IDEAL Industries, Inc. Celebrates Park Opening

Prominent Illinois manufacturer IDEAL Industries, Inc. celebrates its centennial in DeKalb County by opening a new walking path for the local community.

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IDEAL leadership smiling with Sycamore firefighters in front of fire truck

SYCAMORE, ILL. – IDEAL Industries, Inc., a global leader in electrical, power management, and industrial charging solutions, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 20 for the grand opening of “The Connector”, a 0.7-mile, ADA-accessible walking path and biking loop near its global headquarters in Sycamore, Illinois. The project was built on land donated to the City of Sycamore by the company and financed through the IDEAL Industries Foundation and a $500,000 gift from the IDEAL® family owners.

 

The grand opening celebrations were attended by IDEAL company leadership, IDEAL family members, local dignitaries, first responders, Sycamore school district leadership, and other members of the community.

 

IDEAL Industries, Inc. CEO Steve Henn opened the ceremony by explaining why IDEAL wanted to construct the path – because it felt aligned to the company’s values in being accountable as a good corporate partner to the city of Sycamore. He noted, “We want people to enjoy the community, live in the community, and raise their families here. And this is part of us giving back and doing what we think is the right thing for the community. We always want to know what we can do to help make Sycamore better. This is one more way for us to show our appreciation to the city, what they’ve done for us, and we can all move forward together.”

In her centennial celebration remarks, Foundation Executive Director Nicole Juday explained that IDEAL Industries, Inc. is the oldest company in the city of Sycamore that has been continuously run. She emphasized, “That’s significant. There’s lots of reasons why companies thrive and succeed, but community is definitely an element. And this community has been such a wonderful one for IDEAL to be in for 100 years. It’s great to see so many people from the community here today. Thank you all for being here today and for the work you all do.”

 

Sycamore Mayor Steve Braser emphasized his gratitude and the strong relationship between IDEAL and the city’s residents.

 

“I get to represent the City of Sycamore to say thank you to IDEAL Industries – not only for this, but for all the other gifts you’ve given us. I can’t tell you how many clubs, organizations, and foundations that IDEAL Industries and their employees have given back to. Their employees serve in rotary clubs, Lions clubs, school boards, education foundations – it’s just been a total gift the whole time through.”

Men exchanging microphone

Mayor Braser was impressed by all that the path has become, noting the accessibility and ecological plantings. “We’re so fortunate as a city to have [IDEAL] here, and that they chose Sycamore [as a headquarters] 100 years ago.”

 

After the remarks, the ribbon was cut, and the path was officially opened. IDEAL also hosted three separate celebration ceremonies where their employees got a chance to enjoy a celebratory meal and be some of the first community members to enjoy a walk on the path.

 

The new walking path is an initiative of the IDEAL Industries Foundation – an organization that strives to promote good corporate citizenship in the local community. The Foundation is currently celebrating a “Century in Sycamore”, marking the 100-year anniversary of IDEAL Industries, Inc. relocating its headquarters to Sycamore. The Foundation financed and constructed The Connector as part of the year’s celebrations.

 

Designed by landscape architecture firm Robinson Anderson Summers, The Connector’s main path encircles an existing pond within the IDEAL Prairie Business Park. In the future, additional secondary trails will provide access to the waterfront and scenic overlooks, while the park’s ecological plantings will include native trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials to support pollinators, birds, and other animals. The natural area represents the IDEAL commitment to environmental stewardship and the promotion of biodiversity.

 

IDEAL Industries, Inc. is proud to celebrate its centennial by giving back to the local DeKalb County community. With the opening of The Connector, the company is excited to strengthen its local partnerships and establish a new, beautiful natural area for the local community to enjoy.

 

About IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.

IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. is a global, diversified family-owned business designing and manufacturing superior products for the electrical, power management and industrial charging industries. The 108-year-old company was founded in 1916 on the premise of forging ideal relationships with customers, employees, partners, and communities. The company has consistently grown and expanded under five generations of family ownership. For more information, visit www.idealindustries.com.

Crowd from behind listening to speker, Steve Henn, give speech

THE IDEAL FAMILY