving and growing in the community.
• Supporting Current Businesses: We developed campaigns and business-building strategies, including leadership and workforce development events, to help businesses prosper and scale.

• Outreach and Brand Awareness: Leveraged integrated marketing strategies to position Elk Grove as the Nation’s Largest Business Park with strong value propositions like tax incentives and access to transportation to attract new businesses.
• Experiential Campaigns: The “Made In Elk Grove Village Manufacturing and Technology Expo” became a key initiative, offering resident businesses exposure and access to sales opportunities.
• National Campaign: we launched a targeted national campaign series. This included a diverse media mix that drove traffic to the Makers Wanted microsite and featured resident businesses.
• Multi-Touch Lead Generation Campaign: Launched in 2021, this campaign targeted Manufacturing Business Leaders, Commercial Real Estate Brokers, and businesses seeking proximity to Data Centers, focusing on regional advantages, a talent-ready workforce, and infrastructure benefits.

Setting a Benchmark for Economic Development

Under the leadership of Mayor Johnson, the Village Economic Development team and the collaborative efforts of Red Caffeine, Elk Grove Village has emerged as a symbol of resilience and dedication to its business-friendly brand promise. The Village’s comprehensive response and its ongoing efforts to support its business community have set a new benchmark for municipal leadership. This case exemplifies how a strong brand vision, coupled with a commitment to community and business partnership, can navigate challenges and foster collective success. Elk Grove Village stands as a testament to the enduring impact of being truly “Beyond Business Friendly.”