From being named Google’s eCity of the State of Illinois, to the long-awaited completion of Oakbrook Center, and several new business and retail developments, 2013 was a great year for Oak Brook, Illinois. The Greater Oak Brook Economic Development Partnership recently provided the following highlights. Continue reading
Month: January 2014
Illinois Tourism Breaks 100 Million Visitor Mark for the First Time
Illinois set an all-time record for tourism, breaking the 100 million visitor mark in 2012. International visitors rose 11.8 percent last year to set another new record and push the total to 101 million. Tourism in Illinois generated an estimated $33.5 billion and 298,700 jobs for the state’s economy, also new high marks for the state. Continue reading
Record $184 Million Year for Illinois Film Industry
lllinois’ film industry generated a record $184 million in spending in 2012, resulting in more than 2,200 full-time equivalent jobs. Governor Quinn signed a 10-year extension of the Illinois Film Tax Credit in 2011, which has paved the way for more productions in Illinois. Continue reading $68 Billion in Illinois Exports Drive Economic Growth, Create Jobs
Illinois is the largest exporting state in the Midwest and the fifth largest in the Country. Illinois exports rose 5.1% to $68.1 billion in 2012 after soaring 30 percent in 2011. Direct exports account for nearly 10 percent of the Gross State Product.
Illinois Ranks #5 in Nation for Best Corporate Locations
Illinois ranks #5 in the nation for new and expanded corporate facilities, moving up two spots from last year’s seventh place ranking, according to the annual analysis by Site Selection magazine, one of the nation’s premier corporate real estate and economic development publications. Continue reading
Illinois Economy Posts Strong Fourth Quarter Growth
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Governor Pat Quinn announced that Illinois’ economy posted the strongest growth in the Midwest for September and October, and nearly 40,000 jobs in the last three months of 2013. Continue reading
Governor Quinn Announces Illinois Manufacturing Lab
Governor Pat Quinn joined officials from the University of Illinois and UI LABS to launch the Illinois Manufacturing Lab (IML) – a key initiative to increase the competitiveness, productivity and profitability of Illinois’ manufacturers. Proposed by the Governor in his 2013 State of the State address, the IML is launching its initial efforts with pilot projects at ten Illinois companies to identify and solve advanced manufacturing challenges. Continue reading Small Business Initiative Puts People to Work Across Illinois
The federally-funded Advantage Illinois program launched less than two years ago has helped scores of companies create nearly 2,000 jobs by providing Illinois entrepreneurs with the access to capital necessary to expand their businesses.
Continue reading Message from the Director of Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
As we bring 2013 to a close, I would like to take a moment to review DCEO’s successes and reiterate our continued commitment to creating jobs and economic opportunities for all Illinoisans.
Early this year, Illinois was ranked the fifth best location in the nation for corporate expansion by Site Selection Magazine, one of the most prestigious and notable publications of its kind. Topping that was Chicago, landing the #1 spot in the nation for Foreign Direct Investment, while Illinois continues to be the number one state in the Midwest for exports. Continue reading
Illinois Coal Exports Set Record, Fuel Economic Growth
Illinois coal output rose last year against the tide of shrinking U.S. production, as global demand for Illinois coal soared. The report and its recommendations support Governor Quinn’s five-year-plan to double exports by 2014 and to continue providing an export-friendly business climate in Illinois.
“Illinois coal is in high demand overseas and we have the resources and infrastructure to take advantage of this opportunity for economic growth, Governor Quinn said. —Our rail lines and river ports, which we continue to improve under the Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program, give us a unique export advantage over other states in the region.” Continue reading