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.
New board members from ADM, Comcast, and Northwestern Support Illinois EDC’s Pro-Growth Strategy
Illinois EDC welcomes new board members The Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) today announced new appointments to its board of directors: Mung Chiang(opens in new tab), President of Northwestern University, Chris Cuddy(opens in new tab), ADM senior vice president and president of the company’s global Carbohydrate Solutions business unit and North America region, and…
Meet Our 2026 Summer Interns
Illinois EDC revitalized its internship program this summer, welcoming a cohort of hard-working and curious young professionals to its Marketing, Communications, Research, Business Development, and Quantum Teams. Illinois EDC’s summer interns have gotten a front-row seat to the fast-growing industries shaping the state’s future and have helped the organization in its mission to bring new…
[Webinar Recap] The Metro East Advantage: Why High-Growth Industries Should Pick the Illinois Side of St. Louis
Ask a site selector to picture the Illinois side of St. Louis, and too many still see flat farmland. Illinois EDC’s recent webinar, The Metro East Advantage: Why High-Growth Industries Should Pick the Illinois Side of St. Louis, set out to change that picture—thanks to the people building there right now, from academia to government to industry. We brought…
