What happens when competing communities decide to collaborate instead?

In this episode, Dennis Fraise sits down with Kevin Considine, Board Chair of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership and CEO of Lake County Partners, and shares how a coalition of counties around Chicago is redefining economic development through regional alignment.

Kevin unpacks the origins and evolution of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), offering a behind-the-scenes look at how trust was built across jurisdictions, how funding models are shifting, and why collaboration is delivering better outcomes for business attraction and growth.

From leveraging global assets like O'Hare International Airport to positioning Chicagoland as a powerhouse in logistics and B2B industries, this episode is a must-listen for professionals looking to move from competition to coordination.

Key Takeaways

Regional collaboration creates a stronger, more compelling value proposition for site selectors and investors
The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership is a model for aligning multiple jurisdictions under one strategy
Trust—not structure—is the foundation of successful regional initiatives
Global assets like O'Hare International Airport serve as economic anchors for the entire region
Transitioning from public to private funding can strengthen long-term sustainability
Maintaining local identity while promoting a unified regional brand is critical

Key Topics Covered

The formation and early success of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership
Why collaboration is outperforming traditional inter-community competition
Leveraging regional assets, including logistics infrastructure and innovation ecosystems
Funding evolution: from public sector support to private investment
Building trust across counties, municipalities, and leadership teams
International engagement and positioning Chicagoland globally
Lessons learned from launching and scaling a regional initiative

Memorable Sound Bites

"It just makes sense from a customer perspective."
"Chicago is the B2B capital of logistics in the US."
"O'Hare is a huge economic engine for the region."