The “Made in Kendall” recognition is a program of the Kendall County Economic Development Office with the goal of promoting manufacturing and supporting manufacturers and makers in Kendall County. For makers, it shines a light on something made locally that is of exceptional quality. The program underscores the value Kendall County places on manufacturing enterprises and helps encourage industry in the county.

PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA

1. The recognition process begins on October 1, 2024 with nominations accepted through November 29, 2024 for the inaugural “Made in Kendall” recognition. Announcement of the “Made in Kendall” recognition will be made at the January 2025 county board meeting with a board reception for recognition winners.
   
   
2. Nominations are accepted in three main divisions: Consumer Product, Industrial Product and Community Maker. The “Made in Kendall” designation need not be declared in every division or category each year.
   
   
3. Nominations in the Consumer Product and Industrial Product divisions will be judged on these criteria: product value, product quality, product durability, product design, and product uniqueness. The Community Maker designation is awarded based on community involvement, general public regard, and uniqueness of product or service.
   
   
4. The “Made in Kendall” recognition will be decided by a panel of three county board members appointed by the county board chairman.
   
   
5. The 2025 recipients of the “Made in Kendall” recognition will receive a plaque recognizing the company and its employees, recognition on the Kendall County boardroom permanent MIK plaque, and will receive social media promotion, and local publicity.
   
   
6. Eligibility. Products in the Consumer Product and Industrial Product divisions must be made in Kendall County. The manufacturer’s headquarters need not be in the county. Products must be made in the calendar year in which they are nominated. Assembled products and products finished in Kendall County may be nominated. Products nominated are subject to verification by the “Made in Kendall” panel or by the Kendall County Economic Development Office. Businesses in the Community Maker division must have been in operation for a minimum of six months.
   
   
7. Nominations. Nominations must include the name of the product, the name of the manufacturer, a short description of the product, and the name, email and telephone numbers of the person making the nomination. If possible, photos of the product should be submitted. Individuals may make up to three nominations per year per category and must be residents of Kendall County. The nominator’s contact information will not be revealed but will only be used for verification or follow-up questions. Nomination forms are located on the Kendall County website.

Forms:

Made in Kendall Community Marker Nomination

Made in Kendall Industrial Product Nomination

Made in Kendall Consumer Product Nomination