* DCEO…
Site Selection Magazine today announced Illinois as a top state for businesses looking to relocate. Illinois was named third in the 2017 Governor’s Cup rankings. This is the second year in a row that Illinois has received this honor. The recognition is awarded to states with the most qualifying new and expanded facilities per capita.
“All Illinoisans know that there is no better state than Illinois,” said Governor Bruce Rauner. “One of the objectives of my administration has been to highlight our assets and better recruit businesses to locate within our state. Our efforts are paying off, but the work is not done. We continue the push to make the business environment more competitive to create good paying jobs and opportunities across all Illinois communities.”
Illinois had 419 projects over the course of the year, coming in behind only Texas and Ohio. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area remained the top metropolitan area of 1 million or more for new and expanded facilities with 402 projects.
“From our exceptional workforce to the seamless transportation of goods, Illinois is a world-class place to do business,” said Illinois Department of Commerce Director Sean McCarthy. “Interest in our state continues to rise and we remain focused on supporting our economy to ensure a better quality of life for Illinoisans.”
In addition, micropolitan areas in Illinois that were named for their projects include Ottawa-Peru, Paducah, Effingham, and Rochelle. Micropolitan areas are defined by cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people that cover at least one county.
“We are constantly in contact with new companies looking to expand or locate within Illinois,” said Intersect Illinois CEO Mark Peterson. “The excitement and optimism about the potential that exists within our boarders is palpable. We will continue to work with our partners to capitalize on our accomplishments and bring more success to Illinois.”
Details about the study:
Site Selection’s Conway Projects Database focuses on new corporate facility projects with significant impact, including headquarters, manufacturing plants, R&D operations and logistics sites, among others. It does not track retail and government projects, or schools and hospitals. New facilities and expansions included in the analyses must meet at least one of three criteria: (a) involve a capital investment of at least US$1 million, (b) create at least 20 new jobs or (c) add at least 20,000 sq. ft. (1,858 sq. m.) of new floor area.
- Dupage Bard - Monday, Mar 5, 18 @ 2:32 pm:
Dude pick a lane.
- Skeptic - Monday, Mar 5, 18 @ 2:38 pm:
“The excitement and optimism about the potential that exists within our boarders is palpable.” Wait, and here I thought we would have to get term limits and right-to-work first?
- One Little Cherry - Monday, Mar 5, 18 @ 2:40 pm:
I hate how intersect illinois is listed like its a government agency.
It never achieved non for profit status
It is not a 501c3
Intersect has been a total failure
Rauner hasn’t said a peep about it.
intersect used to be in every SoS address
This year?
Besides Site Selection is as phony as Rauner
It’s about as reliable as the attractions magazine at a holiday inn.
- Henry Francis - Monday, Mar 5, 18 @ 2:41 pm:
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro: 402 projects
Rest of the state: 17 projects
Hmmmm . . .could it be that DCEO and Intersect have been inept at “growin’ jobs or projects” and are merely riding Rahm’s coat tails?
Hey CEO of Intersect, it looks like you haven’t updated your webpage in over 4 months. No new “successes” to tout?
- wordslinger - Monday, Mar 5, 18 @ 2:49 pm:
LOL, amazing how the Rauner crew got around to Site Selection in his re-election year.
All the Raunerbots here have denigrated the pub all during Rauner’s term when he was in “death-spiral” mode.
As I’ve posted over the years, Illinois consistently ranks among the top states in new and expanded facilities.
Nice to see the governor and I can finally agree on something.
- Ste_with_a_ven - Monday, Mar 5, 18 @ 2:55 pm:
In case you want to see BR as a snowboarder
https://siteselection.com/issues/2018/mar/cover.cfm
- Ned Nederlander - Monday, Mar 5, 18 @ 2:57 pm:
In March 2015, Site Selection posted their 2014 Governor’s Cup rankings and had this to say: “Ohio and Illinois repeat their second and third place finishes this year, with 582 and 394 projects respectively.”
New ad for Bruce: Keeping pace with Pat!
- DuPage - Monday, Mar 5, 18 @ 3:22 pm:
First time I have heard Rauner NOT badmouth Illinois.
- Blue dog dem - Monday, Mar 5, 18 @ 3:29 pm:
I get sick to my stomach every time I hear or read the name Intersect Illinois. Is there no pride left in American capitalism.
- Arthur Andersen - Monday, Mar 5, 18 @ 3:38 pm:
What do you naysayers expect from Site Selection? Investigative Journalism? It’s a trade rag, written by the trade for the trade.
- zatoichi - Monday, Mar 5, 18 @ 4:21 pm:
Commercial 1: 3 state governors thank Illinois for making employers move to them.
Commercial 2: Illinois is a great place to move your business.
Commercial 3: That Mike Madigan… what a great guy.
Commercial 4: I am giving all my money to social services.
- Ron - Monday, Mar 5, 18 @ 5:07 pm:
Obviously this is good news, but clearly Chicago is driving the state’s economy. The rest of the state is sinking into irrelevance. We still have horrible job growth and it would be negative without Chicago.
- Grandson of Man - Monday, Mar 5, 18 @ 8:25 pm:
Brucie Two-Face is at it again, praising Illinois’ business climate out of one side of his mouth while trashing it out of the other.
Congrats again to Chicago, for winning best metro area. Businesses like our cultural diversity, infrastructure, amenities, education, technology hubs, etc.
We Democrat-infested libs are also cited for affordability and fiscal improvement in the article:
“That affordability extends to office space. Chicago didn’t even make CBRE’s top 50 most expensive global office markets list that included New York, San Francisco, L.A. and Seattle. The affordability pairs nicely with an improving fiscal situation for the city, which just received a double-notch ratings upgrade from KBRA.”