DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation names new exec. director

The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation has named Mark Williams as its new executive director.

Williams is currently the executive director of the business group called the Greater Freeport Partnership, and plans to move to DeKalb County to start his role effective Sept. 18, according to a news release from the economic development agency. Williams was appointed following the retirement of longtime DCEDC leader Paul Borek.

“We are pleased to announce that Mark Williams, an accomplished northern Illinois economic development executive, has accepted the position,” said DCEDC Board President Mike Kokott in a news release. “He has held a number of key positions in the region which gives him substantial knowledge of the area.”

In a statement, Williams said he’s excited about the opportunity. The appointment came after a nationwide search in Mary, Kokott said.

“I’m honored for the opportunity to lead DCEDC at a time when it is one of the most highly regarded and thriving corporate investment counties in the state. I look forward to adding value to the excellent work that Paul Borek, the staff and the DCEDC Board have achieved,” Williams said in a news release.

In Freeport, Williams lead a team focused on advancing business development, workforce development, tourism, downtown development, and community engagement in Stephenson County, according to the news release.

Undre Williams’ leadership, the group worked to advocate for contracts between the city of Freeport and Stephenson County to develop shovel-ready sites for investors and businesses. According to the news release, the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone attracted more than $201 million in investment, with 633 jobs since 2020 including notable projects cheesemakers Nuestro Queso, High Point Solar and The Meadows retail center in Freeport.

An enterprise zone is an economic tool often used by economic development corporations and municipalities to entice businesses to the area through tax incentives and other economic advocacy work.

Williams also has worked as economic development manager for the city of Rockford and helped develop projects in the city’s 32 tax increment finance (TIF) districts, two enterprise zones and the River Edge Redevelopment Zone in Rockford. In his Rockford role, Williams oversaw 191 projects which generated $1.3 billion in private investment and 6,145 jobs, according to the news release.

Williams also worked with Belvidere and Boone County economic group Growth Dimensions, according to the news release. Highlights include his work helping to retain the Chrysler Group in 2011 to expand the Belvidere Assembly Plant, a $700 investment which created 1,800 new jobs. His work helped oversee the development of six new Chrysler suppliers, according to the release, which created another 1,500 jobs.

The Belvidere Assembly Plant closed in the spring.

Williams also has worked with Northern Illinois University, helping to establish in Belvidere the Northern Illinois Regional Economic Development District and the Northern Illinois Commuter Rail Initiative, according to the news release.

Earlier this month, Gov. JB Pritzker announced a Metra commuter train expansion into Rockford, with stops planned in Belvidere and Huntley.

Williams serves in board leadership roles with two statewide organizations, the Illinois Economic Development Association and the Illinois Enterprise Zone Association. He was awarded the Illinois Development Council’s Distinguished Economic Developer of the Year Award in 2012.

Mark is a graduate of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

3654 N IL Rte 71, Sheridan, Illinois

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How to make new friends after 50

The early years of midlife are a hectic time for many people. Around the time many people reach their late 30s and early 40s, they’re balancing the responsibilities of a career and a family. But as people enter their 50s, some of those responsibilities tend to be less significant, leaving more time for recreational pursuits. Hobbies and other pursuits outside of work are often more fun when enjoyed with friends. People over 50 undoubtedly recognize that it’s not always so easy to make new friends, even though it’s undeniably beneficial to have supportive relationships into your golden years. A 2017 study from researchers at Michigan State University found that valuing friendships was a stronger predictor of health and happiness among older adults than valuing family. Those results align with an earlier Australian study that found Australians age 70 or older tended to live significantly longer if they had more strong friendships. Making friends after 50 might not be as simple as it was during your school days, but these strategies can help men and women in midlife build new friendships.

Identify your interests. Fiftysomethings who have spent the last couple of decades building a career and raising a family can give some serious thought to their interests outside of work or passions they hope to pursue now that they have more time to commit to such pursuits. The more interested you are in a given activity, the more likely you are to stick with it. And the longer you stick with something, the more likely you are to meet like-minded individuals (i.e., future friends) willing to make similar commitments.

Utilize social media. In years past, men and women over 50 may not have had any readily available tools to reach out and connect with new people. Social media has made it much easier to build such connections. Even the most obscure passions likely have a social media group of locals devoted to them, and these groups can be great ways to meet new people. A local runner’s club may have its own social media accounts, and local governments and community groups often share information about sports leagues and other groups via social media.

Sign up for group outings. Communities often sponsor group outings to museums, the theater, sporting events, and other day trips. Signing up for a bus trip to a local museum presents a great opportunity to meet people who share your interests, providing the potential to build lasting friendships built on a foundation of shared interests.

Broaden your horizons. Just because you’re in your 50s doesn’t mean your friends have to be. Don’t hesitate to invite younger or older acquaintances and colleagues over for dinner or on weekend excursions. Friends come in all shapes, sizes and ages, so you could be missing out if you’re not willing to extend a hand in friendship to people of different ages and backgrounds. Making friends after 50 can be challenging. However, various strategies can help men and women over 50 connect with new people.

The Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb is accepting pre-applications for the Low Income Public Housing Program from applicants who are income eligible and have two (2) or more local preferences. Sequoya Apartments in Shabbona is accepting applications from the Elderly and/ or Disabled. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is accepting applications from households who are income eligible and whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member is Elderly (62 or older) and/or households whose Head, Spouse or Sole Member has a verifiable Disability.

For more information, please call 815-758-2692, or applications are available online at

Household head/co-head must be 62+ or disabled for apartment eligibility. Section 8 subsidy available to reduce rent to 30% of adjusted income. Income limits apply. *Restrictions apply.