This week, the 2026 Women to Watch Conference was held in Springfield. The annual event, hosted by the Illinois House Republican Caucus, brings together women leaders from across Illinois for a day of recognition and leadership development programming. State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) was honored to nominate DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) Executive Director Melissa Amedeo to be recognized at this year’s conference.
“It was my honor to nominate Melissa for this year’s Women to Watch Conference,” said Keicher. “She has demonstrated incredible leadership and dedication to foster economic growth and business development that has helped position DeKalb County to attract top talent and opportunities to the region. Melissa, thank you for the work you have done and continue to do to serve the residents of DeKalb County and the 70th House District.”
Melissa Amedeo has more than 30 years of experience in integrated marketing, business development, and strategy, and has worked with Fortune 500 companies such as Kellogg, Del Monte, and Butterball. She was instrumental in working with DCEDC and business, community, and institutional stakeholders throughout DeKalb County to create and deploy the Opportunity Unbound Branding Plan.
“I want to thank Rep. Keicher for nominating me for this year’s Women to Watch Conference,” said Amedeo. “It was an insightful conference, and I appreciated the opportunity to meet and network with women leaders from across Illinois.”
This year’s conference included a menu of activities at the State Capitol Complex, a networking lunch event, and a panel discussion. The panel included Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and the Lieutenant Governor of Iowa, Chris Gearhart Cournoyer. Following the panel discussion, participants had the opportunity to attend legislative activities at the Capitol and a social hour to connect with legislators, sponsors, and fellow nominees.
State Representative Jeff Keicher represents the 70th House District.