Rivian shook up the automotive world by reimagining the American pickup truck for a new era. To turn its vision into reality, the electric vehicle maker relied on a time-tested formula for success. Namely, it sought to make a home where the crucial ingredients of a welcoming community, skilled talent, and convenient location all come together. Zach Dietmeier, Rivian’s Senior Manager of Plant Communications and Policy, told Intersect Illinois about how Normal, IL has become home to the company’s tremendous growth.
Read the interview here.
Meet Economic Driver: Joey Mak, CEO, Chicago:Blend
It’s an honor to elevate our next few Economic Drivers in celebration of Pride Month, starting with Chicago:Blend CEO Joey Mak, a lifelong Illinoisan!
Pride Month 2026: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Enterprise and Leadership in Illinois
Every June, Pride Month offers us the chance to recognize the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, advocates, and community builders who help make Illinois a place where people—and the businesses they create—can belong, invest, and grow.
Meet Economic Driver: Sandeep Nain, President & CEO, SNtial Technologies, Inc.
We’re thrilled to profile SNtial Technologies, Inc. President & CEO Sandeep Nain to close out this month’s installment of Economic Drivers in honor of May’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. The Illinois EDC board member has lived and worked in Illinois for 32 years.
