We are a dedicated team ready to assist you in your site selection and business needs. We provide up-to-date market data, site information and business intelligence. Our approach is rooted in the core belief of a high performing public-private partnership. We understand that your project is a priority and we will do everything to meet or exceed your expectations.

When you invest in Aurora, speed to market is critical. You can expect quick response times to your requests. Our partnership begins with discussing your business goals and objectives. From there we formulate a realistic timetable and action plan. We incorporate a "can do" approach with our Development Services Team (DST) in order to achieve your goals on time and on budget. At the Aurora Economic Development Commission, “You are the priority.”

To promote, attract, and retain commercial and industrial development in the City of Aurora. To enhance the quality of life for Aurora citizens by creating quality jobs and attracting revenue generators to the community.

Sherman L. Jenkins, Executive Director
sjenkins@aurora-il.org or 630-897-5500

Sherman L. Jenkins is Executive Director of the Aurora Economic Development Commission (AEDC). He has held this position since April, 1999 after having served as Assistant Director of the AEDC since September, 1991. Before joining the AEDC, he served as Assistant Director of Corporate Relations at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. Prior to working at his alma mater, Jenkins served as Senior Account Executive with Golin/Harris Communications, Inc. in Chicago, IL the national public relations firm for McDonald’s Corporation, where he directed various nation public relations programs.

Mr. Jenkins is a member of the Rotary Club of Aurora and serves on the boards of the Aurora Public Library Foundation Board and the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce. A trustee of the Copley Healthcare Foundation at Rush-Copley Medical Center.

Kathy Leonard, Research Assistant

Mike Turner, Retail Consultant

David Dorgan, Downtown Development Consultant / Seize the Future Foundation