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Bonita Parker has worked in different capacities throughout the years and is now the Chairwoman of the Chicago Southland Chamber Board of Directors.

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LLINOIS RANKS #2 STATE IN THE NATION FOR CORPORATE INVESTMENT

Chicago takes the title as ‘Top Metro’ in the nation for 10th straight year

CHICAGO — Site Selection Magazine –an international industry-leading business publication -- released its annual corporate expansion and relocation rankings, naming Illinois 2nd in the nation for corporate projects and Chicago the Top Metro for the 10th year in a row. The publication noted 487 Illinois projects in 2022, moving the state up from the number three spot in the previous year’s rankings.

The issue also named the Chicago metropolitan area as the Top Metro for corporate investment for the 10th straight year. With a growing reputation as a tech hub with Google’s purchase of the Thompson Center and new headquarters moving in, such as Kellogg, Chicago continues to bolster its reputation as a global powerhouse.

This follows a recent report from Moody’s stating, “Illinois has been one of the Midwest’s stronger performers during the past year. Led by the Chicago metro division, job growth has outpaced that of the Midwest and brought the pandemic jobs recovery in line with the region’s. Most major privatesector industries are moving in the right direction.”

The State of Illinois has created an environment where companies can thrive through unprecedented investments in our infrastructure and our workforce, while also developing cutting edge programs that bring economic growth and jobs to the state. Illinois recently launched a $400 million invest in Illinois fund to attract large businesses and stay competitive with other states, expanded incentives for the clean energy industry, and made it easier for companies to apply for EDGE – the state’s primary incentive program.

The state also announced $40 million in grants to supercharge the development of megasites - large, developed sites ready for occupancy for manufacturers, distribution centers, industrial centers, and more. These grants will increase the number of investment-ready sites in Illinois and increase the state’s competitiveness for large-scale projects.

Similarly, the State of Illinois – which was recently named the top state in the Midwest for Workforce development by Site Selection - has made unprecedented investments in training programs and workforce facilities, including Manufacturing Training Academies, Illinois Works preapprenticeship programs, and nearly $180 million annually for clean energy jobs training and community support efforts under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).

Site Selection’s yearly analyses are regarded by corporate real estate analysts as “the industry scoreboard.” To qualify, projects must meet one or more of these criteria: investment of $1M or more, creation of 20 or more new jobs or 20,000 sq. ft. or more of new space.

2023 Ilbcf Scholarship Application

NOW OPEN

Since 2002, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation has given out more than $1 MILLION in scholarships.

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for our annual scholarships. The deadline for submission is May 31.

Students who are matriculating to an accredited 2- or 4-year post-secondary institution of higher learning are eligible and encouraged to apply.

To apply, visit https://tinyurl. com/2wfxyhvn

For additional inquiries or difficulties with your submission, email: scholarship@ ilbcf.org.