History of ICNC

 

 

A group of business owners came together in 1967 to address the deteriorating economic and social conditions on the Near West Side,  namely crime and garbage pick-up. ICNC was created out of this need to join together and protect the interests of business and continues that work today.

 

ICNC strengthened its role as an industrial and business advocate in the 1970’s and 1980’s.   In 1980, ICNC received a grant to purchase a large industrial building which enabled it to start one of the first business incubators in the country.  Soon thereafter, a new 501(c)(3) organization was formed, the Kinzie Industrial Development Corporation (KIDC), in an effort to expand and broaden the group’s economic development mission (KIDC operates under the same board, management and staff structure as ICNC). 

In the 1990’s, ICNC supported various initiatives intended to encourage long-term business investment in the area including the following designations:

1)  Chicago Industrial Corridor  (see Kinzie Corridor Map)

2)  Planned Manufacturing District (PMD) (see PMD Map)

3)  Tax Increment Financing District (TIF).  (see TIF Map)

Through increased funding and support, ICNC has been able to expand its services to companies.  In addition to advocacy and education, we offer job placement, training subsidies, small business assistance and much more.  With the increase in development and land values in the area, it is now more important than ever that we join together to ensure that the interests of business are protected.  

Our Appreciation to the past and present leaders of ICNC

 

ICNC Board Chairs 1967 to present: