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* The group For a Better Chicago ran an ad in New Jersey recently touting Illinois’ more favorable business climate. It’s next target is Wisconsin…
It’s been Scott Walker’s mantra since he started campaigning for governor: “Wisconsin is open for business.” But a new ad in the Wisconsin State Journal challenges that claim.
A half-page ad lists reasons why Illinois is “better” than Wisconsin. Reasons include a better tax environment for business, a higher quality workforce, and a stronger economy.
Initial reactions?
“That’s cute,” said Wisconsin’s Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch.
This is the same group that is now picking favorites in aldermanic races. Click the pic for a better view…
* But not everyone agrees…
An Illinois company that makes items for trade shows is moving to Wisconsin, Gov. Scott Walker announced Thursday.
Catalyst Exhibits, Inc., will be moving from Crystal Lake to Pleasant Prairie, Wis., and bringing with it 105 jobs, the governor said. It will occupy a 144,000-square-foot facility and invest $2.5 million in the state, Walker said.
Catalyst Exhibits is a trade-show marketing company whose clients include TiVo, Siemens, Abbott Labs and Nokia. […]
Walker said the company will receive a $500,000 state grant to relocate to Wisconsin and the Kenosha Area Business Alliance is providing a $1.25 million low interest loan for building renovations.
*** UPDATE *** The unemployment rate dropped here last month…
The state of Illinois’ jobless rate fell to 8.9% in February, marking the 13th straight month of decline.
The February figure is 0.1 percentage point lower than January’s rate and 2.2 points below February 2010, according to preliminary figures released Thursday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
The last time the state had a jobless rate below 9% was in February 2009.
* Related…
* Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Quinn: Quinn says they are the “progressive aggressive” team: “We have a progressive mayor-elect and a progressive governor and we want to be progressive and aggressive,” Quinn told reporters for Illinois news outlets, meeting with them after a session with the Illinois congressional delegation on Thursday.
* New front in ‘Amazon tax’ war: The state and a business group are teaming up to offer options to web merchants who were dumped by Amazon.com and Overstock.com after the state moved to force them to collect sales tax from their Illinois customers. With an assist from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, an affiliate of the Illinois Retail Merchants Assn. has set up an Internet site that will allow former Amazon and Overstock “affiliates” to directly connect with other retailers and keep their traffic up. Among those participating: Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Sears and Home Depot.
* Huge number of foreclosures has made the system a mess, and it could get worse
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Mar 17, 11 @ 1:46 pm
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Would the 40th Worst environment for Business be the same as the 11th best?
Comment by What's in a name? Thursday, Mar 17, 11 @ 2:22 pm
Nice to see that Gov Walker found $500,000 in his ‘broke’ state to offer up to Catalyst Exhibits.
Comment by How Ironic Thursday, Mar 17, 11 @ 2:23 pm
—The company’s move comes after the Wisconsin legislature passed a law in January that forgives for two years the corporate and personal income taxes of companies that relocate to Wisconsin.–
That’s a pretty sweet deal for your CEO types. Kenosha kicked in a $1.25 million low-rate loan as well, according to the story.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 17, 11 @ 2:47 pm
Give me a cool half million, and I’ll move to Wisconsin too. But if you want me to wear one of those corny cheese hats, that’ll cost you another half million. What an insult to the men and women of our northern neighbor who actually work for their money.
Comment by From the "Northern Territories" of Ill-Yon'-Noyse Thursday, Mar 17, 11 @ 2:48 pm
I wonder if Abbott Labs will continue to use Catalyst if they move out of state? I always got the impression they tried to use in-state resources, but I have no hard facts to back that up.
Comment by 10th Voter Thursday, Mar 17, 11 @ 3:09 pm
There’s a great new convention center in Southern Wisconsin… an abandoned dog track.
Comment by Esquire Thursday, Mar 17, 11 @ 3:11 pm
I think it’s a great idea that we’re advertising in Wisconsin. They (New Jersey and Wisconsin) started this, after all.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Mar 17, 11 @ 3:33 pm
Walker is ruining Wisconsin. His business deals will be made so that businesses will come here for 2 years tax-free and leave. Even if they do come, families will be forced to leave in droves as he continues to squeeze out the middle class. I might donate to “For a Better Chicago”!
Comment by WI Boy Thursday, Mar 17, 11 @ 6:02 pm
Are we ever going to find out who’s funding “For A Better Chicago?”
Didn’t Emanuel, who they are awfully sweet on, call on them to reveal their funders?
The Supremes did us all wrong, wherever you are on the political spectrum, by opening the door to this secret funding.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Mar 17, 11 @ 6:13 pm