The DeKalb County Economic Development Corp. is planning a special Annual Dinner and State of the County program to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our countywide economic development partnership. This event has been scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 16 at Northern Illinois University’s Duke Ellington Ballroom in the Holmes Student Center.

The 25th Anniversary Annual Dinner will feature a keynote address from Harold L. “Hal” Sirkin, senior partner in the Chicago office of the Boston Consulting Group. Sirkin is an expert on globalization, business operations, innovation and change management. He also is lead author of BCG’s ongoing study of “reshoring” – the emerging trend of manufacturing returning to the U.S. from China and other countries. Sirkin and his co-authors have predicted a U.S. “manufacturing renaissance” because of the shifting economics of global production.

A special State of the County address will highlight key accomplishments during the 25-year history of DCEDC in addition to recent developments. The event will include a reception, dinner and brief annual meeting.