LISLE, IL, May 22, 2014 — “Corporations are willing to put money into their business,” according to Diane Swonk, chief economist and senior managing director at Mesirow Financial. “In the business community, orders are picking up as we see commitments by CEOs who want to invest in the future by replacing and not just repairing equipment.” Swonk shared her insights at the fifth annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook.
The event was sponsored by Choose DuPage, Ice Miller LLP and Mesirow Financial. Robert Schillerstrom, Partner at Ice Miller LLP served as master of ceremonies as DuPage County’s business community gathered to learn more about current regional, national and global economic conditions at the Drury Lane Theater in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Among the highlights of the event:
“For the first time in 10 years, DuPage’s industrial vacancy rate is the lowest in the region, including Chicago,” said Dan Cronin, chairman of the DuPage County Board as he led off the event.
John Calamos, Chairman, CEO and Global Co-Chief Investment Officer, Calamos Investments, added, “The global outlook remains positive going into the second quarter and the rest of the year. The fear of inflation is rather subdued.”
“Tax reform in its entirety is probably a 2017 event,” said Doreen L. Griffith, National Managing Partner, Tax Services at Grant Thornton.
Pam Davis, System CEO, Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare shared the top 10 future issues and trends in healthcare: Bending the Cost Curve, Accountable Care Organizations, Consolidation, Patient Engagement, Higher Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Transparency, Transformative Technology, Drug Shortages, Obesity Epidemic, and Mental Health Issues.
According to Adam Pollet, Director, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, “20,000 net new manufacturing jobs have been created since February 2010.”
“In the new world we’re in, there are no news cycles, it’s just constant information and the need today for answers. This is the greatest challenge to government.” added keynote speaker, William Daley, Former White House Chief of Staff and U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
The event concluded with a panel discussion with all presenters led by President and CEO of Choose DuPage, Greg Bedalov.
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About Choose DuPage
Choose DuPage is the public/private nonprofit countywide economic development organization that promotes DuPage County as a premier business location. In the face of regional and global competition for business investment, Choose DuPage has championed critical and visionary leadership from the public and private sectors of DuPage County, partnering with the 39 communities to:
- Support local municipal economic development initiatives
- Grow, retain and attract businesses
- Address policy issues critical to the needs of business
- Leverage assets and partnerships
- Connect with state, regional and local public resources
- Promote a coordinated marketing message and county identity
To learn more, visit www.choosedupage.com.
About Ice Miller LLP
Founded in 1910, Ice Miller LLP is an Am Law 200 Firm with a nationally recognized reputation in many of its practice areas. Ice Miller offers a broad array of capabilities in virtually all areas of legal practice including: corporate, patents and trademarks, bankruptcy, lobbying, labor and employment, litigation, employee benefits, real estate, municipal finance and public law. With offices in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, DuPage County, Ill., Indianapolis and Washington, D.C., the Firm has more than 300 attorneys, 40 other service professionals and 275 support staff members. For additional information, visit www.icemiller.com.
About Mesirow Financial
Mesirow Financial is a diversified financial services firm headquartered in Chicago. Founded in 1937, it is an independent, employee-owned firm with approximately 1,200 employees globally. With expertise in Investment Management, Global Markets, Insurance Services and Consulting, Mesirow Financial strives to meet the financial needs of institutions, public sector entities, corporations and individuals. For more information about Mesirow Financial, please visit mesirowfinancial.com.