Tag: awards and accolades

Chicagoland has once again been named the number one metro in the U.S. for corporate relocation and investment by Site Selection Magazine, marking its 12th consecutive year at the top. This ranking—based on project count—highlights the region’s global economic strength, business-friendly environment, and deep talent pool. These competitive advantages are championed worldwide by the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP)—a collaboration between the city and seven surrounding counties (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will)—established in 2023 to drive investment and business expansion across the region.

World Business Chicago reported a total of 140 “pro-Chicagoland decisions,” in 2024, comprising 110 expansions and 30 relocations or new market entries, resulting in the creation of over 14,800 jobs. “The Chicago region’s competitive advantages continue to include logistics infrastructure, a highly skilled and diverse workforce, strong legacy and emerging industries, and world-renowned academic and research and innovation institutions,” said Adam Bruns, editor in chief of Site Selection Magazine. “One underlying reason behind Chicagoland’s perennial strong performance in our Top Metros rankings: how Daniel Burnham’s original plan and vision continue to resonate through generations of business locations, architecture and infrastructure.”

Chicago’s quantum leap into the future was solidified in 2024 with one of the most transformative pro-Chicago business decisions of the year—PsiQuantum’s selection of Chicago as the home for its first utility-scale quantum computing site in the U.S. Announced last summer by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside federal, state, and local leaders, this milestone cements Chicago’s position as a global hub for quantum technology and emerging industries. Located at the USX site on the city’s South Side, the quantum campus represents a bold investment in next-generation innovation, bringing together world-class research institutions, national labs, and industry leaders to drive breakthrough advancements. With PsiQuantum as the campus’ first anchor tenant, Chicago is poised to lead the charge in the quantum revolution, accelerating economic growth, high-tech job
creation, and scientific discovery.

“When we set out to choose the location for our first utility-scale quantum computing site in the U.S., Chicago quickly rose to the top—not just for its infrastructure or geography, but because of the extraordinary leadership and shared vision at every level,” said Josh Richman, Executive Vice President, Market Development, PsiQuantum. “The seamless collaboration between the state, county, and city—alongside world-class universities, national labs, and industry partners—was a masterclass in execution, led by Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson. Chicago is cementing its status as a global innovation powerhouse, and we’re proud to play a role in shaping its future.”

As the leading quantum computing company focused on building the first useful, error-corrected quantum computer, PsiQuantum will drive innovation, competitive research, and economic growth in Illinois.

“Chicago’s number one ranking by Site Selection Magazine is based on real data—proving we’re winning in the metrics that truly matter,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “As the biggest 2024 project counted in this ranking, PsiQuantum’s decision to anchor its new quantum campus on the Southeast Side shows how companies are choosing Chicago for its talent, infrastructure, and strong business ecosystem at every level. Even more importantly, this major quantum investment has innovators around the world taking notice, and I am thrilled this development will revitalize and bring attention to a neighborhood that has been left out of economic development for far too long. We are committed to building upon the successes that have earned Chicago the number one spot and ensuring that all people
can reap their benefits.”

“This milestone underscores what we at World Business Chicago and our partners in the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership already know—businesses continue to choose Chicagoland because they see opportunity here,” said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “With a diverse and highly educated workforce, a robust transportation and logistics network, and a strong innovation ecosystem, our region provides companies with everything they need to succeed.”

“Year after year, Chicagoland proves itself as the premier destination for companies looking to establish, expand, and invest,” said Kevin Considine, Chair of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership and President & CEO of Lake County Partners. “Our collaborative approach ensures that businesses, regardless of their location in the region, have the resources and support to grow.”

One Region, One Vision

The Hon. Deborah Conroy, Chair of the DuPage County Board: “Site Selection magazine has named Chicagoland the number one region in the country for business expansion and re-location for an unprecedented 12^th consecutive year! Congratulations to all the jurisdictions who helped foster this incredible accomplishment. It is an honor to have DuPage County recognized for our contributions. With our partners at Choose DuPage, the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership and the State of Illinois, we will continue to collaborate to position DuPage County and the region as a premier, global business location. Together we are all working to make sure that our region is recognized for what we know – that we are, indeed, number 1 for business in so many ways.”

Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage: “For me, this reinforces an idea that many of us have been preaching for years: Regional collaboration works. When we come together as one Chicagoland, we have a stronger voice, we have a richer narrative, and we have a bigger, better value proposition, one that top businesses can’t ignore. If you want to see the impact of this collaborative approach, look at companies like Jel Sert. In 2024, Jel Sert expanded its West Chicago operations, retaining nearly 1,000 jobs and creating dozens more. GCEP played an integral part in that. And while the outcome was good for West Chicago, it’s also good for the entire Chicagoland region. When we retain, grow, and attract businesses here, we all win.”

Located just west of Chicago, DuPage County provides a supportive ecosystem for businesses, a launchpad for innovators, a strategic location for critical logistics operations, and a healthy home for families. Keep exploring to learn why our forward-thinking community is right for today and ready for tomorrow.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently highlighted Illinois’ top rankings in CNBC’s 2023 Top States for Business publication – an annual report that ranks states based on 10 broad categories of competitiveness. This year, Illinois ranked in the top 10 in the nation for four categories of competitiveness, and six categories in the top 20. Illinois is ranked 17th best state for business, rising ahead two spots from the 2022 ranking and up from 30th in the 2019 ranking.

Highlights include:

• #2 in the nation for infrastructure (up from #3 in ‘22)
• #2 in the nation for education (up from #6 in ‘22)
• #6 in the nation for access to capital (up from #8 in ‘22)
• #9 in the nation for cost of living (up from #20 in ‘22)

“I couldn’t be prouder that we’re outpacing more and more states, and now CNBC has ranked Illinois number two in the nation for both infrastructure and education,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Over the last four years, our Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan has been modernizing our transportation systems. Our higher education institutions have become more affordable and have risen in college rankings. We’ve invested historic levels of funding into early childhood education and K-12 schools which now rank 6th in the nation by US News and World Report. Illinois is improving our economic prospects by focusing on the long term. Here’s to continued improvement in 2024.”

“Illinois stands out as one of the best states in the nation, and as leaders, we know it is the people who make our state so great,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Since day one, our administration has been committed to the work that ensures Illinoisans can thrive so we can go even further together. By investing in our schools, infrastructure, and businesses, we are championing an Illinois that soars to greater heights.”

Through the landmark $45 billion Rebuild Illinois initiative, Illinois has made unprecedented investments to modernize roads, bridges, airports, and ports – resulting in:

• The complete renovation of more than 5,300 miles of highway and almost 500 bridges
• More than 750 accessibility and safety improvements

Illinois has long been known for its superior infrastructure, boasting top freight access, miles of interstate highway, and accessibility to 80 percent of locations in the continental U.S. within four hours through Illinois’ superior airports. Over the next six years, Illinois will invest an additional $13.96 billion to continue its full-scale infrastructure revitalization that will enhance all modes of transportation across the state.

Additionally, the Pritzker Administration has prioritized sustained year over year investments in education from cradle to career. Most recently passing Smart Start Illinois, building upon the state’s strong educational foundation by ensuring students have access to high-quality early education for generations to come. Governor Pritzker’s administration has overseen the largest early childhood investments in state history, totaling in over $1 billion to support early childhood care and education. Smart Start Illinois begins a major push across birth-to-five programs, which includes:

• Pre-school expansion to eliminate preschool deserts and cover every child
• Improve early intervention services to allow thousands of children to overcome developmental challenges
• Enhance Illinois’ nation-leading home visiting program
• Raises for early childhood workers and providers

Illinois ranks sixth in the nation in K-12 education, with funding being increased this year by an additional $525 million, including $350 million for evidence-based funding and $45 million for the first year of an innovative three-year pilot program to fill teacher vacancies.

Governor Pritzker has also increased MAP Grant and AIM High funding to a record-breaking, all-time high of more than $750 million, making it possible for nearly every eligible student at or below median income to attend community college for free.

“Thanks to Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly, Illinois has stronger business attraction incentives than ever before and the state is building momentum,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Combined with our world-class infrastructure, superior education system, and a reasonable cost of living, Illinois continues to grow its economy and improve quality of life for Illinoisans.”

In addition to Infrastructure, Education, Access to Capital and Cost of Living, Illinois ranked among the top 20 states for Life, Health, and Inclusion (17th) – which measures quality of life metrics such as health care, worker protection, voting rights and other data points. Illinois also ranked 14th for Technology & Innovation, which looks at the number of patents, research and similar measures.

The positive rankings in key competitive categories come as Illinois is experiencing a record-setting year for economic development, including ranking #2 in the nation for corporate investment and #1 for workforce development in the Midwest by Site Selection Magazine. Illinois also shattered its record for film production spending (nearly $700 million) and reached an all-time high for hotel revenues in FY23.

Additionally, Illinois reached $1 trillion GDP for the first time in 2022 and nearly tripled companies’ capital investments through EDGE agreements from 2019 pre-pandemic levels to $1 billion in 2022.

Over the past several years, Illinois has launched new business attraction incentives while making improvements to its existing suite. Recent programs and improvements to business attraction include:

• Invest in Illinois Fund: $400 million closing fund provides discretionary grant assistance for large projects with significant job creation and capital investments.
• Reimagining Energy & Vehicles Illinois (REV Illinois): Up to 100% income tax withholding for new jobs created in the EV/clean energy manufacturing sectors, among other benefits.
• Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Program: With more than $1 billion in investment from companies receiving EDGE credits in 2022, EDGE is Illinois’ premier incentive program. EDGE provides competitive tax incentives to businesses in all industries locating or expanding in Illinois.
• Data Centers Investment Program: Provides qualifying data center owners and operators with highly competitive exemptions from a variety of state and local taxes.
• Enterprise Zones (EZ) and High Impact Business (HIB): Enterprise Zones provide various benefits including building material sales tax exemptions, utility tax exemptions (natural gas and electricity), and investment tax credits.
• Manufacturing Illinois Chips for a Real Opportunity (MICRO): Provides incentives for manufacturers of microchips and semiconductor parts for job creation/retention benefits, training cost benefits, credits for construction jobs, and investment credits.

_{Originally published by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.}

Newsweek recently released their annual list of America’s Greatest Workplaces. Of the 1,000 organizations recognized, 58 are located in Illinois, including 10 in DuPage and 50 in Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership counties Cook, Lake, Will and DuPage.

More Illinois businesses were named than any other state, except for Texas, New York and California.

Companies that made the list scored high on key employee satisfaction indicators, including salary, benefits, equality, work-life balance and health, among others. While these scores indicate exceptional employee experiences, they often translate to better outcomes for businesses and customers alike.

“Employees who like their work are more productive, and these employers have lower turnover rates,” says Newsweek’s Global Editor in Chief Nancy Cooper. “By staying at companies longer, loyal employees contribute to organizational stability and consistency. Ultimately, this enhances the bottom line.

“In an economic climate where the job market remains competitive despite fears of a recession, employers who stand out as America’s Greatest Workplaces may find they have substantial advantages over their competitors.”

See which Illinois businesses made the list below – and learn more about Chicagoland’s pro-people, pro-business environment.

Meet the 58 Illinois Businesses Recognized as America’s Greatest Workplaces of 2023

Greater Chicagoland Provides a Pro-People, Pro-Business Environment

DuPage County and Greater Chicagoland attract top employers with a business-friendly climate, while providing an environment that fosters a strong, healthy workforce.

DuPage is currently ranked as the #1 healthiest county in Illinois, offering access to quality health services for residents and encouraging balanced lifestyles. The Greater Chicagoland region, meanwhile, offers some of the state’s best public schools, as well as world-class arts and culture, beautiful parks, safe neighborhoods, and access to excellent public services.

Together, these factors create an environment that’s not only pro-business, but pro-people, improving employee satisfaction scores and fostering a strong workforce that, in turn, powers strong businesses.

Investing in the regional workforce has helped Chicagoland continue to attract top businesses. Site Selection Magazine recently named the Chicago region the #1 U.S. metro for business for the tenth year running. The publication also ranked DuPage as the #9 county for business growth.

Discover DuPage County’s World-Class Workforce

With a population nearly 1 million strong – and the Chicagoland talent pool right next door – the DuPage County workforce is diverse, educated, skilled, and ready for tomorrow.

[Learn More about Our Workforce]

Explore the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership

The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP) is a strategic alliance of the City of Chicago and seven Northern Illinois counties: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will. GCEP’s members work collaboratively to promote the region’s collective assets, drive investment, and empower Chicagoland to compete on a global scale.

[Learn More about Our Regional Collaboration]  

In its new July 2023 issue, Site Selection magazine has published the inaugural edition of “America’s Best Counties,” a new ranking based on Conway Data’s proprietary Conway Projects Database of corporate facility investment data.

On the list of America’s Best Counties by Total Projects, were four Chicagoland Counties, including Cook County, tied for #2 with 231 projects, DuPage County at #9 with 91 projects, Kane County, tied for #14 with 52 projects, and Will County, tied for #16 with 48 projects. 

“These four counties (all GCEP members) are proof that a rising tide floats all boats—a philosophy I’ve always believed in,” said Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage. “When we create good conditions for businesses across the region, it’s good for everyone at every level. I’m so proud of the work we’ve done and the collaborative environment we’ve built across the region. And we’re just getting started!”

Illinois was the only state with four or more contiguous counties making the list. Earlier this year, Site Selection named the Chicago region the top metro in the U.S. for business growth, a ranking it’s held for the last ten years. 

AMERICA’S BEST COUNTIES BY TOTAL PROJECTS

(JAN. 2022 – MARCH 2023)

Source: Conway Projects Database, Conway Data Inc./Site Selection

Site Selection Magazine has named the Chicago region the Top Metro in the U.S. for corporate relocation and site selection, for the tenth consecutive year. News of the Chicago region’s Top Metro rank for 10 consecutive years was announced at an event this month, where World Business Chicago convened city and regional leaders with companies that made pro-Chicago decisions in 2022.

Site Selection Magazine reports that the Chicagoland metro area saw a record number of new and expanding corporate locations, more than any other region in the country. “If winning multiple championships establishes dynasties, what do you call it when you win ten years in a row?” asks Site Selection Managing Editor Adam Bruns. “In Chicagoland, they hand the ball back to the ref and act like they’ve been there before. Because they have. Our project data tell us the metro area continues to attract companies and the talent those companies covet. Led by World Business Chicago, the newly formed Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership and most of all by talented professionals, workers and business leaders, the region continues to meet its challenges with creative solutions, bold programs and the sort of candor and openness that’s almost a Chicago brand.”

Major companies such as Mars Wrigley, Kellogg’s, Google, BMO, EeroQ, Bartesian, New Cold, and Lion Electric are among those that have recently expanded or relocated to Chicago in 2022, contributing to the economy and bringing substantial investments, job growth, and new opportunities to the region. The region’s ongoing efforts to create a dynamic and welcoming business environment, along with its commitment to driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth that benefits all residents, have helped to maintain its status as the top metro for corporate investment in the US.

The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership promotes the region as a powerhouse with a well-established infrastructure, deeply rooted industries, and a robust network of businesses. With its exceptional connectivity, the region is uniquely positioned to weather economic challenges. The greater Chicagoland region is now home to a thriving startup ecosystem, bolstered by a growth capital network, driven by innovation and technology. These newly emerging and accelerated ecosystems are set to propel the region towards an even brighter economic future.

About the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership

The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), a first-of-its-kind united effort including the City of Chicago, Cook County, and six counties across metropolitan Chicago, is driving a regional economic strategy intended to deliver mutual benefits to the partners, and strengthen the greater Chicagoland region’s economic force in an increasingly fierce competitive global market.  The GCEP is focused on promoting the region’s many assets, including extensive freight infrastructure, diverse talent, strong exporting industries, and world-class institutions of innovation, research, and culture as its competitive global identity.

• CyrusOne Data Center – $250 million facility located in Aurora
• Ferrero – Bloomington manufacturing facility; $214.4 million investment and 200 jobs
• GAF Commercial Roofing – Peru manufacturing plant; $80 million investment and 70 jobs
• LG Chem/ADM – two new joint ventures in Decatur; 125 jobs
• Ollie’s Bargain Outlet – Princeton distribution center; $68 million investment and 145 jobs
• Prime Data Centers – New $1 billion data center in Elk Grove Village
• T/CCI – Decatur retooling for EV component manufacturing; $20 million investment and 50 jobs
• Tyson Foods – Caseyville manufacturing facility expansion, $180 million investment and 400 jobs