SYCAMORE | DeKalb County has “got it,” according to this year’s State of the County Address.

The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) held its annual State of the County program and dinner Tuesday at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau in Sycamore. The event was broken up into two sessions, with more than 390 people in attendance. During the program, the DCEDC elected their 2007 officers and board members.

The highlight of the evening was the State of the County Address given by Executive Director Roger Hopkins. His speech highlighted the major business developments in DeKalb County over the past year and previewed upcoming projects.

“This is the 20th year DCEDC has been in business,” Hopkins said. “We’ve been trying very hard to make it known that DeKalb County is the place to be.”

Hopkins said the county saw more than $90 million of industrial and commercial investment in 2006, and noted the progress of some of the more highly anticipated developments. Emphasis was placed on the expansion of Kishwaukee Community Hospital and its effects on the community and area businesses.

“We hope this area will continue to be absorbed as we await the continuing of the hospital,” Hopkins said. “This expansion will be a major benefit to the community.”

Hopkins said many of the projects along Ill. Route 23, like Portillo’s, Lundeen’s Discount Liquors and the major expansion to Menards, were highly successful.

Annie Glidden is likely to be reconstructed as a boulevard sometime this year, Hopkins said, in expectation of the new Schnucks and Ace Hardware being built along there.