Illinois businessclimate.com/Illinois
The State of Innovation
Discovery Zone Top talent breeds breakthrough economy
A Global Address
State is at the crossroads of international commerce Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity | 2013
Here’s what Illinois’ second-largest city has to offer …
Riveredge Park Opening June 2013
Home to Fortune 1,000 and 500 companies and Business Parks
‌ and an excellent quality of life that is second to none
•Aurora, Illinois • The City of Lights and Illinois’ Second-Largest City The city of Aurora, Illinois, is located 40 miles west of Chicago, Illinois, and is currently the secondlargest city in the state of Illinois with an estimated population of more than 200,000. It has been one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing cities for the past 10 years and has been ranked by Money magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live” in the United States. The city has a progressive and professional city government headed by a full-time mayor and a council of part-time aldermen from wards throughout the city. A diversified city with a balanced combination of industrial, high technology, retail, service, agricultural enterprise and cultural activity, Aurora is located in four counties: Kane, Kendall, Will and DuPage. Founded in 1837, Aurora was the world’s first city to have an electric street lighting system, thus the nickname The City of Lights. Moreover, Aurora was the first city to have an organized public school system in Illinois. Being first in the northern Illinois region has been a trademark that has made Aurora attractive to home buyers and businesses alike. Aurora’s infrastructure is superb with five interchanges off Interstate 88 and a full-service corporate aircraft facility: The Aurora Municipal Airport. Situated just outside the Class B airspace for O’Hare International Airport, the airport is open 24-hours a day and averages 450 flights daily. Home to manufacturing firms and service industries, both national and international, Aurora has amassed 17 first-class business parks. Coupled with these business parks are outstanding public and parochial schools. Higher education is a premier asset in the Aurora area with Aurora University, Waubonsee Community College, the College of DuPage, Northern Illinois University, Illinois Institute of Technology and Rasmussen College. The city has a 60-mile fiber-optic network to serve the high-speed needs of the business community. Aurora has one of the largest downtown areas outside the city of Chicago (3,200 acres) that is fast becoming a destination for entertainment, dining and urban living. Downtown Aurora is the home of such notable entities and events as the Foxwalk, which encircles the downtown area, the Hollywood Casino, the Paramount Theater, Two Brothers Roundhouse Restaurant and Banquet Complex, Scitech Hands-On Museum, Downtown Alive Summer Entertainment Series, and Blues on the Fox. The Fox River, which originates northwest of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, runs through the heart of the downtown and provides considerable recreational opportunity and is within easy access of the more than 7 million people living in the greater Chicago metropolitan area. With growth occurring at a rapid pace, Aurora is a city to enjoy, a city at work and a city poised to remain A City Second to None.
City of Aurora • City Hall • 44 E. Downer Pl. Aurora, IL 60507 • (630) 256-INFO (4636)
www.aurora-il.org
The location that connects you to the Midwest … and the world www.i88west.com
At a cost that connects with your bottom line
ACCESS. AFFORDABILITY. AND QUALITY OF LIFE. You’ll find it all in the I-88 West Corridor You need a location that balances operating costs and quality of life. Delivers ready-market access. And is in a community that will work with you – today and for years to come. That’s why the I-88 West Corridor is the right location for your business.
Close to the Midwest’s major population and distribution centers – without the cost and hassle of a metro location. Our central location is just 70 miles west of the Chicago suburbs, 40 miles east of the Quad Cities, and within hours of Minneapolis, St. Louis and Milwaukee. The perfect location for the logistics, distribution and manufacturing industries.
Lower wage and benefit costs Your dollars go further in the I-88 West Corridor: Wages for typical distribution center positions are 6-13% lower than the U.S. average.
“... a very business-friendly environment. We’ve expanded twice and doubled our workforce – proof that this was a smart choice for us.”
The I-88 West region is one of the few pockets left in the state of Illinois with very low union activity as measured by union elections per 100,000 population.
Ready-to-go sites and buildings You’ll find a variety of shovel-ready sites that can accommodate facilities of 500,000 sq. ft. or more, plus a number of attractive existing buildings. And we offer exceptional savings over a comparable suburban Chicago location – for instance, the cost of building a distribution center in the I-88 West Corridor is 38% lower than the cost of building a similar-sized facility in suburban Chicago.
Tim Gonnigam, Astec Mobile Screens
Aggressive state and regional business incentives The communities along our corridor offer some of the country’s best business incentives and have a history of adapting over time to meet changing business needs. Work with us to create jobs in our community and you may qualify for: • Tax credits – on machinery, equipment and buildings • Tax exemptions – on machinery and utilities • Tax abatements – from 60% to 94%!
Plus! The area offers:
Easy access to intermodal transportation Volatile fuel costs make it critical to have ready access to multiple shipping options. The I-88 West Corridor delivers. • Highways – I-88 connects you directly to the Chicago area and to other metro hubs throughout the Midwest • Rail – Both Union Pacific & Burlington Northern run through the region • Air – Four nearby airports including O’Hare International • Port access – at the Mississippi barge in nearby Fulton • Global III Intermodal hub – just 15 miles away
A growing pool of skilled labor With a civilian labor shed of approximately 76,000, the region has 9,650 available workers for new or expanding businesses. The I-88 West region has the skilled, ready workforce you need to locate or expand your business. The local workforce is well educated, experienced and growing. Two-thirds of the area’s underemployed workers have experience in manufacturing or logistics, so you’ll be able to get your business up and running, quickly and smoothly.
• Enterprise zones • Tax incremental financing • Foreign trade zones
The I-88 West Corridor recently extended water and sewer four miles to turn a farm field into a major distribution center.
Employee-friendly living We deliver what it takes to attract and retain top-notch employees. • Short commutes – and no traffic jams • Low crime rates • Affordable housing
$1.6 billion in corporate investment since 2000 These top businesses have already discovered the advantages of an I-88 West Corridor location: • Anchor/CAT • Raynor • Astec Mobile Screens • Spectrum Brands • Borg Warner • Sterling Steel LLC • Duke Energy • Timken Inc. • Frantz Manufacturing Company • UPM Raflatac • IFH Group • Wahl Clipper Corporation • Halo Corporation • Wal-Mart Distribution Center
• Excellent schools • Plus! A cost of living that’s nearly 25% lower than U.S. averages
I-88 West Population The I-88 West region and the neighboring area has a population of approximately 141,600.
Cut costs. Speed time to market. Create success. Discover the difference an I-88 West Corridor location can make for your business. Call today to get more details! Visit us at www.i88west.com.
Sandy Henrekin, Rock Falls – (815) 626-8053 Heather Sotelo, Sterling – (815) 625-5255 Betty Steinert, Whiteside – (815) 772-5175 John Thompson, Dixon – (815) 284-3361 The I-88 West Corridor Association is comprised of business and community leaders from Sterling, Rock Falls and Dixon, Ill., as well as officials from Lee and Whiteside counties, who collaborate to advance economic development opportunities within the region.
Illinois the State of Innovation
30 Workstyle Power Player
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Innovation, talented workforce propel Illinois growth trajectory
Global Address
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Illinois is at the crossroads of international commerce
In High Gear
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Diverse, innovative manufacturing segment builds Illinois economy
Discovery Zone
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Life sciences, biopharma firms breed new breakthroughs in Illinois
Setting the Table
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State’s agriculture, food producers feed the world
Wealth of Resources
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Illinois makes dollars and sense for the financial services industry
Powering New Technologies
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Robust support system fuels growth of Illinois clean-energy companies
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Table of Contents Continued on Page 9
On the Cover Globally known research assets like the Argonne National Laboratory make Illinois a leader in innovation. Photo by Jeff Adkins
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Insight Technology 64 Transportation & Logistics
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Education & Workforce
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Economic Profile
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Livability Health Care
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Livability 90 Gallery 96
Special advertising sections: Economic Development Council Leadership Council All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
Please recycle this magazine
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Fostering Economic Opportunity and Personal Growth. Grow.
Thrive.
work.
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Belvidere-Boone County is the midpoint to the I-90 Regional City – a region anchored by the cities of Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Rockford
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More than 275 acres of shovel-ready sites in industrial and corporate parks
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Several industrial sites in Boone County with access t o the Union Pacific
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55 miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport
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16 minutes from Chicago Rockford International Airport
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The Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) is being rebuilt and widened as a state-of-the-art, 21st-century corridor all part of the Tollway Authority
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Low taxes and enterprise zone benefits and incentive tools available
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Significant Northern Illinois location and expansion projects within the automotive, manufacturing and aerospace industries
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Recent international investment projects in and around the Belvidere-Boone County community
LEadinG manuFacturinG rEGiOn
Live.
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First in aerospace manufacturing in Illinois
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Second in manufacturing employment in Illinois
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Second in industrial machine manufacturing and in on- and off-road vehicle manufacturing in Illinois
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In 2012, the Chrysler Group invested $700 million in the Belvidere Assembly plant, a facility that has been rated as one of the most competitive automotive plants across Europe and North America. Please visit our website to read more on why Belvidere was the choice for this significant Illinois project.
200 S. State St. • Belvidere, IL 61008 (815) 547-4252 tel • (866) 353-2772 fax info@growthdimensions.org www.growthdimensions.org
Illinois ONLINE
l if e s t y l e | w o r k s t y l e | di g g i n g d e e p e r | v id eo | l i n k t o u s | a d v e r t is e | c o n ta c t u s | si t e m a p
the State of Innovation
CONNECTIONS
An online resource at www.businessclimate.com/illinois
digital Magazine >>
Lifestyle Find out what it’s like to live in Illinois and what makes the state such a special place to be.
Read the magazine on your computer, zoom in on articles and link to advertiser websites. major employers>> Find out about the companies and industry sectors driving job growth in the state.
Workstyle We put a spotlight on innovative companies that call Illinois home.
success breeds success >> Meet the people who set the pace for business innovation. Dig Deeper >> Plug into Illinois with links to local websites and resources to give you a big picture of the region. demographics >> A wealth of demographic and statistical information puts the entire state at your fingertips.
See the Video Our award-winning photographers give you a virtual tour of unique spaces, places and faces.
guide to services >> Find links to a cross section of goods and services special to Illinois.
go online
www.businessclimate.com/illinois
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LITCHFIELD … more than a GREAT Location! Litchfield is the most accessible and strategic commercial and industrial location between the St. Louis metropolitan area and Springfield, Illinois, for manufacturing, distribution/logistics, processing, retail and hospitality businesses. Interstate 55 and Illinois 16 intersect at our industrial parks and commercial districts, providing direct transportation access and connections to all major U.S. markets. Access to a multimodal transportation network and our proximity to two metropolitan areas put businesses in Litchfield within easy reach of regional markets and national connections. We are truly a crossroads of opportunity with regional influence. Litchfield offers an affordable environment for businesses that want to easily access the large number of end users, consumers, transportation links and potential visitors found in large markets. Litchfield offers new and expanding businesses the appeal of a sustainable and stable community featuring regional health care services, quality recreational opportunities and affordable Midwestern living, all in proximity to the convenience and excitement of nearby metropolitan areas.
Blue ring = 500 miles Tan ring = 1,000 miles
REGIONAL AREA Distance to:
MAJOR HIGHWAYS: Litchfield has direct access to Interstate 55 and Illinois Route 16. There are two alignments of the Route 66 National Scenic Bi-way that run through Litchfield.
St. Louis, MO Indianapolis, IN Chicago, IL Kansas City, MO Kansas City, KS Cincinnati, OH Milwaukee, WI Nashville, TN
From Litchfield, IL: 56 miles 211 miles 245 miles 296 miles 299 miles 317 miles 329 miles 331 miles
City of LitChfieLd eConomiC deveLopment offiCe 120 E. Ryder St. • Litchfield, IL 62056 (217) 324-5253 • citygov@cityoflitchfieldil.com www.cityoflitchfieldil.com • www.litchfieldil-development.com
Rochelle, Illinois
Illinois the State of Innovation
Digital Edition
Union Pacific Railroad
Global III Intermodal Park
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad
In order for businesses to deliver products on budget and on time, they need transportation systems that are in place and ready to go. Here in Rochelle we’ve built multiple transportation systems that offer flexibility and low cost options:
Share with a friend Easily share an interesting article, stunning photo or advertisement of your business on Facebook, Twitter or via email.
HAVE A BLOG OR WEBSITE? Embed the digital magazine into your site to add compelling information about the successful businesses located here, what it’s like to work here and why it’s a great place to live.
• Dual-switching access to both UP and BNSF railroads • The 1,200-acre Global III Intermodal Park • Immediate access to I-39 and I-88 interstate systems For the past 10 years our transportation systems have been attracting businesses from all over the world.
$1.2 Billion Capital Investment
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New & Expanding Businesses and Industries
1,500 New Jobs
DO MORE THAN JUST READ ABOUT IT Hear from decision-makers at leading companies, see video of the region’s success stories and find links to useful demographic information and information sources. Manufacturing
Logistics
Technology
www.businessclimate. com/illinois
(815) 562-7595 • www.cityofrochelle.net
Elk Grove Village Beyond Business Friendly Location
Location
Location Elk Grove Village boasts the largest business park in the United States. Search available buildings and sites at www.elkgrovesites.com. For more information on doing business in Elk Grove Village, use your smartphone or tablet QR code scanner to view Elk Grove Village’s profile on Today in America with Terry Bradshaw.
Elk Grove’s unique location in the heart of Chicagoland includes: •
Adjacent to O’Hare International Airport and the City of Chicago
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Direct access to the major interstates (I-90, 290, 294 and 355) serving metropolitan Chicago
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Rail service throughout the business park
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Robust and diverse business base
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Exceptional business-friendly climate
Josh Grodzin CEcD, Director of Business Development • 847-357-4005 • jgrodzin@elkgrove.org Call or email now and receive a complimentary copy of The Elk Grove Book. The limited edition book is the definitive publication on Elk Grove Village industry and commerce.
Overview
10 Good Reasons to Live and Work in Illinois State creates a dynamic and diverse economy
1. State of innovation: Illinois has developed thriving industry sectors in areas such as clean energy, information technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and financial services.
2. Where the world does business: With its $679
billion economy, Illinois is an international center of global commerce. It would rank as one of the top 20 largest economies in the world if it were a stand-alone nation. Foreign direct investment accounts for nearly 323,000 jobs in Illinois, more than 5 percent of its private-sector workforce and fifth among states.
3. Crossroads of America: A sophisticated
transportation infrastructure includes ports, extensive rail systems, a network of interstate highways connecting major markets and one of the world’s busiest airports, O’Hare in Chicago.
Rockford Waukegan
Elgin
Naperville Chicago Cicero Aurora
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39
Joliet 80
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55
Kankakee
39
Peoria
57
Bloomington 55
74
Champaign Springfield
72
Decatur 57
55
70
70 57
East St. Louis 64
4. Capital of commerce: The state is home to 32 Fortune 500 companies (fourth among states) and a roster of companies known round the world including Boeing, McDonald’s, Allstate, Caterpillar, Kraft Foods and Archer Daniels Midland. 5. World headquarters for smart people: More
than 60 percent of the workforce has a degree beyond high school, the highest educational attainment in the Midwest, and nearly 31 percent of workers over age 25 have a bachelor’s degree. The state is also home to world-renowned research-based universities, major national labs, including Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Lab, and international research centers and institutes.
6. Discovery zone: With its roots in agriculture
innovation and a long history of technological breakthroughs in biotech, chemistry and physics, Illinois is a breeder reactor of life sciences advancement in pharmaceutics, medical devices, nutritional products, and food and agricultural applications, with more than 2,000 companies and 62,000 workers in the life sciences/ biotech sector.
7. Made in Illinois: The state has a long industrial
heritage, but the sector is not standing still. Manufacturing in Illinois has evolved into an advanced, technology-driven enterprise with segments that run the gamut from electronics to aerospace to pharmaceuticals.
8. Feed the world: The state’s 76,000 farms cover more than 28 million acres, nearly 80 percent of the state’s total land area, and produce a diversity of commodities from soybeans to corn to hogs and beef cattle. The state is also a major center of value-added food production. 9. Cultured pearls: Illinois embraces its diversity in culture, cuisine and entertainment – Chicago alone has 5,000 restaurants. World-renowned galleries, museums and entertainment venues can be found in every corner of Illinois.
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10. Past and present: Illinois, the place where Abe Carbondale 57
Lincoln rose to prominence, is rich in history and has a penchant for making history accessible. It is a state of bright lights and big stars appearing at the Windy City’s legendary theaters, but also a state of open places and spectacular natural attractions, from the shores of Lake Michigan to the Shawnee National Forest. w w w . b u si n e ssc l i m a t e . c o m / i l l i n o is
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Overview
A Welcome from Gov. Pat Quinn Illinois: A Leader in Innovation at the Crossroads of America Greetings! As Governor of the State of Illinois, I am pleased to present you with this inaugural edition of the Illinois – The State of Innovation. Illinois’ workforce is one of the most well-educated and productive in the nation. We are leaders in innovation and are home to many world-class institutions. As a state, we are the fifth-largest economy in the nation and one of the 20 largest economies in the world. Thirty-two Fortune 500 companies call us home including Boeing, McDonald’s, Caterpillar and Abbott Labs – but it doesn’t end there. The story of our economy begins with the competitive advantages of our location. Illinois is situated at the crossroads of America and we, therefore, possess strong logistical capabilities that allow us to move products throughout the United States quickly and efficiently. From air to waterways to rail, Illinois is one of the busiest container hubs in the world. Moreover, innovation is a major economic driver in the Land of Lincoln. We are home to the first cell phone, the first Web browser and the first LED. We are a nexus for products, people and ideas, which is why so many research and development institutions have chosen to establish themselves in Illinois including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Argonne National Lab, Fermilab and the University of Illinois. I am committed to moving Illinois forward into the ever-changing 21st century. Our innovative spirit and our most valuable resource – our people – will ensure our economic vitality. I invite you to join us. Sincerely,
Pat Quinn Governor
State of Illinois Office of the Governor
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Almanac Exporting Capitalism Skokie is the home of Bay.ru, a company that has become known as the “eBay of Russia.” Bay.ru was Launched in 2007 by brothers Anton and Gene German, who emigrated to Illinois from Russia when they were youths. They’ve built Bay.ru into Russia’s fastest-growing e-commerce site. Bay.ru uses several trusted shipping partners throughout Russia to deliver merchandise, and it operates a network of more than 500,000 pay stations that enable customers to buy with cash. For more, visit www.bay.ru to learn more. P h o t o C o u r t e s y o f C l ay E n o s
Silver Screen Delivers Golden Revenue The entertainment industry is a box office hit in Illinois. Film and television productions spent about $161 million in the state in 2010, and it is estimated to have spent about $185 million in 2012 thanks to four new television dramas. Film and television production created more than 1,200 jobs in Illinois, in addition to supporting local products suppliers. The upcoming blockbuster movie Man of Steel is the most recent film project that Illinois has hosted. Man of Steel was filmed in and around Plano, which served as Clark Kent’s hometown of Smallville. For more information, visit www.www.illinoisfilm.biz.com.
ronald lives here It is not just one of the world’s best-known restaurants, it also one of the world’s best-known brands, and it is based in Illinois. Though founded in California in 1948, McDonald’s has a long history in Illinois, dating to 1955 when Ray Kroc, who built the chain into a national and then international powerhouse, opened a McDonald’s in Des Plaines. Today, the Oak Brook-based company is the world’s leading global food-service retailer, with more than 34,000 locations serving approximately 69 million customers in 119 countries. More than 80 percent of the company’s restaurants are independently operated. The iconic Ronald McDonald character first appeared in the company’s television ads in 1966. For more, go to www.aboutmcdonalds.com.
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Prosperity in a Box Platt Luggage Inc. is a leading manufacturer of professional cases and luggage for numerous industries. Benjamin Platt founded Platt Luggage, and Platt has been manufacturing its cases in Chicago since 1921. Since then, Platt’s cases have been used by countless travelers through the rise of mass transportation by airplane and automobile. Platt has been an innovator in the luggage industry, the first company to introduce features such as combination locks on luggage, cushioned handles and urethane pallets, to name a few. Platt uses state-of-the-art technologies to design and fabricate its cases including computer-aided design software and CNC production machinery. Learn more about the company at www.plattcases.com.
Controlling The World
Built by Hand
Champaign is home to two major remote and radio-controlled hobby products distributors.
Klein Tools is a major manufacturer of hand tools for professional tradesmen. The tools Klein manufactures - and almost all of them are made in the United States – are used in several industries including construction, aviation and mining. Mathias Klein founded Klein Tools in 1857, and the company continues to be family owned and managed. Klein produces more than 3,000 tools and accessories including everything from pliers and bolt cutters to fish tapes and voice-data-video testers. Klein has chosen Illinois as the home for several of its manufacturing sites as well as its corporate headquarters. Find more information at www.kleintools.com.
Horizon Hobby is an employee-owned company with 700 workers. Although Horizon has numerous facilities around the world, Horizon’s corporate headquarters, main distribution facility and product service center are all located in Champaign. Learn more at www.horizonhobby.com. Hobbico Inc. is the largest distributor of radio-control and general hobby products in the United States and is the largest model hobby company in the world. Started in 1971, Hobbico is also an employee-owned company with corporate headquarters located in Champaign. Go to www.hobbico.com for more information.
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Almanac
A Star in Financial Research Illinois is a center of finance and home to major commodities exchanges. One of the key players in its financial services industry is Morningstar, a provider of independent investment research in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. The Chicago-based company offers an extensive line of products and services for individuals, financial advisers and institutions, and has operations in 27 countries. In 2012, it was named one of the nation’s 100 Best Companies to Work For by Fortune magazine, which was the second consecutive year it gained that recognition.
Doubling Up Based in Effingham, Heartland Dental Co. is one of the nation’s leading dental services organizations. The company works with 370 affiliated dental practices in 20 states and provides members with professional education and leadership training, as well as administrative services such as staffing, human resources and information technology support. The company plans to double the size of its Effingham headquarters space to 80,000 square feet, creating at least 80 new jobs and as many as 175 total jobs over the next few years. Learn more information at www.heartlanddentalcare.com.
A Solid Foundation Lafarge North America, a major supplier of cement, concrete and aggregate, is relocating its corporate headquarters from Virginia to Illinois. This relocation represents an investment of about $10 million, and it promises to create more than 100 jobs within four years. The primary factors that led Lafarge to choose Illinois were the state’s central location, highly-skilled workforce and first-rate transportation infrastructure. Illinois is also encouraging the investment by providing Lafarge with a targeted business investment package worth about $6.3 million over 10 years. Lafarge employs about 4,500 people around the world. Find more information at www.lafarge-na.com.
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Business Climate
Power Player Innovation, talented workforce propel Illinois growth trajectory Story by Nan Bauroth
J e ff Ad k i n s
I
Argonne National Laboratory, based in Lemont, employs more than 1,250 scientists and engineers who focus on clean energy, environmental issues and national security.
llinois is a global business capital, an economic juggernaut that has leveraged its location at the crossroads of America, world-class logistics, major research and higher education assets, and legacy of innovation to create dynamic and growing industry segments that include advanced manufacturing, life sciences, clean energy, banking and finance, and information technology. Home to 32 Fortune 500 companies, Illinois has a $679 billion Gross Domestic Product, the fifth largest in the nation. The state is a magnet for international investment and a major exporter of a range of products and commodities. Foreign direct investment accounts for nearly 323,000 jobs in the state, ranking sixth in the nation, according to Dunn & Bradstreet. U.S. subsidiaries announced 41 greenfield projects in Illinois in 2010 alone, totaling $645 million in investment. The state’s exports totaled $64.8 billion in 2011, up more than 29 percent from a year w w w . b u si n e ssc l i m a t e . c o m / i l l i n o is
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Illinois: By the numbers Illinois’ 2011 household income of
$56,576 exceeded the U.S. per capita income of $52,762. Illinois’ economy would be
19th in the world if it were a standalone nation, based on 2012 GDP. Site Selection magazine ranked Illinois
Ph o t o C o u r t e s y o f F e r m i l a b
on its annual Governor’s Cup, based on the state’s 322 location or expansion projects in 2012
J e ff Ad k i n s
No. 5
Top: Employees at Argonne National Laboratory’s Transportation Technology R&D Center work to solve transportation problems. Bottom: Researchers at Fermilab, located on 6,800 acres in Batavia, conduct experiments that focus on particle physics.
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The USDA ARS National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) in Peoria creates new industrial and food products, develops new technologies to improve the environment, and provides technical support to a variety of federal agencies.
earlier. According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in early 2012 exports rose to the highest point in a decade, spurred by re-authorization of the ExportImport Bank that helps finance exports for hundreds of Illinois companies, keeping the state on target to double its export volume by 2014. Dynamic and Diverse The economic strength of Illinois lies in its diversity of its industry clusters, which include
traditional and advanced manufacturing, financial services, life sciences, agriculture and food production, information technology, and clean energy. The state’s enviable transportation and logistics infrastructure includes non-stop global connections 46 international business capitals. Half of the nation’s freight rail passes through Illinois – Chicago alone links to six of seven Class I carriers. The state’s premier educational institutions and business culture help fosters innovation, and
acompetitive tax structure contributes to Illinois’ status as a capital of business. R&D Renown The state ranks third in R&D expenditures by universities and colleges, and eighth in industryperformed R&D. The state is a haven for top research facilities, including Argonne National Laboratory near Chicago, which focuses on advanced materials, chemicals and energy technologies, as well as transportation technology and biotechnology. Along with
12,875,255
6.6 million
$679 billion
Population (2012)
Workforce
Gross Domestic Product
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and area of innovative technology development, from basic research startups to large corporations. Knowledgeable Workforce Nearly one-half of the state’s 6.6 million-strong workforce are professionals, skilled technicians, craftspeople or machine operators with 59.1 percent receiving education beyond high school, the highest in the Midwest. Northwestern University (Kellogg) and University of Chicago (Graduate School of Business) rank among the nation’s top five graduate business programs. The University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign and Northwestern University (McCormick) are considered among the top 20 graduate engineering schools in the nation.
Numbers to know
$68.0B Export Volume (2012)
323,000 FDI Employment
$43,159 Per-capita income (2010)
Ph o t o C o u r t e s y o f F e r m i l a b
Northwestern University and the University of Illinois’ Beckman Institute, Argonne also specializes in nanotechnology. Other R&D assets that are located in the state include Fermilab, the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, the USDA ARS National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, the National Center for Food Safety and the Gas Technology Institute. Prominent biotech companies in Illinois include Abbott Laboratories, Baxter Healthcare and Hospira, along with another 2,000 entities that employ 62,600 people. Within the tech sector, leading firms such as Orbitz, Yahoo!, Navteq, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Intel, THQ, Lucent and Tellabs operate R&D and engineering labs in the state. Illinois provides resources to support every stage
Fermilab, founded in 1967 and located outside Chicago, is the leading particle physics research facility in the United States and has the world’s most intense high-energy beam of neutrinos, which are particles that may explain why the universe is made of matter.
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Illinois Fortune 500 Companies Company Location Revenue Archer Daniel Midlands
Decatur
$80.7 billion
Walgreen
Deerfield
$72.2 billion
Boeing Chicago
$68.7 billion
State Farm
Bloomington
$64.3 billion
Caterpillar Peoria
$60.2 billion
Kraft Foods Northfield
$54.4 billion
Sears Holdings
Hoffman Estates
$41.2 billion
Abbott Laboratories Abbott Park
$39.9 billion
United Continental Holdings Chicago
$37.1 billion
Allstate Northbrook
$38.6 billion
Deere Moline
$32 billion
McDonald’s Oak Brook
$27 billion
Exelon Chicago
$18.9 billion
Illinois Tool Works Glenview
$18.3 billion
Navistar International Lisle
$14 billion
Baxter International
Deerfield
$13.9 billion
Motorola Mobility Holdings Libertyville
$13 billion
Sara Lee
Downers Grove
$12.1 billion
Aon Chicago
$11.3 billion
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Chicago
$10.6 billion
CDW Vernon Hills
$9.6 billion
Motorola Solutions
Schaumburg
$9.5 billion
Discover Financial Services
Riverwoods
$8.6 billion
Dover
Downers Grove
$8.5 billion
W.W. Grainger Lake Forest
$8.1 billion
Tenneco Lake Forest
$7.2 billion
OfficeMax Naperville
$7.1 billion
Anixter International Glenview
$6.3 billion
Corn Products International Westchester
$6.2 billion
CF Industries Holdings
Deerfield
$6.1 billion
Telephone & Data Systems Chicago
$5.2 billion
United Stationers
Deerfield
$5 billion
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Global Address Illinois is the crossroads of international commerce
Story by Nan Bauroth • Photography by Jeff Adkins
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llinois is proud of its heritage as the epicenter of a global trading network that has facilitated the exchange of goods since the 16th century. Today, the state’s role as a center of international commerce is expanding and growing, both in foreign direct investment and jobs and in export activity. Export activity in the state surged 29.5 percent, to $64 billion, in 2011. The state is a leader in the export of machinery, chemicals, transportation products,
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computers and electronics, and energy products to key markets such as Canada, Mexico, China, Brazil and Australia, which lead the list. The state is home base for a roster of major companies that do business around the globe, from Boeing, Caterpillar and Deere to Abbott Labs, Archer Daniels Midland, McDonald’s and Motorola. More than 55 percent of total company revenues at The ROHO Group, a Belleville manufacturer
of wheelchair cushions and accessories, back systems, and support surfaces, are derived from export sales to 60 international markets making it the top midsize exporter in Illinois in 2011. “We have a forward-looking, export-focused Department of Commerce in Illinois,” says Pat Chelf, senior vice president of sales and business development. “It has given us support in the form of solid consulting, and even a small amount of shared expenditure to encourage exports
Rows of commuter rail cars are assembled at Japan-based Nippon Sharyo’s production facility in Rochelle.
in emerging markets, and in collaboration with the U.S. Commerce Department, provided initial contacts and information when we explore a new market.” Chelf also credits the company’s success to the state’s talent pool. “Illinois has well-educated workers with good training at undergraduate and graduate levels, who make us competitive as a U.S. factory on a global basis,” he says. Underscoring the state’s prominence as a center of global
business are the presence of 78 foreign consulates and 44 international trade commissions. Eleven International Trade Centers and two NAFTA Opportunity Centers are located throughout the state and provide individualized assistance for small- and medium-sized Illinois companies. The state supports international commerce through a number of programs such as foreign trade missions and export services. Its Chicago-based Office of Trade & Investment provides
Foreign Direct Investment
5
Illinois’ rank for jobs at U.S. subsidiaries of global companies
323,000
Number of Illinois workers employed at U.S. subsidiaries of global companies
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Top Export Categories (2012)
$20.1B Machinery, Except Electrical
$7.9B Chemicals
$7.4B Transportation Equipment
$6.3B Computer and Electronic Products
$3.3B Electrical Equipment, Appliances and Components
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export assistance and also identifies and participates in international trade events with small- and medium-sized Illinois companies. In addition, the state maintains international offices in Canada, Mexico, Europe, Japan, India and China. China Connection PARC (USA) Corp., a plastics recycler based in Romeoville, also exemplifies the robust growth for Illinois companies in global trade. Exports account for $17.5 million of the company’s business, most of it to China, ranking it as Illinois 2012 Small Business Exporter of the Year. “Our business is reliant on manufacturing, and Chicago is the center of manufacturing in the Midwest, as well a major transport center,” says Kathy Xuan, PARC Corp. founder and president. “We send our products in sea
containers via rail to the West Coast for overseas shipment.” The company has expanded operations from 30,000 square feet to 125,000 square feet of space in just a few years. “The city and state have been supportive, helping us work through issues we didn’t realize when we signed the lease, so we are very appreciative,” Xuan says. FDI Magnet A major advantage for global business is the state’s highly developed infrastructure and logistics system. O’Hare International Airport, perennially one of the world’s busiest, serves all major international carriers. Thirteen port districts are located in the state, offering many companies direct links to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Foreign trade zones, which offer duty and tariff advantages for imported and
Ph o t o C o u r t e s y o f D e t l e v K l o c ko w
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Kathy Xuan, founder and president of PARC Corp., a Romeoville-based plastics recycler that does significant international business.
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export-bound products, are located throughout the state. Illinois is also home to 170 export managing/trading companies, as well as 125 international freight forwarders and custom house brokers. U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies announced more than 40 new greenfield projects in 2010 alone in Illinois, totaling around $645 million in investment, according to the Organization for International Investment. Some 323,000 workers in the state are employed at U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies, with more than one-third of them in the manufacturing field. “The largest portion of our customer base is in the Midwest,” says Akira “Kevin” Koyasu, president of Nippon Sharyo, a manufacturer of commuter rail cars that recently built a $50 million rail car production facility in Rochelle. “With increasing requirements to ‘buy American,’ the Chicago area was ideal because we need railroads to deliver our
cars. We also had support from state and city governments in finding the right location with corporate tax credits and incentives for education and training.” Exports from Illinois totaled more than $68 billion in 2012 to markets including Canada, Mexico, China, Australia and Brazil. The state’s major export categories include machinery, chemicals, computers and electronic products, and electrical equipment.
Illinois Exports • 2012: $68.0 billion • 2011: $64.8 billion • 2010: $50.1 billion • 2009: $41.6 billion • 2008: $53.7 billion
International Flavor Tate & Lyle, a U.K.-based global provider of ingredients and solutions to the food and beverage industries, opened Above: PARC (USA) Corp. compiles millions of pounds of plastic materials annually, which will be shipped to overseas, typically to China, to be recycled. The company’s headquarters in Romeoville, a suburb of Chicago, has grown from 30,000 square feet to 125,000 square feet. The company was recognized as the Illinois 2012 Small Business of the Year. w w w . b u si n e ssc l i m a t e . c o m / i l l i n o is
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Nippon Sharyo’s invested $50 million in a rail cars production facility in Illinois.
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a commercial and food innovation center near Chicago in 2012 as part of their shift to specialty food ingredients. “This requires a higher level of customer interaction,” says Chris Olsen, vice president, community and government affairs. “We work with the top 100 food and beverage companies in the world, many of which have offices here, as well as numerous smaller and medium-size companies.” Tate & Lyle also has a significant manufacturing
presence in Illinois. Decatur is home to the company’s largest corn-processing plant, which covers more than 430 acres, and additional facilities are located in Orangeville, Watseka, Pittwood, Coles, Francesville, Findlay, Heyworth, Wapella, Mattoon, Cowden and Parnell. “The state provides a real competitive advantage in terms of energy supply and price, as well as continued investment in infrastructure to support transportation,” Olsen says.
Foreign Trade Offices The Illinois Office of Trade and Investment within the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity operates a number of international offices that promote trade and foreign direct investment in the state. Office of Trade and Investment Chicago, Illinois (312) 814-2828 State of Illinois Canada Office Toronto, Ontario (416) 695-9888 State of Illinois North Asia Office Tokyo, Japan 011(81) 3-5561-6005 State of Illinois Central European Office Warsaw, Poland 011(48) 22-827-5961 State of Illinois China Office Shanghai, China 011(86) 21-6279-7640 State of Illinois Far East Office Wanchai, Hong Kong 011(852) 2544-3863 State of Illinois West European Office Brussels, Belgium 011(32) 2-646-5730 State of Illinois Latin America & Caribbean Office 06500 Mexico D. F. 011–52-55-5533-6666/5165 State of Illinois South Asia Office New Delhi, India 011-91-11-40508782
An employee welds the prototype of a new commuter rail car frame at Nippon Sharyo’s new production facility in Rochelle.
State of Illinois Middle East Office Jerusalem, Israel 011 (972) 2-571-0199
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A scale replica of the Caterpillar 797F, the largest piece of equipment manufactured by the company, is on display in the new Caterpillar Visitors Center in downtown Peoria.
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In High Gear Diverse, innovative manufacturing segment builds Illinois economy
Story by Gary Wollenhaupt Photography by Jeff Adkins
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hough it is a state with a legacy of heavy industry, Illinois is crafting the manufacturing of the future in advanced technology segments that run the gamut from electronics to aerospace to pharmaceuticals. The manufacturing sector contributes more than 12 percent of the state’s $679 billion Gross Domestic Product and employs more than 10 percent of its workers, according to the National Association of Manufacturers. In addition, manufacturing gives the state global reach, accounting for more than 90 percent of all Illinois exports.
Caterpillar, one of the world’s largest heavy equipment manufacturers, is based in Peoria.
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A number of major manufacturers, including Boeing, Caterpillar, Deere & Co., Motorola and Navistar, are headquartered in the state. Automotive companies, including Fiat, Ford and Mitsubishi, have manufacturing operations in Illinois, which also has an active aerospace-related cluster. Aerospace and energy firm Woodward Inc., for example, plans to invest more than $200 million in a manufacturing plant and offices for its Aircraft Turbine Systems business in Loves Park, which is near Rockford. The global company made its decision after a year-long site search. “We were impressed with the long-term vision and cooperation between Loves Park, Winnebago County and Illinois leaders through
the entire process,” says Sagar Patel, president, Aircraft Turbine Systems. “This was an important differentiator as we narrowed our search among several other states.” Investment in the Future In the automotive sector, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will invest $45 million to retool its Normal facility to produce an SUV that was previously made in Japan. The SUVs made in the plant will be exported as well as sold in the United States. In 2012, Chrysler Group invested more than $700 million to expand its Belvidere Assembly Plant to make the Dodge Dart. The assembly plant, which also produces the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot, and Belvidere
Satellite Stamping Plant had a total workforce of nearly 4,900 as of January 2013. Continental Tire has invested $224 million in its tire plant in Mount Vernon for expanded production of auto, light truck and commercial truck tires. One of the reasons Continental decided to expand in Mount Vernon was the quality of the area’s workforce. “Our employees have a really strong work ethic in this community, and this really gels well with our manufacturing environment,” says Benny Harmse, Continental Tire’s vice president of manufacturing. R&D Support The state’s manufacturing sector
McHenry County Strategically located in the center of the Chicago, Milwaukee, Rockford business triangle, McHenry County provides the transportation, labor and utility benefits of the Chicagoland region.
Call us today! McHenry County EDC (815) 893-0895 info@mcedc.com
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Value of Top Manufacturing Sector (in Billions)
16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 Chemical
Food
Machinery
Fabricated Metal Products
Computer & Electronic Products
Plastics & Rubber Products
Petroleum & Coal Products
is Your Illinois Match •
Solid financial structure – AAA bond rating
•
Outstanding supply chain opportunities
•
Extensive transportation network access (four airports – Chicago O’Hare, Chicago Rockford International Airport with air cargo hub, Midway and Milwaukee, as well as Class A rail and high capacity roadways)
•
Home of world-class corporate headquarters and more than 600 manufacturers
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Vibrant, innovative and expanding industry sectors – advanced manufacturing, plastics, medical devices, electronics and more
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Skilled workforce with collaborative educational partners
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Reliable utility infrastructure
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Diverse hometown communities with big-city access
www.mchenrycountyedc.com
Photo Courtesy of DRIV- LOK
is turbocharged by a number of academic and research resources including highly nationally ranked engineering schools at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. The University of Illinois Business Innovation Services has aided more than 6,500 companies to become more competitive. The University’s Research Park has incubated more than 145 startup companies since 2001, commercializing research into business opportunities. The
university also offers access to supercomputers for industry. “Our goal is to assist companies to grow and create jobs, become more globally competitive, help employers improve efficiency in processes, build export capability, develop new innovative products, and lower energy costs for sustainability and profitability,” says Caralynn Nowinski, associate vice president for innovation and economic development. Resources such as the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center
assist small and midsize manufacturers in improving their competitiveness and productivity. A business and manufacturing incubator in Rockford has spawned a number of successes, including B/E Aerospace, which moved from the incubator into a 38,000-squarefoot administrative, research and production facility in Rockford. IMEC helps bring manufacturers and resources together to improve products and processes. “Our approach is to reach out to manufacturers to understand where they are today and where they’re trying to go,” says David Boulay, IMEC president. “It’s really about the transfer of knowledge and how we get that knowledge to the manufacturer so that they’re equipped to take it and run with it.”
Left: Becky Metcalf, vice president of DrivLok, explains parts and assembly piece variances to Rob McCann with IMEC. Right: The Research Park at the University of Illinois is a launch pad for innovative companies.
Major illinois-based manufacturers Company Location Archer Daniels Midland
Decatur
$80.7B
Boeing Co.
Chicago
$68.7B
Northfield
$54.4B
Peoria
$60.2B
Abbott Park
$39.9B
Kraft Foods Inc. Caterpillar Inc. Abbott Laboratories Deere & Co. Illinois Tool Works Inc. Navistar International Corp. Baxter International Inc.
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Revenue ($)
Illinois
Moline
$32.0B
Glenview
$18.3B
Lisle
$14.0B
Deerfield
$13.9B
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Discovery Zone Life sciences, biopharma firms breed new breakthroughs in Illinois
Pharmaceutical company Astellas located its corporate headquarters for the Americas in Glenview and plans to create 150 new high-tech jobs.
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A research engineer conducts an experiment in the Dioxide Materials lab at EnterpriseWorks, a business incubator that is owned and operated by the University of Illinois. EnterpriseWorks, located in Champaign, is home to more than 30 startups.
Story by Kelly Kagamas Tomkies Photography by Jeff Adkins
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hen Gov. Pat Quinn says the state is committed to making Illinois a leading hub of life sciences, businesses can believe him. The state’s thriving and favorable business environment, highly educated workforce, major research assets and incentives have already led to the establishment of more than 2,000 life sciences companies that employ approximately 62,000 workers.
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Illinois’ biopharmaceutical industry is supported by the state’s federal laboratories and research universities, which directly employ more than 40,000 people and support more than 112,000 indirect and induced jobs. Industrial and agricultural life science firms are also part of the industry’s picture. “One of our strengths is the diversity of life science companies that operate in the state,” says David Miller, who serves as president
and CEO of iBIO, an organization that promotes the development of biotechnology companies in Illinois. Illinois: A Magnet for Life Sciences Companies The state’s efforts have nurtured and attracted a number of powerhouse life sciences companies including Abbott Laboratories, Baxter Healthcare and Hospira. In addition to its more than 440 corporate R&D
EnterpriseWorks’ facility is in the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign’s Research Park.
facilities and 200 academic, government and nonprofit research institutions, Illinois’ proximity to major international airports and relatively low cost of living are helping to drive new investment. One example of that success is pharmaceutical company Astellas, which located its corporate headquarters for the Americas in Glenview. Its 1,000 employees moved into two seven-story buildings, and the company plans to eventually create 150 additional high-tech jobs. “The concentration of top-tier science and medical schools and a well-educated workforce, plus a healthy business environment, all combine to make this area ideal for us,” says Jenny Kite, spokesperson for Astellas. Horizon Pharma, another biopharma company located in Deerfield, expanded in 2012, adding 70 sales representatives to increase the company’s efforts for its rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis drug Duexis. Right: IntelliWheels, located in EnterpriseWorks, helps wheelchair users gain more mobility. The company produced the IntelliWheels Easy Push, which has gears to enable users to move with ease.
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Scott Daigle, CEO and co-founder of IntelliWheels, works on a part for the IntelliWheels Easy Push wheelchair.
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“I moved the company from Palo Alto to Chicago in 2008,” says Timothy P. Walbert, chairman, president and CEO of Horizon Pharma. “The environment for small businesses from a tax perspective and cost of living for employees is much better than in the Bay Area.” Walbert says he also chose to move the company to the Chicago area because of the area’s ability to attract top talent. “The access to the best universities in the country make this a great place to find talent and some of the largest pharma companies are headquartered here,” he says. Offering Support The state is home to eight technology parks, several of which offer incubator space and resources geared to life sciences companies. The Illinois Science + Technology Park in Skokie is located near a number of major universities, research centers and teaching hospitals. The park, which already includes some 15 life sciences related tenants, will eventually include 2 million square feet of research and office space EnterpriseWorks, owned and operated by the University of Illinois, comprises 43,000 square feet and houses 30 startup companies. The incubator has plans to launch a new model to attract more in 2013. “We are ideally suited to offer support in a way that’s difficult for for-profit companies,” says Kapila Viges, EnterpriseWorks director. The state has reason to investing so heavily in attracting life science companies. It’s been estimated that the multiplier is two to four additional jobs for every life sciences job created, says Miller of iBIO. “It’s a big jobs generator,” he says
What’s Online Learn more about what makes Illinois a leader in technology innovation at www.businessclimate.com/illinois.
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Setting the Table Illinois agriculture, food producers feed the world
Story by John Fuller
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hen it comes to food, Illinois has a full plate. Not only is the state a diverse provider of food commodities, but it is also a major center for the production of food products shipped throughout the world. With more than 76,000 farms covering nearly 80 percent of the state, Illinois’ farm income exceeds $9 billion annually and food processing adds another $13.4 billion. The state produces a host of commodities with corn, soybeans, hogs and beef cattle leading the
way. In addition, Illinois has plentiful natural assets with rich soil and a beneficial climate. Agriculture and food processing business also benefit from the state’s excellent highway and rail networks, as well as worldrenowned institutions that support research and innovation for both segments. Family Business “Year after year agriculture has been a stable industry in Illinois,” says Mike Doherty, senior economist and policy analyst for the Illinois Farm Bureau.
One of the reasons for that stability is that farming is still predominately a family business in Illinois. Advances in machinery and equipment technology – much of it created by Illinois companies and institutions – have helped the Illinois farmer be as efficient as ever, Doherty says. Illinois is home to some of the world’s leading food producers including Archer Daniels Midland, Sara Lee, Del Monte, Kraft Foods, Cadbury Adams and General Mills. One of the largest concentrations of food processing
Illinois’ McLean County is the world’s leading producer of soybeans and corn. S ta ff Ph o t o
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A family-owned farm in Princeton, one of the more than 76,000 farms in Illinois.
Illinois Agricultural Facts
76,000 Number of farms
368 acres Average farm size
$9 billion Annual agriculture sales
$5.7 billion Total agriculture exports
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firms is in the Rockford region, which has more than 130 such companies, employing more than 8,500 workers. “There are multiple advantages here that when put together make this region an excellent location for food processing,” says Eric Voyles, vice president for national business development of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council. Rockford, located in the north central area of the state, is near multiple agricultural product sources, close to major interstate highways and Class I railroads, and within a half-day’s drive to most major markets. What’s Cooking? A great deal of expansion has recently occurred in the region. Kraft Foods built a $7 million,
warehouse in Loves Park for its chewing gum operation. A major food storage company, Americold Logistics, has expanded its Belvedere facility and Bay Valley Foods, a private-label food processor, completed an $11 million expansion of its distribution facilities in Rochelle. Several food processing companies have operations throughout Illinois. Gilster-Mary Lee Corp., a major private-label food manufacturer, based in Chester, has four plants in Illinois and several others out of state. “Illinois is a great location for us to operate our business. There is a great agricultural tradition in Illinois and a central location to base our national operations,” says Tom Welge, vice president of technical sales at Gilster-Mary Lee Corp.
Sticking With Illinois
The University of Illinois’ College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences plays a key role in national and international research initiatives that benefit the agriculture and food processing sector. ACES conducts frontier research in a variety of cutting-edge disciplines such as agricultural and biological engineering, agricultural economic and social sciences, agricultural information technology, crop and animal systems, food science and human nutrition, marketing, and utilization of agricultural products. The college also operates field research centers located throughout the state as testinggrounds where researchers can explore practical applications that will ultimately benefit farmers and the food industry. As part of the Cooperative Extension System,
J e ff Ad k i n s
S ta ff Ph o t o
In Henning, Full-Fill Industries is a family-owned manufacturer of cooking sprays for major retail, private brand and food service labels, including PAM, Crisco, Mazola and store brands such as Publix, Food Lion and Dollar General. One of the company’s largest food service clients provides cooking sprays to Yum! Brands, parent of Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. The company’s location near Interstates 57 and 74 is well situated for on-time and affordable raw material acquisition and nearly all of its suppliers are within a 150-mile radius of its manufacturing plant, including oils from ADM in Decatur and cans from Danville. “The vast majority of U.S. cooking spray consumption happens east of the Rockies,” says Jeff Owen, Full-Fill spokesman. “So, Illinois sits at the geographic center of the market, making distribution costs more affordable.
Illinois-based Kraft Foods operates a plant in Champaign. w w w . b u si n e ssc l i m a t e . c o m / i l l i n o is
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J e ffr e y S . OTTO
J e ff Ad k i n s
U of I Extension offers noncredit educational programs in communities throughout Illinois. Bedford-based Institute for Food Safety and Health is a world-class food science research institute that focuses on food safety, food defense, and nutrition for stakeholders in government, industry and academia. IFSH has been a great help to the food industry through the assessment and validation of new and novel food safety and preservation technologies, processing and packaging systems, microbiological and chemical methods, health promoting food components, and risk management strategies.
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Top: The family-owned Lindale Holsteins farm in Hampshire is home to several dairy cows and more than 600 acres of crops. Bottom: The Gilster-Mary Lee cocoa plant in Momence covers 40,000 square feet.
1,300
No. 1
$13.4 billion
Number of food manufacturers
Manufacturing rank
Value of food production industry
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Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area
Illinois
Special Advertising Section
Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area
at Home in McLean County “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” Nowhere is that more true than in Bloomington, Ill., home to the nation’s leading provider of home and auto insurance. Their 15,000 Bloomington-based insurance and financial professionals make State Farm the largest employer in McLean County. “G.J. Mecherle, a farmer and later State Farm’s founder, found peace and prosperity in the rich, black McLean County soil. Established in 1922, State Farm celebrated 90 years of
prosperity this year. Centrally located, with top ranked universities and a variety of transportation options, the community has been an outstanding home for State Farm,” says Kellie Clapper, assistant vice president of public affairs. Nationally, the company boasts some 66,000 employees and handles more than 35,000 claims daily. State Farm now offers nearly 100 products and services in five different lines of business to help customers stay prepared.
Country Financial: An Illinois Success Story For more than a half century, COUNTRY Financial has called Bloomington-Normal home. Founded by Central Illinois farmers in 1925, the company is the third largest employer in McLean County. “Bloomington-Normal not only sits in the heart of America’s breadbasket, but the cities also serve as a vibrant hub connecting us to our regional offices in Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota and Oregon,” says Steve Denault, COUNTRY Financial executive vice president of corporate services. “The Bloomington-Normal area provides a talented pool of employees and job candidates who exhibit community-minded service and a strong work ethic.” Denault says the region’s solid business climate, with its mixture of small, entrepreneurial companies as well as larger employers, are a perfect fit for their 2,000-plus Bloomington employees. Customers include 1 million households and businesses throughout the United States. Businesses include COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Trust Bank®, COUNTRY Life Insurance Company® and COUNTRY® Capital Management Company. The company posted the lowest complaint ratio among Illinois auto, home and life insurers in 2011, according to the Illinois Department of Insurance, and has ranked among the top two home insurers for the last 13 years. This special section is published for the Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area by Journal Communications Inc.
For more information, contact: Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area 200 W. College Ave., Suite 402 • Normal, IL 61761 • Phone: (309) 452-8437 • Email: angie@bnbiz.org • www.bnbiz.org ©Copyright 2013 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080 All rights reserved. No portion of this special advertising section may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. On the cover: Windmills in Illinois
Special Advertising Section
Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area
Bloomington-Normal: An Information Destination Bloomington-Normal is well connected, and it’s not just the region’s three interstates bringing people together. The Illinois community is home to comprehensive IT companies and two enterprise-quality data centers, offering more bandwidth and an unprecedented level of e-commerce to businesses in McLean County. Leading the way in high-tech services is STL Solutions. Founded by IT veteran Tim Norman in 1991, the company has morphed into a national leader for IT services, netting some $20 million annually and partnering with companies in 23 states. STL now operates five Illinois offices with corporate headquarters in Bloomington. Services
include staffing solutions, a data center, managed IT and cloud partnerships. “We provide the people and technology for small to mid-size businesses so they don’t have to augment their IT staff or outsource it,” Norman says. “We’re filling a niche and offering more services than a typical IT provider.” Among STL’s largest clients is NTT Data. The Tokyo-based company has some 60,000 employees worldwide including 500 at their Bloomington-Normal headquarters. “We deliver high-value services to a number of clients including several Fortune 500 companies,” says Greg Severns, vice president of client management.
Industry With Integrity Since 1993, Bloomington, Illinois’ Integrity Technology Solutions has offered trusted advisement and customized IT solutions for Central Illinois businesses. “We provide everything from business consulting and technology advisement to network infrastructure and helpdesk support,” says Integrity President Mary Bennett. “Whatever clients need in terms of consulting and support, we can do it all.” While clients range from medical providers to professional services, the company partners with those that value technology and understand its importance in moving business forward. Bennett says the area’s thriving business community has contributed to their 20-year longevity. “A lot of the businesses here are very forward thinking in terms of how they want to use technology to benefit business,” Bennett says. “It’s an exciting time for technology because of the new infrastructure being built that wasn’t here a few years ago.” Bennett says clients in McLean County experience a level of connectivity not available in many places. “For our clients, being more connected to data means
access to the cloud and more mobility no matter where they are,” Bennett says. “People want to be able to work seamlessly from wherever they are, and we have access to that.”
(309) 452-8437 • www.bnbiz.org
Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area
Growing a Legacy For more than 86 years, Growmark has provided ag-related products and services to farmers in McLean County and beyond. The regional cooperative began in 1927 when Illinois Farm Bureau members organized local co-ops to meet their growing demand for a reliable fuel supply. Growmark Inc. was established following mergers with similar organizations in Iowa and Wisconsin. Today, the system nets $10 billion in sales annually and provides products, services and grain marketing in the Midwest and Ontario, Canada. Growmark also owns the FS trademark, which is used by affiliated member cooperatives. On the heels of their most profitable year to date, Growmark president and McLean County farmer Dan Kelley says their success is directly tied to the success of area farmers. “Demand for agriculture products and commodity prices are both strong, so the crop process is strong, with producers using more fuel, fertilizers and higher quality seeds,” Kelley says. Half of Growmark’s sales remain energy related, with the rest rooted in agronomy and grain. He attributes the industry’s success to rich soil and an outstanding infrastructure that allows for timely transport of grains to processing plants statewide.
Greener Pastures: BloomingtonNormal an Agrarian Leader Agriculture in McLean County is in full bloom. In fact, farmers in the Illinois community produce more corn and soybeans than any other county in the United States. Mike Swartz, executive director of the McLean County Farm Bureau, says the region’s deep, rich soil makes Bloomington-Normal the ideal place to grow just about anything. “McLean County is one of the top seven counties in the nation to grow corn, soybean or almost any plant,” Swartz says. “We have a long history of agriculture, which means our suppliers and crop providers have grown as well.”
Now entering its 100th year, the McLean County Farm Bureau® is affiliated with the Illinois Farm Bureau®, a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation®. The organization of farmers and ranchers is responsible for Farm Bureau® memberships and programs, including discounts from the bureau’s insurance provider, COUNTRY Financial. Members also are represented through state and national legislation on behalf of Illinois farmers. “We work as advocates for farmers because we understand the issues and make sure they have a voice,” Swartz says.
Special Advertising Section
Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area
On the Road Again: Trucking and Logistics in McLean County Business is on the move in Bloomington-Normal, where Nussbaum Transportation has been operating since 1945. In 2012, Industry Logistics magazine ranked the dedicated and truckload carrier one of the top motor carriers in the United States for the second year in a row. President and CEO Brent Nussbaum says the region’s central location make the company a natural leader. “Central Illinois is a great area for moving goods via truck across interstate, whether you’re going north-west or eastsouth,” Nussbaum says. “People often characterize this area as white collar, but the road system itself and potential for transportation services in the area make it very attractive for warehousing and transportation. Bloomington-Normal has an absolutely perfect road system for facilitating freight warehousing and movement in any direction. Even around Bloomington-Normal, the roads are set up to facilitate quick movement of traffic.” In 2012, Nussbaum Transportation reported $45 million in revenues. The company’s 260 employees, 220 trucks and 500 trailers handle dedicated contract carriage, truckload and logistics services to a variety of industries. Clients represent 100-plus companies including service-oriented and multiple-stop truckload businesses. Caterpillar and Case New
Holland are just a few Nussbaum clients who require just-intime-type overnight transport from plants to vendors. “Our people are what set us apart,” Nussbaum says. “We hire strictly for culture and people who care about other people. We take care of our drivers, and when you take care of employees they take care of your customers.” Nussbaum is a longtime member of Truckload Carriers Association, the Illinois Trucking Association, and the Transportation Intermediaries Association, and is a supporter of the SmartWay Transportation Partnership, which works to reduce transportation-related emissions.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that almost 14,000 persons work in the trade, transportation and utilities sectors in Bloomington-Normal.
(309) 452-8437 • www.bnbiz.org
Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area
Illinois State University
Illinois Wesleyan University
ISU & Wesleyan Offer More Choices Educational options abound for students in BloomingtonNormal. From state and private universities to community colleges, McLean County boasts degree and continuing education programs for any career path. Illinois State University, the state’s first public university, offers a diverse selection of undergraduate academic programs to more than 20,000 students each year. The university ranks in the top 100 in U.S. News and World Report and has many nationally ranked programs in business, education, the arts and sciences, applied science and technology, nursing, and fine arts. “Over the past decade, Illinois State has risen dramatically in prominence and popularity among high-achieving Illinois schools,” says Dr. Al Bowman, Illinois State’s 17th president. “The town of Normal provides a beautiful and safe environment for students, with a vibrant uptown and venues
that attract students, their families, faculty and staff members.” In Bloomington, Illinois Wesleyan University has become one of the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions. “The quality of the students we attract and our unique curriculum is what sets us apart from other liberal arts colleges and state universities,” says Dr. Richard Wilson, president of Illinois Wesleyan. “Top students select us because of our small size and the quality of our faculty and programming. How well we do is reflected in how attractive our graduates are to major employers and their acceptance to top graduate and professional schools.” Quality faculty and programs also allow the school to compete for enrollment with larger nationally regarded institutions like Northwestern, the University of Chicago and Notre Dame.
Heartland Community College Creates Lifelong Learners The youngest community college in Illinois, Heartland Community College is an affordable, comprehensive college offering two-year degrees and vocational programs. Centrally located in Normal with convenient access to I-74, I-55 and I-39, Heartland’s main campus is home to more than 40 programs and 5,600 credit students. Mary Beth Trakinat, vice president of continuing education, says many of HCC’s students go on to complete their studies at larger universities. “Because of the closeness of Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University, many programs have been focused on transfer,” Trakinat says. Continuing education at HCC includes adult basic education, ESL instruction and customized training solutions for area employers. HCC also is one of 48 sites nationwide to house a Challenger Learning Center for simulated space travel. A founding member of the Illinois Green Economy Network, HCC also has the first state-funded LEED building in Illinois through their Workforce Development Center.
Principles of sustainability are incorporated campus wide, with a commercial-grade wind turbine supplying 50 percent of the campus’s electrical needs. “From our facility to curriculum planning, we try to be good stewards of the environment as well as our resources,” Trakinat says.
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Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area
Uptown Normal From trendy lofts to sidewalk cafes, Uptown Normal and downtown Bloomington are picture-perfect postcards of Main Street America. “Uptown Normal is developing as a special place to live, work and shop,” says Wayne Aldrich, development director of Uptown Normal. Since 2002, city planners have been carrying out a master plan to convert Uptown Normal to a full-scale mixed-use community. Over 10 years, the city has completed infrastructure and major redevelopments, added a hotel and conference center, parking decks and the Children’s Discovery Museum. Next on their list: More private-public partnerships and a mixed-use development to include more residential space. Uptown retailers offer a healthy mix of old and new shops, cafes, and services balanced by local and national retailers. Aldrich anticipates more retailers following completion of 300,000 square feet of mixed-use space.
The district’s attractive water feature roundabout has earned Normal national accolade for excellence in transportation planning. In 2001, Normal also became the first community in the nation to adopt LEED for private buildings more than 7,500 square feet. That is an eco-friendly trend spreading across Uptown Normal. “Uptown Normal has great architecture, and it’s clearly a place stemming from a master plan,” Aldrich says. “People appreciate the sense of place here.”
Downtown Bloomington The city of Normal shares a symbiotic relationship with downtown Bloomington, designated an Illinois Main Street community for its preservation efforts. Maintaining that integrity is the Downtown Bloomington Association. Their premier event is a year-round farmers market, which heads indoors from November to April. But from May to October, more than 55 vendors line three city blocks showcasing the best in local food, arts and entertainment. During Bloomington’s monthly First Fridays celebration, shops stay open late to promote the district after hours. “People can discover what downtown Bloomington has to
One of the finest regional museums in the United States, the McLean County Museum of History showcases Illinois’ rich past to more than 40,000 visitors each year. “The museum is a heartland story about how people of
offer, from retail to dining, arts and enrichments,” says Tricia Stiller, executive director of the Downtown Bloomington Association. “We create an atmosphere with a unifying theme, and visitors can rediscover downtown.” The district is home to more than 35 retailers, 17 restaurants, 19 art venues and more than 35 service industries. Some 16 bars and taverns add to the district’s nightlife. That growth has created an unprecedented demand for downtown living, with property owners scrambling to renovate houses, townhomes and lofts as more people come home to downtown Bloomington.
diverse backgrounds came into central Illinois and made a life for themselves, and they did that by bringing parts of what home meant for them and creating that here,” says Greg Koos, executive director of the museum.
Located on North Main Street in Bloomington, the site is among 5 percent of museums accredited by the American Association of Museums and has won more than 100 state and national awards.
(309) 452-8437 • www.bnbiz.org
Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area
FACTS & STATS The Economic Development Council leads initiatives to help businesses and communities in the McLean County area prosper. The leadership organization invests the community’s assets to grow and improve our prosperity and quality of life. Services offered by the Bloomington-Normal EDC include attraction and incentives negotiation, mentoring, incubation, startup support, programs for business assistance and financial assistance.
Bloomington-Normal is a twin-city metro area with a lot to offer. 2012 brought a record number of “bests” for Bloomington-Normal including:
• In 2012, Newsweek named Normal’s University High School No. 547 among the top 1,000 Best High Schools in the nation.
• Best-Performing Cities – Smallest Metros (Milken Institute) No. 44 out of 124 – The Best Performing Cities Index ranks U.S. metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. Components of the rankings include jobs, wage and salary, and technology growth. The Bloomington-Normal MSA scored particularly high in the area of one-year wages and salaries growth (ranking No. 26).
• Best Small Places for Business and Careers (Forbes) No. 22 out of 184 – The ranking is created by looking at 12 metrics relating to job growth, costs, income growth, educational attainment and projected economic growth. They also factor in quality of life issues. Bloomington-Normal ranked sixth in education.
• Top 25 Communities for Recent College Graduates to Live (The Atlantic magazine) No. 15 out of 25 – Factors considered were median earnings, unemployment rate and share of workforce in professional, technical, management or creative jobs.
• Top 100 Public Spaces in the U.S. and Canada (Project for Public Spaces) – The Circle in Uptown Normal was ranked No. 1 out of 100.
• 100 Best Communities for Young People (The America’s Promise Alliance and ING) – Bloomington-Normal was named one of the Best 100 Communities and was the only community in Illinois to receive the designation.
• Illinois Wesleyan University named No. 57 out of 100 – Best Value Among Private Liberal Arts Colleges (Kiplinger Personal Finance) – Kiplinger names the top 100 private liberal arts colleges based on a combination of factors intended to measure academic quality and affordability.
• Illinois State University named No. 95 out of 100 – Best Value in Public Colleges (Kiplinger Personal Finance) – Illinois State was only one of two public colleges in the state to make the list.
• Illinois State University’s College of Business named No. 46 out of 100 (Businessweek) undergraduate business schools nationwide. Illinois State placed 93rd out of all public and private universities.
• Illinois State University named No. 83 on a list of nation’s top public schools (U.S. News & World Report)
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Wealth of Resources Illinois makes dollars and sense for the financial services industry Story by Liisa Sullivan Photography by Jeff Adkins
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ith the headquarters of two international exchanges and the presence of major international companies, Illinois is a global center of financial services enterprise. Nearly 11 percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product is derived from the finance and insurance services sector, which employs more than 288,000 workers.
Ph o t o C o u r t e s y o f CME Gr o u p
Major International Exchanges Foundations of the state’s financial services industry are its Chicago-based major international exchanges – the CME Group, which came from the 2007 merger of the Chicago Board of Trade and Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and the Chicago Board Options Exchange. The Chicago location for the exchanges offers advantages to commodities trading that many other areas cannot. The CME Group’s corporate headquarters are located in Chicago.
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“Our derivatives exchanges have become a catalyst in the transformation of the global financial marketplace,” said Anita Liskey, managing director, corporate marketing & communications. “In fact, Chicago has reaffirmed its dominance with a new set of trading entrepreneurs now involved in hedge funds, proprietary trading groups, arcades, technology companies and even commercial real estate. To support the needs of these companies for instantaneous data movement, Illinois boasts one of the world’s most highly developed communications infrastructures.” The state’s strong communications infrastructure allows for the almost instantaneous movement of data that today’s traders demand. State Farm, based in Bloomington, has more than 65,000 employees and serves more than 79 million insurance policies.
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According to the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition, a group that cultivates innovation and technology-based economic development in the state, Chicago benefits from its mid-continent location and the presence of the financial markets. “The fiber optic lines that go from New York and New Jersey to Chicago are second to none,” says Terrence Duffy, executive chairman of the CME Group, who says the city’s infrastructure was carefully considered when the futures and commodities exchange contemplated moving its headquarters out of state. “It benefits us to be located where we’re at.” For example, when a trader working at the old Chicago Board of Trade building hits the send button on a future spread order,
it takes 79 milliseconds to receive confirmation from London. That’s four times faster than the blink of an eye. Financial Firms Flourish The state can claim a headquarters collection of globally known financial services that includes Allstate, State Farm, Discover Financial and Aon, a leading global provider of risk management, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services. State Farm, one of the nation’s 50 largest public companies, is also growing. In February 2012, State Farm announced that it plans to hire about 3,000 new employees – 300 of whom will take on staff positions at the company’s corporate headquarters in Bloomington.
Bob Lapinski, public affairs specialist at State Farm, says one of the advantages for the insurer is easy access to a skilled talent pool. “We are within 50 miles of some of the best universities in the country such as Illinois State University, the University of Illinois and Illinois Wesleyan University. It’s this rich talent pool that allows us to continue to thrive, compete and succeed,” he says.
in the top two nationally for executive MBA programs and finance MBAs by U.S. News and World Report. The publication ranked the Kellogg School, which has more than 50,000 alums, as having the best part-time MBA program in the nation.
Kellogg School of Management
Ph o t o C o u r t e s y o f CALL I E L I PK I N
Business Schools: A+ The state’s prized higher education offerings include two of the most highly regarded graduate business programs in the nation – the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. Both schools were in the top five among all graduate
business schools in the nation on the 2013 U.S. News and World Report rankings. Six faculty members at Booth School have won Nobel Prizes, making it the first business school to achieve this accomplishment. In addition, the school was named
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Powering New Technologies Robust support system fuels growth of Illinois clean energy companies
Story by Kathryn Royster Photography by Jeff Adkins
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hen it comes to clean energy innovation, Illinois is the complete package. Renewable energy companies in the state benefit from a robust support system that includes research labs, funding organizations, technical expertise and business incubators. With those assets in play and a long history of agricultural innovation, it’s no wonder that Illinois is the nation’s leading producer of corn ethanol, some 678 million gallons per year. The state is also a hotspot for other biofuels, like the algal oil produced at Solazyme Inc.’s Peoria plant. The fully integrated biorefinery, the San Franciscobased company’s first, was
A researcher at the Galvin Center at the Illinois Institute of Technology demonstrates how an electric vehicle charging stations works. IIT has a DC Quick Charge station that charges vehicles in 15 to 20 minutes and Level 2 station that charges vehicles in five to six hours. w w w . b u si n e ssc l i m a t e . c o m / i l l i n o is
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A scale model of the Illinois Institute of Technology’s smart grid on display in the Robert W. Galvin Center for Electricity Innovation in Chicago.
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Argonne National Laboratory is involved in all facets of renewable energy research, including advances in battery technology and energy storage.
partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The plant has an annual capacity of 2 million liters and is a dual demonstration and commercialproduction facility. World-Famous Research One of the state’s most famous research assets is the worldrenowned Argonne National Laboratory. Researchers there are exploring nearly every aspect of renewable energy including clean power sources, smart grids and the life-cycle impact of clean energy technologies. But Argonne’s work doesn’t stop at the lab door. “If it ends with us, we might as well not have done it,” says Mark Petri, the lab’s alternative energy program coordinator. “We always want to bring in partners who can help translate our research into deployment.”
One such partnership is Argonne’s software licensing agreement with Chicago-based ADICA, a strategic analysis company that specializes in the renewable energy market. The lab also works with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to identify companies that are interested in field-testing the lab’s research. Argonne was selected in November 2012 to be the home of a new center that will develop advanced batteries for electric vehicles and alternative energy sources, a designation expected to bring in as much as $120 million in federal research funds. Supportive Connections The DCEO isn’t the only organization helping to move research into the marketplace. Chicago-based Clean Energy Trust connects clean-tech startups
chicago gets supercharged Smith Electric Vehicles plans an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Chicago that will create hundreds of jobs and boost the rapidly growing battery and electric vehicle sector in the city. Smith’s decision to locate a facility in Chicago was influenced by the city’s voucher system created to accelerate the conversion from diesel to zero-emission, allelectric commercial vehicles; the many fleets interested in vehicle electrification; and the incentives made available to Smith Electric. The company is based in Kansas City, Mo., and also has manufacturing facilities in New York City and outside of Newcastle, UK.
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A battery chemist at Argonne National Laboratory works in the Post-Test Facility, which includes glove boxes that enable researchers to disassemble, inspect and analyze materials from battery cells. The facility, one of few in the world that can house this kind of research, is often used in conjunction with Argonne’s Electrochemical Analysis and Diagnostics Laboratory that has been operating since 1976.
with researchers, investors and other sources of support. “We want these startups to get traction early on because the ones that succeed will return capital to investors, and that paves the way for more entrepreneurs,” says Amy Francetic, Clean Energy Trust’s executive director. One of the trust’s most popular initiatives is the Clean Energy Challenge, held each April. Challenge veteran HEVT, which builds electric motors without precious metals, took top prize at the 2012 Cleantech Open, the world’s largest business competition for clean tech entrepreneurs. Altogether, Francetic says, Clean Energy Challenge finalists have gone on to secure more than $23 million in funding.
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Academic Assets Clean energy startups can also find support at the Illinois Institute of Technology’s University Technology Park. Facilities at the park include lab and office space, a smart grid innovation center, and the Wanger Institute for Sustainable Energy Research, which is located in the IIT Tower. “We have organized the entire campus of IIT to support these companies,” says David Baker, IIT’s vice president for external affairs and the park’s executive director. He’s speaking literally: the campus itself is a demonstration project for park-developed technologies like smart micro-grids, gas turbines and solar-power storage batteries.
Chromatin Inc., a company that develops biofuel from sorghum, is just one of the park’s success stories. The company has graduated to headquarters in Chicago and is now hybridizing plants in Texas and California. This kind of success doesn’t surprise Baker. “We have quite an ecosystem here,” he says. “When you get this combination of resources, it’s really exciting. This region has emerged as a vital space for the development of clean energy.”
What’s Online Learn more about technology and clean energy innovation in the state at www.businessclimate.com/illinois.
Not the Same Coal Story Illinois research projects look for new breakthroughs in carbon sequestration Illinois is gaining worldwide attention for its advancements in coal technology, exploring new ways to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) created in energy and industrial processes and store it safely underground in natural geological formations. The state is home to leading carbon sequestration projects that could help make coal a viable fuel well into the future. This is an important development because Illinois is a major producer of coal, and its geological formations make it an ideal location for CO2 storage. Illinois produced 37.7 million short tons of coal in 2011, the seventhhighest among states. Two carbon sequestration projects are located in Decatur. One is the
Midwest Geological Sequestration Consortium project, headed by the Illinois State Geological Survey at the University of Illinois. MGSC partners include Archer Daniels Midland and Schlumberger Carbon Services. A second project is a commercialscale project headed by ADM. The MGSC project captures CO2 emissions from biofuel production at an ADM ethanol plant and stores it deep underground. “Carbon storage opportunities are ideal in Illinois, and a project like this gives the state a major technological advantage for knowledge sharing opportunities,” says Sallie Greenberg, assistant director of the Advanced Energy Technology Initiative for the ISGS. Richland Community College in Decatur has established the National
Sequestration Education Center to train workers in the carbon sequestration industry and offers degrees related to sequestration training. “We believe this is the only facility of its kind in the world,” says Dr. Douglas Brauer, vice president of Economic Development and Innovative Workforce Solutions at Richland. The FutureGen 2.0 project, related to coal-fired generation, would be a first-of-its-kind near-zero emissions power plant when it is operational by the summer of 2018. The program, sponsored by the FutureGen Alliance, involves upgrading the Meredosia Energy Center to capture more than 90 percent of the plant’s carbon emissions and transporting the CO2 to a nearby underground storage site. – John Fuller
Energy Resources to Power Your Business
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Robust 765kV transmission line – one of only four in the nation Convergence of national pipelines Largest natural gas fractionation plant 6,000 MW of nuclear-generated power Emerging renewable energy assets in wind and biofuels Heavy concentration of experienced labor in energy sector Large industrial sites with access to highway, rail and river
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Technology
Tech Smart Illinois enhances reputation as a center for innovation
Patent Activity By State (2011) • California 28,148 • Texas 7,584 • New York 6,956 • Massachusetts 5,191 • Washington 4,767 • Michigan 3,964 • Minnesota 3,860 • New Jersey 3,852 • ILLINOIS 3,806 • Pennsylvania 3,219
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Story by Frederick Jerant • Photography by Jeff Adkins
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llinois’ history of technological innovation includes the spectacular (it was at the epicenter of the nuclear age) and the mundane (the starch used in absorbent diapers was developed at Peoria’s National Center for Agricultural Utilization). Today, the state is overflowing with resources that nurture scientific breakthroughs.
President/CEO Michael Small hails the area. “Chicago’s reputation as a technology leader and as a leader in airport transportation helps symbolically and literally as we try and stay connected to the global aviation community,” he says. “And the broad range of talent in aviation, telecom and Internet technologies has helped Gogo grow as a business.”
A Strong Economy And it’s no wonder. The state’s robust economy, which comprises a mix of agriculture, manufacturing and service industries, generated a Gross State Product of $630 billion in 2010 – fifth in the nation. And it’s home to Motorola, Groupon, Boeing, Exelon and other technologydriven companies. One of those is Gogo, headquartered in Itasca. A recent winner of the Illinois Technology Association’s New Concept Award, Gogo uses a proprietary cellularbased technology to provide connectivity services for the commercial and business aviation industries, as well as a streaming video service for in-flight entertainment.
Education: A Key to Innovation One key resource is education. The state boasts more than 200 academic organizations, including the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, both ranking in the top five nationally in several engineering disciplines. The system awarded more than 1,500 doctoral degrees in 2010, and is ranked sixth for doctoral degrees in science and engineering. Another essential part of technology innovation is extensive research and development, and Orbitz, Yahoo!, Microsoft, QUALCOMM and Intel maintain extensive research facilities in the state. Illinois’ college/university
The Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, which created the 1871 co-working center for digital startups, is in Chicago’s famed Merchandise Mart.
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At 1871, tenants and members can build their businesses and enjoy access to classes, lectures, seminars and programs designed to educate and inspire entrepreneurs.
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Technology Parks STOKIE
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2. University Technology Park at IIT: Food science, biomedical engineering, medical imaging, cancer-preventive drugs and pre-clinical trials 3. DuPage National Technology Park: Geographically redundant fiber communications network and builtto-suit lab spaces
PEORIA
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1. Illinois Science + Technology Park: Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical diagnostics and devices
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4. Chicago Technology Park: Biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceutical production, genomics, bioinformatics and nanotechnology 5. Peoria NEXT Innovation Center: Technology incubator for the life sciences, engineering, and information technology sectors 6. University of Illinois Research Park: EnterpriseWorks (startup business incubator) and more than 90 technology-based businesses
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7. University Park at SIUe: Biotechnology, health sciences, information technology, and design businesses 8. Southern Illinois Research Park: Technology- and knowledge-based companies For more information on Illinois Technology Parks, go to www.iltechparks.com.
system invested more than $2 billion in R&D during 2009 – the eighth-largest scholastic amount in the country. It’s not “pie in the sky” research, either. Illinoisans were granted nearly 5,000 patents in 2011. And the University of Illinois ranked ninth among all universities in its patent activity (seventh among U.S. schools). A Technology-friendly Environment Fledgling companies can find their wings in business incubators, such as 1871, a project of the nonprofit Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. Kevin Willer, CEC’s president and CEO says, “We wanted to encourage high-growth-potential digital or techcentered development. But local
entrepreneurs lacked a convenient way to connect with investors, mentors and customers – all the resources they need to make their entrepreneurial dreams come true.” And 1871 was the result. It offers 50,000 square feet of floor space, highspeed Internet access and meeting rooms, as well as many on-site developmental workshops and access to experts in brand development, marketing, law, finance and other relevant subjects. “Proximity matters,” Willer says. “And one of the great things about the area is the concentration of universities, research facilities, technologists, partners and potential customers. We also get a lot of support from Gov. Quinn and Mayor Emanuel,” he adds.
Illinois Patent Activity • 2011: 3,806 • 2010: 3,611 • 2009: 2,898 • 2008: 2,741 • 2007: 2,894
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Erik Severinghaus, founder of SimpleRelevance, which is a developer of custom-crafted email messages for businesses, is enthusiastic about 1871. “It’s a single point of focus for the Midwest tech community,” he says. “And it’s accelerated my ability to network and collaborate with other entrepreneurs, customers, investors, advisors and other key people within the Chicago tech community.” And while 1871’s “under-oneroof ” approach is good for his business, Severinghaus says the Chicago area also offers him economies of scale, nearness to many large potential customers, available capital and other attractions. With a solid economy, a topranked education system and a warm, welcoming environment, Illinois is quickly increasing its reputation as a center for innovative technology. Top: 1871 enables entrepreneurs to collaborate and network with ease. Bottom: Erik Severinghaus is the founder of SimpleRelevance, which creates custom email messages for businesses.
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Nano Knowledge Illinois’ nanotechnology field is growing thanks to local research facilities
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There’s big excitement in Illinois, and it’s happening in the field of nanotechnology. With possible applications in medicine, electronics, biomaterials and other areas, the global market for nanotechnology could hit nearly $49 billion by 2017. And Illinois’ nanotechnology activity is strong, both in research facilities and in commercial ventures. For example, the International Institute for Nanotechnology is a collaboration between Northwestern University and Argonne National Laboratory. “The Institute reflects a $650 million investment in infrastructure and other facilities,” says Institute Director Chad A. Mirkin, Ph.D. “It brings many of the world’s leaders in these areas to Northwestern to focus on developing a variety of nanotechnology.” About 20 companies have been launched via the Institute’s efforts including: • Nanosphere – provider of the Verigene system, an advanced molecular platform for sensitive DNA/RNA and protein testing • NanoInk – nanometer-scale manufacturing and applications development for the life science and semiconductor industries • AuraSense LLC – development of engineered nanoparticles designed to combat heart disease, cancer and bacterial infections • Similar innovative nanotechnology research is underway at the University of Illinois’ micro and nanotechnology laboratory and at other facilities in the state. “Nanotechnology has changed the way we think about making materials for all sorts of applications, and it’s helping us tackle some of the world’s most difficult problems, especially in medicine,” Mirkin says. – Frederick Jerant
Southwestern Illinois Where Multimodal Opportunities Abound
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Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
Gateway to the World Just a river’s width from St. Louis’ majestic Gateway Arch, Southwestern Illinois is a burgeoning multimodal hub that is positioned for growth. Its central location, exceptional transportation infrastructure and abundance of available, affordable land combine to create tremendous value for those seeking efficient, low-cost access to the Midwest, all points of the United States and beyond. “Southwestern Illinois provides access to the nation’s third-largest rail center and one of the nation’s largest inland ports via America’s Central Port; it’s home to three airports with complimentary business models supporting both domestic corporate travel and a proven trade route linking Latin America and Asia, and it’s served by four interstates. All the ingredients in place are establishing Southwestern Illinois as a gateway to the world,” notes Ellen Krohne, executive director of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, which has worked for three decades to unite business, industry, government, education and labor for economic growth. “They are augmented by our productive labor force, positive labor-management relations and exceptional quality of life, all of which contribute to our success.” Among those who discovered the region’s locational advantages early are household names such as Dial, Unilever, P&G and Hershey, the first tenants at Gateway Commerce Center in Edwardsville. That mega development and others nearby have positioned Madison County, Ill. – long considered the region’s industrial core – as a prime location for consumer products distribution. The sprawling distribution centers coexist with oil refineries and steel mills that attracted billions in investment in recent years, keeping our laborers at work. While manufacturing remains strong, one just has to look to the Riverbend area to see that the economy has diversified with a full spectrum of new and expanding businesses. Today, its top 10 employers list also includes businesses in health care, education and gaming.
Much of the growth there and in other parts of Madison County has occurred adjacent to the expanding IL-255/I-255 and along Illinois Route 3, and a similar story has unfolded in St. Clair County, Ill. One example is the successful Sauget Business Park, home to the 500,000-square-foot 255 Logistics Center, a mix of office buildings, light manufacturing operations and more. Just minutes from downtown St. Louis and adjacent to a General Dynamic’s operation employing more than 1,300, the park is served by both Union Pacific Railroad and K.C. Southern Railway, as well as the St. Louis Downtown Airport, recently ranked fifth in the state for economic output. The eighth largest county in Illinois and largest outside the Chicagoland area, St. Clair County also has the state’s No. 3 airport, the joint-use facility operated by Scott Air Force Base and MidAmerica Airport. The combined operation accounts for 41,938 direct and indirect jobs, and MidAmerica tenants Boeing and North Bay Produce are in expansion mode. Further south, the neighboring communities of Dupo, still in St. Clair County, and Columbia in Monroe County, boast two more complimentary 2,000-acre development tracts on IL-255. The Columbia site is served by rail and features a small airport and access to the Mississippi. Monroe County is the second-fastest growing county per capita in the St. Louis Metro area, offering an affordable, laid back quality of life and proximity to St. Louis. A laid-back lifestyle also awaits in Greenville, Ill., a community of 7,000, just 45 minutes east of St. Louis in Bond County. But the town is today making history as one of the first five certified CSX Select Sites and the only one in Illinois. CSX Select Sites are the first, premium certified rail-served sites for industrial development and
expansion, based on their size, access to rail services, proximity to highways, workforce availability and more. For Krohne, it’s no surprise that examples of recent success and upcoming opportunities abound. “With the abundance of multimodal advantages here in Southwestern Illinois, it absolutely should be on the radar screen as a prime logistics location.”
www.leadershipcouncilswil.com
Special Advertising Section
Spotlight on the Riverbend Just a short drive from St. Louis, Southwestern Illinois’ Riverbend region offers a diverse place to live, work and play. In fact, more than 80,000 come home to the communities of Alton, Bethalto, East Alton, Elsah, Foster Township, Godfrey, Grafton, Hartford, Roxana, South Roxana, Wood River and Wood River Township.
Working in the Riverbend Manufacturing is a pivotal industry in Southwestern Illinois and accounts for the region’s top employers: Olin Corporation, a manufacturer of chloralkali products and ammunition, and Global Brass and Copper Inc. In Roxana, Ill., Philips 66 Wood River Refinery employs more than 800. Together the businesses account for more than 4,500 employees. Monica Bristow, president of the Riverbend Growth Association, credits the industry’s foothold to affordability, accessibility, and a quality and productive workforce. “Employers like being so close to St. Louis but not having to deal with traffic,” Bristow says. “They also are pleased to find plenty of affordable, available land.” The recent completion of IL-255 to Godfrey, Ill., provides access to a 40-mile expressway to south St. Louis. Bristow says the 27-mile corridor from South Roxana to Godfrey is ripe for retail and service industry expansion, and businesses are lining up to get in on development.
Health care in the Riverbend Health-care services account for some 2,000 jobs regionally thanks to the area’s two full-service hospitals. St. Anthony’s Health Center in Alton is a two-campus, 199-bed acute care facility, while Alton Memorial Hospital is a 206-bed hospital recognized for its heart, orthopedic and emergency services.
Lewis and Clark Community College From health care to manufacturing, employers discover a welcome educational partner in Lewis and Clark Community College. The Godfrey, Ill., college provides corporate and community programs including safety training and customized training for employees.
Financial benefits Financial incentives also make Illinois a natural choice: There’s no personal property tax, and retirement income is tax-free. Corporations benefit from no local corporate income tax and credits for investments in mining, manufacturing or retailing. In addition, a new Illinois Economic Development for a Growing Economy program provides a credit equal to 3 percent of the wages of a new or expanding business’ added employees. Deductions also can be made on dividends paid by corporations operating in Illinois Enterprise Zones and interest on loans to enterprise zone businesses.
Leading the way Since the Riverbend Growth Association serves as both the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Organization for local communities, the group is instrumental in teaming with prospective residents and employers to make the transition to Southwestern Illinois a seamless one. “We work with personnel in each municipality and with economic development from start to finish to assist anyone interested in locating here,” Bristow says.
www.growthassociation.com
Southwestern Illinois
Airports of Southwestern Illinois Air services in Southwestern Illinois are second to none. From military and large cargo carriers to first-class business aviation, services abound for any need. David Miller, director of the St. Louis Regional Airport, says cooperation between airports creates a positive, synergistic effect for the entire St. Louis Metroplex. “We have a rich heritage of transportation here, and the important buzzword for transportation is intermodal,” Miller says. “We have barge, rail, highway and five airports, each with their own niche. We cover and protect the whole gamut of the air arm of multimodal transportation.”
MidAmerica St. Louis Airport MidAmerica St. Louis is the state’s only joint-use airport, offering both civilian and military operations through Scott Air Force Base. Boasting a combined $2.5 billion economic impact, MidAmerica recently ranked third for economic impact among all the state of Illinois’ airports, just behind O’Hare and Midway. But unlike its
commercial counterparts, MidAmerica is an industrial strength, international cargo airport, bridging the Americas and Asia for international trade. “Air trade between Asia and the Americas comes through North America and usually ends up on a truck between airports,” says Tim Cantwell, director of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. “From Southwestern Illinois, large freight and belly cargo can easily go on a truck in the United States both ways. We’re directly linked to all modes of transportation and have all the tools that make successful distribution through the United States available.” Rail and ground connections are available on site. MidAmerica is designated U.S. Customs Port 4581, www.flymidamerica.com
allowing for any and all international flights. The airport is also a designated foreign trade zone, and is part of an enterprise zone offering tax abatements and state and local credits for companies that locate there. Freight shipments often include perishables, which often present manufacturers with the hardest logistical equation. Recently, international produce cooperative North Bay Produce expanded their central U.S. headquarters at MidAmerica St. Louis – a 50,000-squarefoot facility built directly on a ramp. Still, the airport isn’t all freight and cargo. In 2012, Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air began offering nonstop jet service from MidAmerica St. Louis to Orlando Sanford International Airport. The flights operate twice weekly, and more destinations are expected.
St. Louis Downtown Airport Convenience and location define St. Louis Downtown Airport, the front door for business aviation in the Midwest. Located in St. Clair County in Cahokia and Sauget, Ill., the airport is
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is home to more than 300 based aircraft and 26 business tenants, including General Dynamics subsidiary Jet Aviation, one of the top-rated aircraft maintenance repair companies in the world. From blimps to Boeing 757s, St. Louis Downtown is equipped to handle any business aviation aircraft.
St. Louis Regional minutes from the city and located in the American Bottoms Enterprise Zone. “You can step off the airplane and be anywhere in the city within 10 minutes, from the Gateway Arch to sporting events and concert venues,” says Bob McDaniel, airport director. It’s no wonder St. Louis Downtown Airport is the first choice for business owners, V.I.P.s and celebrities trying to avoid the hassle and lengthy security lines of larger airports. The Class IV commercial service airport also serves as a gateway airport for Washington, D.C. St. Louis Downtown is one of the oldest airports in the region, still housing the nation’s first certified flight school. Today, it has two full-service fixed base operators, a full-service restaurant, deli, lounge, an Air and Space Museum, and an active EAA chapter. In 2012, St. Louis Downtown Airport boasted a regional economic impact of $584 million. With just under 2,000 employees, the business aviation airport
Located in East Alton, St. Louis Regional Airport handles an average of 80,000 operations each year though corporate activity, air cargo, recreational flights, and civilian and military flight training. Major repair and overhaul is a key niche at the airport, where anchor tenant West Star Aviation specializes in airframe and engine repair and maintenance, interior refurbishment,
and much more. The airport also has a growing nonaeronautical development and is home to aviation parts manufacturer Triumph among others. Of the park’s 600 business acres, 150 are utility-ready and available for lease, ranging in size from less than 1 acre to more than 8 acres. A strip mall is in the works for 2013, and the airport already houses a drivers’ license facility, beauty shop, bank and several eateries. The airport’s 30-plus businesses account for some 700 jobs with an aggregate annual payroll of $31 million and a total economic output for more than $132 million annually. The airport also is home to the Bethalto Fireworks Show and the Wings and Wheels Fly-In and Car Show, which showcases vintage aircraft and vehicles.
www.stlouisdowntownairport.com • www.stlouisregional.com
Southwestern Illinois
America’s Central Port America’s Central Port is positioned at the epicenter of multimodal activity in the United States. Located just north of downtown St. Louis on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, the 1,200acre multi-use facility offers a wide range of services and facilities, including barge, rail and truck transfer of commodities; industrial, commercial and residential development sites; and warehouse and commercial lease opportunities. The port also includes Foreign Trade Zone #31, recreational facilities and residential housing.
America’s Central Port is located within 30 minutes of four regional airports, has access to all six North American Class I rail carriers and connects to the regional switching carrier Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis. On the highway, America’s Central Port is minutes from downtown St. Louis, Mo. An adjacent four-lane limited access highway (Illinois Route 3) provides fast access to Interstates 70, 64, 44 and 55, as well as the St. Louis outer belt (Interstates 270 and 255).
Unparalleled access
The best in river transportation
“America’s Central Port is more than a traditional business park; it is also the St. Louis region’s only full-service, public intermodal port,” says Dennis Wilmsmeyer, executive director of America’s Central Port. “The port is located at the heart of the United States’ transportation network and provides exceptional access to all three major freight transportation modes: river, rail and road.”
Owned and operated by the Tri-City Regional Port District, the port’s public entity has been serving the river industry for more than 50 years. Each year, nearly 80 million tons of products are shipped past the port’s harbor facility located on the Chain of Rocks Canal. And while the port sits on 1,200 acres, it maintains jurisdiction of much more. “The port district was created by the State of Illinois in 1959 to promote
river transportation and expand economic opportunity in the communities we serve,” Wilmsmeyer says. The port encompasses more than 75 square miles in southwestern Madison County, Ill., on the banks of the Mississippi River and Chain of Rocks Canal. The municipalities of Granite City, Madison and Venice are located within the district. “The port’s river access is one of its greatest assets,” Wilmsmeyer says. “Water transportation is the most costeffective and energy-efficient way to move bulk goods from the American heartland to international markets.” The port is located at the last lock on the Mississippi River, which is free flowing past this point. “The port is the most northerly ice-free port on the Mississippi River, which allows us to operate year round. Additionally, our prime location offers customers and tenants access to open, southerly barge navigation all the way to the Port of New Orleans.” The bulk of the port’s river operations are located along the mile-
www.americascentralport.com
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Prepared for growth The port’s new South Harbor is currently under construction. The offchannel harbor is located just south of Locks #27 on the Mississippi River and is expected to be completed in 2014. Rail access to the harbor is provided by a newly constructed rail loop that facilitates unit train movement from the port to the region’s six Class I railroad carriers. The past few years of private development represent an investment of more than $300 million on property adjacent to the South Harbor alone.
Available development sites range from 1 acre to more than 90 in size and are zoned for heavy industrial use. Tenants receive 24/7 monitoring by a professional security staff, service from on-site utilities capable of supporting industrial-sized developments, and support from the port’s staff of engineers, planners and development specialists. Office and apartment space also is available on site, while the port offers more than 1.5 million square feet of rail-served warehouse space in Foreign Trade Zone #31. Additional space in the port’s business district includes a range of office sizes, arrangements and finishes based on the needs of individual tenants.
and training opportunities for new or existing workers. State utility providers also may offer significant discounts for larger projects. For smaller clients, America’s Central Port operates the only small business incubator in Southwestern Illinois. The River’s Edge Enterprise Center serves small companies and business startups at exceptionally low rates. Business counseling services also are provided through partnerships with area educational institutions.
Perks for Port tenants New or expanding port businesses may be able to take advantage of sales or property tax abatement, alternative financing through a Tax Increment Financing District, Special Business District or tax credits for job creation,
www.americascentralport.com
Photo Courtesy of Mark kempf
long North Harbor, which serves approximately 2,500 barges and 3 million tons of petroleum, steel, fertilizer and grain each year. River amenities include separate liquid and dry bulk terminals, fleeting services, a general cargo dock, and roll-on/rolloff dock used to transfer oversized and overweight items to and from the river and rail or road.
Southwestern Illinois
Gateway Commerce Center Gateway Commerce Center is the St. Louis region’s premier bulk distribution park, and with good reason. No other site offers the size, location, access, infrastructure, labor, amenities and economic incentives of Gateway. Located on 2,300 acres, the park has averaged a million square feet of growth each year since its inception in 1998. Vacancies are rare, as Gateway offers an average building size of 650,000 square feet – nearly double the size of buildings on the opposite side of the Mississippi.
Meeting a need Domestically produced consumer products from companies like Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Hershey drive much of Gateway’s business. A unique perk comes via the mighty Mississippi, as many clients, from beer manufacturers to lawn and garden suppliers, add water to products before shipping them out. “The Mississippi River was key to the growth of St. Louis long ago, and it’s still key to the growth of the industrial market by providing quality, affordable water,” says Terry Stieve, executive vice president for Jones Lang LaSalle. And with unbeatable access to road, rail, water and air carriers, Gateway customers enjoy the lowest shipping costs anywhere. “Gateway is one of few parks bordered by two interstates, I-255 and I-270 with two interchanges providing easy and efficient access to the park. The park also offers rail service by Norfolk Southern, and all major rail carriers have intermodal facilities less than 20 miles away,” Stieve says. Located on site, USF Logistics Services and Schneider Logistics provide trucking, logistics and handling for overflow needs. Norfolk Southern runs along the park’s property line, while Triple Crown Services Co. operates a 62-acre intermodal facility on site. The park also is a short drive to four cargo-handling airports and the nation’s second-largest inland port. Gateway’s thorough design means infrastructure and road systems can accommodate 400-600 truck movements per building per day.
“From the pavement design to the width of the roads, all of the park elements have been designed for that type of velocity,” Stieve says. “There aren’t many places with the type of infrastructure Gateway Commerce Center has.” Tenants appreciate low operating costs and access to a plentiful, well-trained workforce, while financial incentives are motivators for many customers. A real estate tax abatement offered by Madison County has brought the center much attention, as tenants save more than $1 per square foot per year over the Missouri side of the river. In 2013, Gateway Commerce Center will break ground on a 569,160-squarefoot building. The building is expected to www.gatewaydelivers.com
more than double in size in coming years – a good indicator of expected growth. This special section is published for Southwestern Illinois by Journal Communications Inc.
For more information, visit any of our sponsors: www.leadershipcouncilswil.com www.growthassociation.com • www.flymidamerica.com www.stlouisdowntownairport.com www.stlouisregional.com www.americascentralport.com www.gatewaydelivers.com ©Copyright 2013 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this special advertising section may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Cover photo by David Carson
Transportation
Land of Linking Illinois logistics systems move people and goods around the world
Story by Gary Wollenhaupt
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More than 50 rail carriers, including Union Pacific, serve Illinois.
Connections Matter A number of major interstates run through the state, including coast-to-coast interstate routes I-70, I-80 and I-90, linking manufacturers and markets from across the country. Champaign County is one of the state’s transportation and
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ith an impressive collection of road, rail, water and air connections, Illinois’ transportation network drives manufacturing, agriculture, and other major industry sectors and bolsters the state’s position as a center of global trade. The sophisticated and integrated transportation infrastructure has made Illinois a logistics leader, with Fortune 500 companies alone using the state for more than 300 distribution operations.
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America’s Central Port covers more than 75 square miles in southwestern Madison County. Ph o t o C o u r t e s y o f M a r k K e m p f
logistics hubs that benefit from the highway system. The region is within an eight-hour drive of about 78 million consumers. “That’s a big factor in the logistics sector that we have here,” says Mike Kirchhoff, president and CEO, Champaign County Economic Development Corp. Among its notable industries, Champaign County is a center for the remote-control hobby industry with Hobbico and Horizon Hobby, two of the largest companies, located there. Sporting goods, food distribution and automotive components makers also take
advantage of the confluence of the three major highways in the county. “The presence of such a diverse manufacturing and logistics base is a demonstration this is a great place to be,” Kirchhoff says. Multiple Modes With more than 11,100 miles of navigable waterways, Illinois provides an efficient and costeffective link between the Atlantic Ocean (via the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes) and the Gulf of Mexico. The Port of Chicago, which is the largest inland general cargo
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Public warehousing facilities
2,100 Miles of interstate highway
1.5 million Tons of cargo via O’Hare International Airport in 2011
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SOUTH CENTRAL ILLINOIS
GROWTH ALLIANCE
South Central Illinois is a natural for manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities. Centrally located in the U.S. with interstates 57, 64 and 70, and highways 50 and 51, the region provides easy access to most of the major markets throughout the nation. Blessed with a quality transportation infrastructure, the South Central Illinois region is a cost-effective location for producing, storing and distributing products regionally, nationally and internationally. Reaching customers by road, rail, or air is a snap and economical.
Art Borum, Director 2005 E. McCord St. • Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 545-3403 • SCIGA@kaskaskia.edu www.southcentralillinois.com
Top State
port in the U.S., handles ocean and lake freighters as well as barges. The port is served by 12 rail lines and offers direct interstate access. A 2012 study found maritime commerce at the Port of Chicago supported 6,900 jobs and subsidized $573.9 million in annual personal income, $425.9 million in business revenue and $148.5 million in local purchases. Chicago is the largest U.S. rail gateway, and another major rail center is located in East St. Louis. More than 50 rail carriers provide service from Illinois to every part of the United States. Downstate on the Mississippi River in Madison County, America’s Central Port is a 1,200-acre multimodal complex whose harbor facility handles more than 870 million tons of product a year. More than 80 companies are based at the port complex, which delivers an annual economic impact of more than $206 million to the region. Led by O’Hare International, Illinois offers 137 commercial use airports, and every city of at least 30,000 has a facility that offers commercial jet service or can handle business jets. O’Hare is one of the world’s busiest airports, Union Pacific’s Global III intermodal facility in Rochelle handles shipments moving through western Iowa and Wisconsin.
Ph o t o C o u r t e s y o f E R I C H E R Z OG
Area Development magazine named Illinois in its top five states for infrastructure and global access on its 2012 Top States for Doing Business, including giving the state a top rating for rail and highway accessibility.
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serving more than 67 million passengers and 1.5 million tons of freight each year. In Rochelle, Union Pacific’s Global III intermodal facility covers 1,200 acres and includes a large switching yard, a 720,000 lift capability, a 10-lane gate entrance and a 7,200-unit container/trailer yard at full build-out. Recently the facility has expanded beyond containerized traffic to support a variety of local projects such as crude oil pipelines and windmill construction as well as grain exports. In addition, Rochelle is in the unique position of operating its own shortline
railroad to serve two industrial parks. Eight industries use the shortline to access both Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail lines. “With dual rail access, our companies have very competitive transportation rates,” says Jason Anderson, City of Rochelle economic development director.
What’s Online Discover more about Illinois’ strong transportation network and its advantages at www.businessclimate. com/illinois.
Union Pacific’s Global III intermodal facility makes shipping in and out of Illinois easier and more efficient. As a result, more than 3,000 containers move through the state daily.
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Education & Workforce
Workforce in Progress State strategies promote highly trained labor pool
Story by Kevin Litwin • Photography by Jeff Adkins
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cornerstone of Illinois’ economic development success is the quality of its workforce. More than 30 percent of all workers over age 25 have a bachelor’s degree and 11 percent have advanced degrees, both figures above the national average. Higher education institutions in the state are helping to provide and sharpen the state’s workforce skills to meet employer needs and emerging careers. The state has 48 community colleges and one community college center that provide instruction and workforce preparation in more than 240 occupational specialties. Those
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specialties reflect industry trends and the hottest career paths, with the community colleges frequently working with employers on customized training programs. As a result, nearly one-half of the state’s 5.6 million workers are skilled technicians, craftspeople or machine operators, and 10.1 percent are specifically employed in the manufacturing sector. Today, nearly 60 percent of Illinois workers have gained education beyond high school. Post-Secondary Priority The Illinois State Board of Education announced in 2012 that Illinois is among six states that
will participate in the Pathways to Prosperity Network, a coalition that aims to increase the number of high school graduates who attain a post-secondary credential with value in the labor market. The initiative began in Chicago and Aurora schools with a longterm goal to create a statewide system of career pathways. “This is about schools and businesses working together to provide greater guidance and options so our young people can make smart choices as they complete high school, then move on to post-secondary education and jobs that will better support
John Rico, the founder and CEO of Rico Enterprises, is the chairman of the Illinois Workforce Investment Board.
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From top: Workforce Development Center at Heartland Community College in Normal; A student works on the lathe in the new Applied Technology Center at Parkland College in Champaign.
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An instructor demonstrates how to weld as part of the Industrial Technology program at Parkland College in Champaign. Students in the program learn to use modern manufacturing systems and can earn paid internships with the college’s industrial partners. Program graduates often transfer to four-year schools and obtain degrees in industrial, mechanical or electrical engineering.
them and the Illinois economy,” says Illinois Superintendent of Education Christopher Koch. In late 2012, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn met with business and education leaders to launch Illinois Pathways, which is a public-private partnership focused on developing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning across the state. “Businesses will play a critical role in this process by giving students real-world experience in certain fields, which will be most important in peaking their interest in STEM careers,” Gov. Quinn says. “A 2011 report
shows that Illinois will have an estimated 319,000 STEM-related job openings by 2018, and about 93 percent of those jobs will require post-secondary education or training.” Nine Clusters of Hot Careers The Illinois Workforce Investment Board has established nine clusters of careers it predicts will be the most important in Illinois for the foreseeable future. The clusters include health science; manufacturing; energy; finance; transportation and distribution; information technology; architecture and
construction; research and development; and agriculture, food and natural resources. “The goal is for high schools, community colleges, technical colleges, and colleges and universities to start offering more of these curricula that lead to these hot careers in Illinois,” says John Rico, chairman of the Illinois Workforce Investment Board. “These career opportunities will be ideal for many individuals in high school or colleges today, or for an armed services veteran returning to Illinois or a baby boomer who wants to get retooled for a fresh start.” w w w . b u si n e ssc l i m a t e . c o m / i l l i n o is
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Health
Top Treatment State’s hospitals garner national reputation for excellence
A 14-story tower recently opened at the 664-bed Rush University Medical Center in downtown Chicago.
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Medical students attend class at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine. The school’s medical campus includes Comer Children’s Hospital, Bernard A. Mitchell Hospital, Chicago Lying-in Hospital and the Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine.
Story by Liisa Sullivan • Photography by Jeff Adkins
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he presence of major research universities, top medical schools and worldrenowned health-care systems make Illinois a leader in medical innovation and expertise. The treatments and technologies of tomorrow are being developed today in Illinois, where access to top-quality health care is a major contributor to the state’s quality of life. Hospitals With Impact The state’s 189 hospitals and 216 rural clinics are not only providing top-level treatment and investing in the latest technology, they also are engines of economic growth. More than 425,000 health-care workers in the state include 42,000 physicians and 121,00 nurses. An Illinois Hospital Association study conducted between January 2008 and November 2011 found:
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• Illinois hospitals contribute $78.7 billion to state and local economies each year. • Even during challenging economic times, the health-care sector in Illinois added 39,400 jobs, representing a 7 percent growth between January 2008 and November 2011. • The health-care/social assistance sector in the state is projected to add 149,755 jobs by 2018, more than any other sector in the state’s economy. “In addition to providing vital medical and health-care services to residents, Illinois hospitals are absolutely essential for the state’s economy as a steady, recession-proof source of excellent, well-paying jobs, providing stability and even growth during difficult economic times,” says Maryjane A. Wurth, president and CEO of IHA, says.
Education is Key Illinois has eight medical schools. Two of them – the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine and the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University – are routinely nationally ranked. “Our school’s national reputation is primarily built on the diverse strengths of its talented faculty,” says Dr. Holly J. Humphrey, dean of the Pritzker School of Medicine. “Our faculty receives some of the highest per capita research funding for a medical school, and our students are taught by this same full-time faculty; this creates a robust educational environment.” Hospitals across the state are receiving national accolades for the care they provide. Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and Carle
The Pritzker School of Medicine, which is part of the University of Chicago’s Division of the Biological Sciences, emphasizes active learning.
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Hospital facts In 2012, at least eight Illinois hospitals were nationally ranked in at least two specialties by U.S. News & World Report. Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial in Chicago were recognized in 13 and 12 national specialty rankings, respectively. Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove was named among the best community hospitals in the nation. The health-care industry is a major economic force in Illinois; it has more than 475,000 workers, including 42,500 physicians and 121,000 nurses. In 2011, Illinois hospitals employed nearly 200,000 people and generated a local and state economic impact of more than $78 billion. Illinois boasts 189 hospitals and 216 rural clinics.
Foundation Hospital in Urbana were named among the best teaching hospitals in the nation in 2012 by Truven Health Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters). Dr. William Adair, vice president of clinical transformation at Advocate Christ Medical Center, says that Truven Analytics’ recent poll ranked its facility as one of the top 100 hospitals in the country; it’s one of four Illinois hospitals and one of 15 major teaching hospitals to make the list. “Truven saw that we were able to survive and thrive in an increasingly difficult economic environment,” Adair says. “We also have a relentless pursuit of perfectionism that is achieved through day-to-day diligence. We like to call it servant leadership; it’s embedded in our culture.” Top: Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, located in Normal, is a 221-bed hospital offering services such as emergency and heart care and pediatrics. Bottom: The Center for Care and Discovery opened in February 2013 at the Pritzker School of Medicine and includes 240 private patient rooms.
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202 Public Square • Benton, IL 62812 • (618) 435-4000 • (618) 435-2020 • www.fredco.info
✔ Four industrial parks located minutes from Interstate 57 ✔ Two enterprise zones ✔ Six TIF districts ✔ Municipal airport with two 4,000-foot runways ✔ County and city officials actively support economic development ✔ County bisected by one of the busiest interstates in Illinois and three railroads ✔ More than 21 million people live within a 250-mile radius
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The Growing Center of Health Care Health care has surpassed state government as the top employer in Sangamon County, and for good reason. Here in Lincoln’s hometown, collaborative research flourishes and innovative treatments are developed and applied. Enjoy the opportunities of an advanced medical ecosystem in the state’s most affordable community. More than 1.6 million people throughout 40 counties are served by the Mid-Illinois Medical District’s partner institutions each year. The proximity of health care, education, and support facilities is an attractive incentive for health care and related business. If you seek a supportive ecosystem for R&D, growing your ancillary medical business, or delivering exceptional patient care, Springfield is the ideal location. •
National reputation for plastic surgery, orthopedics and general surgery
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More patients for cardiovascular care than Mayo Clinic
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Two hospitals and major physicians group involved in expansions totaling $367 million
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Supporting the commercialization of medical discoveries
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Facilities expecting to hire at least 200 medical staff and personnel over the next few years
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Attracting nearly $35 million in research funds with hundreds of active projects
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Diverse training programs teaching more than 600 nurses and residents annually
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Home to H.D. Smith, the largest privately owned pharmaceutical wholesaler in the nation, which has grown 16% since 2009
The Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine is pioneering new methods and treatments for brain tumors.
Educational Partners Benedictine University www.ben.edu/springfield Lincoln Land Community College www.llcc.edu/hlpr Midwest Technical Institute www.midwesttech.edu Robert Morris University www.robertmorris.edu St. John’s College www.stjohnscollegespringfield.edu University of Illinois at Springfield www.uis.edu/clinicallabscience
Graduates of Lincoln Land Community College’s healthcare programs work in almost every health-care setting.
MEDICAL PARTNERS Central Illinois Blood Bank – www.cicbc.org Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center www.psysolutions.com Memorial Health System – www.choosememorial.org Mid-Illinois Medical District www.midillinoismedicaldistrict.org Our tertiary care hospitals, Memorial Medical Center and St. John’s Hospital, are both adding 100-plus private rooms in their expansions.
Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants www.prairiecardiovascular.com Prairie Diagnostic – www.prairiediagnostic.com Sangamon County Medical Society – www.scmsdocs.org Southern Illinois University School of Medicine – www.siumed.edu Springfield Clinic – www.SpringfieldClinic.com St. John’s Hospital – www.st-johns.org The Hope Institute for Children and Families www.thehopeschool.org
The Enos Park Neighborhood, filled with historic homes, is adjacent to the medical district. A few blocks away is a more urban, downtown setting.
Springfield Clinic’s recent expansion celebrated breast cancer survivors through its Pink Steel frame.
We Welcome Your Business •
Central Illinois Economic Development Authority (CIEDA) up to $250 million in bonds
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MIMD and private activity bonds from the City of Springfield (www.springfield.il.us)
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Springfield Enterprise Zone
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Enos Park Tax Increment Financing District (TIF)
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Downtown Tax Increment Financing District (TIF)
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Economic Development Rider by municipal utility, City Water, Light and Power (CWLP)
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Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for public infrastructure improvements and business loans for projects benefiting low to moderate income persons
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Springfield ranks as the most affordable region in the State of Illinois and within the top 12 nationwide (C2EC)
For more information, contact the Quantum Growth Partnership (Q5) at the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce at (217) 525-1173 or visit www.gscc.org.
Millenium Park in downtown Chicago is home to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, as well as the five-acre Lurie Garden. The park also hosts concerts and programs. p h oto b y J eff A d k ins
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Livability
Amazing Places Big-city culture or big as all outdoors, Illinois is a state for all tastes
Story by Kevin Litwin
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llinois is a study in contrasts, from the comfortable feel of its smaller towns and the peace and beauty offered by its ample open spaces and natural areas, to the cosmopolitan vibe of a world capital like Chicago. And what a toddlin’ town Chicago is. The city of broad shoulders is known the world over for culture, cuisine and its open24-hours atmosphere. It is the city of fabulous museums, deep dish pizza, Chicago hot dogs, and more than 5,000 restaurants of American and international f lair, plus professional sports teams like the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, White Sox and Blackhawks. It also houses the Chicago Cultural Center, one of the city’s most popular attractions that lures 900,000 annual visitors. Those visitors witness more than 800 free programs and exhibitions spanning visual, literary and performing arts. “In addition, the Cultural Center serves as the official
The Lincoln Depot, one of Illinois’ historic attractions, is located in Springfield and is the site where Lincoln departed the city for the last time after being elected president. w w w . b u si n e ssc l i m a t e . c o m / i l l i n o is
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reception site where the Mayor of Chicago welcomes U.S. presidents, international leaders and royalty,” says Matt Nielson, deputy commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. “The Center is even more unique because when you look at other major cities both nationally and internationally, Chicago has one of the largest free cultural centers in the world.” Nielson points out that Chicago overall is a vibrant cultural capital thanks to renowned museums, a famed opera and symphony, and an incredible theater scene. “Chicago theatrical companies have won more Toni Awards outside of New York than any other city in the nation,” he says. “People who visit Chicago will see arts and culture that they probably aren’t
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getting where they come from. The fact that much of it is free makes it even more unique.” Chicago is also filled with blues clubs and festivals, plus entertainment attractions such as Second City and the Brookfield Zoo. Additional sites include Millennium Park, Navy Pier and Skydeck Chicago’s The Ledge, plus there are eight Chicago Park District golf courses. Visitors and residents can see much of the city via excursions such as Explore Chicago Tours along with Shoreline Sightseeing tours along the Chicago River. Ulysses S. Grant Lived Here Illinois also has a rich history. For example, Northern Illinois has the post Civil War home of President Ulysses S. Grant in Galena, while Starved
Rock State Park in Utica offers vistas of canyons and waterfalls. Meanwhile, Western Illinois houses a number of respected colleges and universities that include Western Illinois University, Bradley University, Quincy University, Augustana College and Knox College. “Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Illinois is home to mile after magnificent mile of renowned museums, historic sites, outdoor adventures, scenic routes, good eats, great wine and a world-class city,”
S ta f f P h o t o s
Clockwise from top: Students tour the Krannert Art Museum at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.; Chicago’s Navy Pier has 50 acres of entertainment.; The Kankakee River Valley area offers beautiful natural settings convenient to urban centers.
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Eye Witness Central Illinois could be nicknamed the land of Lincoln thanks to the 16th president’s tomb located in the region as well as the Old State Capitol where he gave his famous House Divided speech. Also in the area are his law office, the only home he ever owned, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum that opened in 2005. Central Illinois is also where the state capital of Springfield is located as well as the University of Illinois. Hoelzle adds that for outdoor enthusiasts, Southern Illinois has a number of trails along with vistas such as the Shawnee National Forest as well as Garden of the Gods. There are also recreation areas like Fort Massac State Park, Rend Lake and Giant City State Park. In addition, Illinois has the Mississippi River and Lake Carlyle, plus attractions such as Six Flags Great America, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa Golf, the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, and the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum.
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says Jen Hoelzle, deputy director with the Illinois Office of Tourism. “But we are made up of more than just our places and our deep historical roots. Illinois is all about the people you meet along the way.”
Left: Anglers enjoy fishing for saugeye, largemouth bass, and crappie in Lake Evergreen at Comlara County Park. Right: Follett’s Bookstore near the University of Illinois in downtown Champaign is a local landmark. In addition to books, the shop has U of I clothing and accessories, as well as classroom supplies and dorm materials.
What’s Online Check out more exciting attractions and fun things to do in Illinois at www.businessclimate.com/illinois.
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Gallery
The Murray Baker Bridge is in the revitalized Peoria RiverFront District. Staff Photo
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The Illinois State Capitol building is located in Springfield. Staff Photo
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The University of Illinois Extension showcases Momence’s local heritage with farm buildings adorned with hand-painted classic quilt blocks. Staff Photo
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Wind turbines rise above cornfields on eastern McLean County’s Twin Groves Wind Farm, which generates 396 megawatts of clean energy. Staff Photo
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The Chicago skyline can be seen from the 18-mile Lakefront Trail that includes parks and attractions. Photo by Jeff Adkins
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• Five Fortune 500 Companies • Products Exported to 80 Countries • Labor Sheds Within 45-Minute Drive: 401,552 • Cost of Living Index: 94.9 (Average = 100) • 30 Minutes From I-80, I-55 and I-65 • Targeted Industries: ~ Agriculture and Food Manufacturing ~ Metal and Machine Manufacturing ~ Biotechnology and Plastics ~ Transportation and Logistics
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Illinois The State of Innovation 201 3 Edition , volume 1 Content Director Bill McMeekin business project Manager emily McMackin Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Boehm Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Contributing writers Nan Bauroth, John Fuller, Frederick Jerant, Liisa Sullivan, Kelly Kagamas Tomkies, Kathryn Royster, Gary Wollenhaupt Senior Graphic Designers Stacey Allis, Laura Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Jake Shores, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Kara Leiby, Erica lampley, Kacey Passmore Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Martin B. Cherry, Michael Conti color imaging technician alison hunter Integrated Media Manager scott voncannon Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./Agribusiness Publishing kim holmberg V.P./business Development Clay Perry V.P./external communications Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens V.P./travel publishing susan chappell V.P./Sales Rhonda Graham, Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Controller Chris Dudley Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman Sales Support Coordinator Christina morgan Sales Support project manager sara quint it director Daniel cantrell Web Creative Director Allison Davis Web Content Manager John Hood Web Designer II richard stevens Web Development Lead Yamel Hall Web Developer I Nels noseworthy Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Creative Services Director Christina Carden Creative Technology Analyst Becca ary Audience Development Director Deanna Nelson New Media Assistant Alyssa DiCicco Distribution Director Gary Smith Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop
Illinois - The State of Innovation is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.
For more information, contact: Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity 100 West Randolph, Suite 3-400 • Chicago, IL 60601 Phone: (312) 814-7272 • Fax: (312) 814-8204 www.illinoisbiz.biz
Visit illinois - The state of innovation online at www.businessclimate.com/illinois ©Copyright 2013 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member Member
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visit our
advertisers Ameren www.ameren.com
I-88 West www.I88West.com
Champaign County Economic Development Corporation www.champaigncountyedc.org
Kendall County www.co.kendall.il.us
City of Aurora www.aurora-il.org City of Effingham www.effinghamil.com City of Joliet www.cityofjoliet.info City of Litchfield www.cityoflitchfieldil.com Coles Together www.colestogether.com ComEd www.comed.com Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation www.dgedc.com Economic Alliance of Kankakee County www.kankakeecountyed.org Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County www.decaturedc.com Economic Development Council Bloomington-Normal www.bnbiz.org Elk Grove Village www.elkgrove.org Franklin County Regional Economic Development Corporation www.fredco.info Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council www.glcedc.org
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois www.leadershipcouncilswil.com Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation www.maedco.org McHenry County EDC www.mchenrycountyedc.com Naperville Development Partnership www.naper.org Nicor Gas www.nicorgas.com Peoria Metro www.peoria-metro.org Quad Cities First www.quadcitiesfirst.com RCGA www.gotostlouis.org Richland County Development Corporation www.rcdc.com South Central Illinois Growth Alliance www.southcentralillinois.com The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce www.gscc.org Tuscola Economic Development Inc. www.point2tuscola.org U of I Research Park www.researchpark.illinois.edu Vermilion Advantage www.vermilionadvantage.com
Greater Rochelle Economic Development Corporation www.gredco.rochelle.net
Village of Dwight www.dwightillinois.com
GREDA www.greda.org
Village of Montgomery www.ci.montgomery.il.us
Growth Dimensions www.growthdimensions.org
Will County Center for Economic Development www.willcountyced.com
Grundy Economic Development Council www.gedc.com
World Business Chicago www.worldbusinesschicago.com
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Ad Index
68 Ameren 6 Champaign County Economic Development Corporation C2 City of Aurora
76 Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County
A1 Economic Development Council Bloomington-Normal
4 City of Effingham
14 Elk Grove Village
12 City of Litchfield
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87 Franklin County Regional Economic Development corporation
17 Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council
13 Greater Rochelle Economic Development Corporation
104 Coles Together
70 ComEd
28 Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation
102 Economic Alliance of Kankakee County
Ad Index (cont.)
20 GREDA
10 Growth Dimensions
63 Grundy Economic Development Council
2 I-88 West
95 Kendall County
B1 Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
11 Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation
40 McHenry County EDC
22 Naperville Development Partnership
49 Nicor Gas
16 Peoria Metro
32 Quad Cities First
26 RCGA
72 Richland County Development Corporation
74 South Central Illinois Growth Alliance
88 The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce
58 Tuscola Economic Development Inc.
8 Vermilion Advantage
102 Village of Dwight
C4 Will County Center for Economic Development
C3 World Business Chicago
economic profile Business snapshot With its $679 billion economy, Illinois is an international center of global commerce. The state has leveraged its world-class transportation and logistics infrastructure, major research and higher education assets, and legacy of innovation to create a dynamic and growing economy.
Population 2011: 12,869,257 2000: 12,419,293 Change: 3.6% Households: 4,773,002
Major Population Centers (2011) Chicago: 2,707,120 Aurora: 199,672 Rockford: 152,222 Joliet: 148,402 Naperville: 142,773 Springfield: 117,076 Peoria: 115,234 Elgin: 109,104 Waukegan: 89,426 Cicero: 84,261 Champaign: 81,291 Bloomington: 77,071
Major industry sectors (2012) Construction: 3.2% Manufacturing: 10.4% Information: 1.7%
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Median Housing Price (October 2012) Statewide: $133,750 Chicago MSA: $153,000 Rockford/Winnebago County: $89,950 Joliet/Will County: $160,000
Trade, Transportation, & Utilities: 19.8%
Springfield/Sangamon County: $128,706
Financial Activities: 6.4%
Peoria/Peoria County: $136,900
Professional and Business Services: 15% Educational and Health Services: 15.1% Leisure and Hospitality: 9.4%
Bloomington/McLean County: $160,000
Transportation
Other Services: 4.2% Government: 14.5%
Airports
Labor Force
Illinois offers 137 commercial use airports.
Nonfarm labor force (Oct. 2012): 5,712,600
Per Capita Income (2010)
Highways Major interstates run through Illinois including I-70, I-80 and I-90.
Railroad
$43,159
More than 50 rail carriers provide service from Illinois to every part of the U.S.
Median Household Income (2011)
Water
$56,576
Illinois has 1,1100 miles of navigable waterways and includes a dozen port districts.
What’s Online  For more in-depth demographic, statistical and community information on Illinois, go to www.businessclimate.com/illinois and click on Facts & Stats.