NW Illinois Film Office’s Gary Camarano Named Economic Development Director of the Year

The Northwest Illinois Region is celebrating a major professional achievement as Gary Camarano, Economic Development Director for Whiteside County and Executive Director of the Northwest Illinois Film Office, has been named Economic Development Director of the Year 2026 by Government Business Review. The national recognition highlights Camarano’s leadership in regional competitiveness, broadband deployment, workforce innovation, and strategic business development.

According to Government Business Review, Camarano earned the award for his “forward‑looking regional strategy, coalition‑building across public and private sectors, and measurable impact on economic growth throughout Northwest Illinois.” 

Regional Impact

Camarano has been instrumental in positioning Northwest Illinois as a competitive, innovation‑ready region. His work includes:

• Regional fiber broadband deployment, built through rigorous due diligence, a strong regional coalition, and a major grant award — a project now recognized as a model for rural digital infrastructure modernization.
• Workforce pipeline development, including apprenticeship programs that strengthen local talent in manufacturing, logistics, digital technology, and creative industries.
• Business attraction and retention, leveraging the region’s manufacturing heritage, multimodal transportation network, and cost advantages.
• Film industry development, expanding the Northwest Illinois Film Office’s role in regional marketing, tourism, and creative‑sector growth.

National Recognition

The Government Business Review profile emphasizes Camarano’s ability to align long‑term regional strengths with emerging economic opportunities, noting his leadership in broadband, workforce development, and regional competitiveness. 

“I’m honored by this recognition,” Camarano said. “Economic development is a team effort. Our region succeeds because our communities, businesses, educators, and civic leaders work together. Northwest Illinois has the workforce, infrastructure, and determination to compete nationally, and this award reflects that shared commitment.”

The Northwest Illinois Region – including Whiteside, Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Jo Daviess counties – is part of the Great Lakes manufacturing hub, one of the world’s largest industrial ecosystems. The region’s strengths in metal fabrication, logistics, agriculture, digital infrastructure, and creative industries continue to attract new investment and talent.

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