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* Tribune…
Despite a close proximity and upgrades, Kane County will lose its affiliation with the Chicago Cubs to South Bend [Indiana].
The Cubs will announce Thursday their new agreement with South Bend after two successful seasons with Kane County, which promised upgrades to its facility that included a climate-controlled batting cage, an expanded weight room and a video room for players and coaches for evaluation purposes at Fifth Third Bank in Geneva.
* Meanwhile, from Indiana’s Economic Development Corporation…
Chicago Craft Bottling, LLC announced plans today to locate its first Indiana bottling facility here, creating up to 35 new jobs by 2017.
“Companies like Chicago Craft Bottling save money in Indiana, from our lower tax burdens to our more affordable cost of doing business,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Those savings earn companies a competitive advantage, allowing them to reinvest in their operations. That keeps Indiana businesses growing, expanding our economy and creating more jobs for Hoosiers.”
The Chicago, Illinois-based company will invest $910,000 to construct and equip a new 10,000 square-foot bottling and packaging plant. The new facility, which is expected to be operational by the end of the year, will allow the company to provide bottling and co-packing services to craft and innovative beverages, including its anchor client, Crafthouse Cocktails. Chicago Craft Bottling plans to hire for approximately 10 new positions in Indiana by early November. […]
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Chicago Craft Bottling, LLC up to $295,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. Michigan City approved additional tax abatement at the request of the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City.
So, they want the obvious cachet of our largest city’s name, but they don’t want to make it here. The mayor ought to do something about that one.
* Now, on to some good news…
The Illinois unemployment rate fell in August for the sixth consecutive month to reach 6.7 percent while employers created +13,800 jobs, according to preliminary data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The data is seasonally adjusted.
The drop from 9.2 percent one year ago marks the largest year-over-year decline since 1984. The last time the rate was lower than 6.7 was in July 2008 when it was 6.6. Also, there are +40,600 more jobs than one year ago.
“Five months of job creation coupled with increased help-wanted advertising indicate a bit of momentum as we head into the Fall,” IDES Director Jay Rowell said. “It is not surprising that fewer people are looking for work given retirement trends, although it does underscore that more needs to be done to give the long-term unemployed the skills necessary to secure meaningful employment.”
Since 1976, the monthly Illinois rate has averaged 0.6 points higher than the national rate. August marks the second consecutive month that the state rate has hit that benchmark. Illinois last did so in Spring, 2012. […]
August job growth was led by Leisure and Hospitality (+5,000), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+4,300), and Professional and Business Services (+3,300). Other Services (-1,800), Education and Health Services ( 1,700) and Financial Activities (-300) declined.
*** UPDATE *** Bruce Rauner…
“It’s always good news when more Illinoisans are working. Unfortunately, we still have a huge ways to go to get out of the massive hole that’s been dug in our state by the Quinn-Madigan-Blagojevich machine. We need to put our economy on jet fuel, and under Pat Quinn it’s struggling along on leaded gas. It took eight months to add a single job this year.”
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 12:20 pm
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Better news on the unemployment rate is bad news for Rauner. Couple that with the Libertarian staying on the ballot and the Tribune poll, and this has been a bad week for the GOP.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 12:32 pm
Labor force down by 19,100 this month.
Total number of “employed” down by 6,800.
Unemployment rate down by 0.1.
http://www.ides.illinois.gov/LMI/Local%20Area%20Unemployment%20Statistics%20LAUS/ILChicagoMetroAreaUnemploymentRates/ILlaus-seasadj.PDF
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 12:37 pm
What incentives would it take to move the entire Cub organization and fan-base to Indiana?
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 12:44 pm
We should definitely work hard on lowering the price of doing business in Chicago, but jeepers man, if you’re going to trade on the City’s name, it’s hypocritical to do it out of South Bend. Bad Form!
Comment by A guy... Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 12:45 pm
FKA The labor force has been declining because Baby Boomers are retiring. Can’t blame the Baby Boom on Quinn.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 12:52 pm
===Quinn-Madigan-Blagojevich machine.===
What? No Cullerton today?
Talking points are fun.
Bad few days for Rauner. When you have to admit its good the numbers are falling, now what do you say?
Exactly what Bruce Rauner, err, the Rauner Crew said.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 12:55 pm
“We need to put our economy on jet fuel, and under Pat Quinn it’s struggling along on leaded gas.”
And what voter can’t relate to fueling-up the ol’ private jet?
– MrJM
Comment by MrJM Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:02 pm
The South Bend minor league affiliate is owned by Andrew Berlin who is a White Sox minority partner and just sold his namesake packaging company for $1.43 Billion last month rolling over at least a chunk of ownership.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/buyout-firm-oak-hill-reaches-deal-to-acquire-berlin-packaging-1408910868
With the minor league news I’d bet Opening Day 2015 beers at Sox Park and Wrigley Field that the Ricketts family has a new partner on the North Side next year.
Comment by Chicago Bars Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:03 pm
Well that is one Cubbie operation gone and one to go TeeHee
Good to see LittleVinny (aka MittRauner) is done worry about his Todd Aiken moment and moving on invoking Blagoof. How long will it take Mr. Shrimp et al. to find out Speaker Madigan impeached Blagoof while the GOPies sat on their hands? Another mulligan moment?
Comment by circularfiringsquad Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:03 pm
I blame PQ. The Chicagoland Illinois market is saturated with Schaumburg Boomers, Kane County, Joliet, the White Sox and other minor league teams. I know the Salvis own the Gary team, but not sure what else is out in IN way.
Comment by Wumpus Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:06 pm
- put our economy on jet fuel -
Is that how you get those jobs shipped overseas, Bruce?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:09 pm
With all our problems, it’s great to get more good jobs news. I’ve noticed more help wanted signs lately.
Speaking of bad news, Indiana’s state revenue has been declining and is among the hardest hit of all states, due to income inequality.
http://news.yahoo.com/report-wealth-gap-could-threaten-042933224.html;_ylt=AwrBEiKBGRtUh2sA0SiZmolQ
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:11 pm
= Now, on to some good news… =
Labor force participation is at record lows because of the number of long-term unemployed workers and an aging workforce. I have yet to see this mentioned anywhere by IDES in their “unemployment is down” announcements.
Comment by Dirty Red Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:13 pm
–The mayor ought to do something about that one.–
Like lobbying the legislature to pass workers compensation reform? It is my belief that Illinois is superior to Indiana, but I have to admit, it’s a lot cheaper to employee people in Indiana because of state laws and our state government isn’t doing anything about it.
Comment by Ahoy! Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:23 pm
That’s a real bonehead move by the Cubs (shocking, I know).
First honk off Peoria, now honk off the western burbs?
Like the Ricketts are never going to need some influence in the GA or with the Illinois governor?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:25 pm
Always fascinated by some of the “economists” take on apple-to-apple monthly unemployment rates.
When it’s going up, that’s bad. When it’s going down, that’s even worse.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:26 pm
We need to be on jet fuel not leaded gas?
I thought Bruce wanted to sell the state plane and drive his junker instead.
This guy’s lost the plot.
Comment by Reality Check Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:26 pm
One could argue that Chicago Craft Bottling, LLC is simply following in the footsteps of breweries that are still considered “Chicago” breweries that distribute mainly to Chicago. Three Floyd’s is the obvious example, based out of Munster, IN. Michigan City also has a burgeoning craft scene, with Shoreline Brewery.
My point is, the Chicago/NW Indiana craft market is pretty intertwined. It’s a bummer they went over the border, but it makes sense.
Comment by Lurker Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:29 pm
=== Quinn-Madigan-Blagojevich machine ===
Who writes this stuff. Seriously?
No one talks like that.
And it is hard to think of three people in Illinois politics less likely to be working together on anything.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:33 pm
Wordslinger is -gasp- right: why alienate Peoria just for a fleeting visit to Kane County? With this ownership, you know it’s about the money.
White Sox, here’s an opportunity!
Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:37 pm
“Three Floyd’s is the obvious example” Example of what. Three Floyds was founded in Hammond, Indiana. It did not move out of Chicago. It moved from Hammond to Munster.
Comment by jimbo2 Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:39 pm
Employment dropped by 7000, Unemployment dropped by 12,000 all because the work force shrank by 19,000. Terrible news on the household survey.
Business survey was a bright spot with the +14,000 on payrolls.
Mixed month.
Comment by Johnny Utah Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 1:50 pm
The drop from 9.2 percent one year ago marks the largest year-over-year decline since 1984. The last time the rate was lower than 6.7 was in July 2008 when it was 6.6. Also, there are +40,600 more jobs than one year ago.
and now for the bad news….
In spite of all the jobs propaganda using adjusted survey numbers take a look at Illinois income tax collected for Aug.
Jobs being created would imply an increase in tax revenue and it’s NOT HAPPENING. Both corporate and individual tax revenue are DOWN.
http://tax.illinois.gov/aboutidor/taxresearch/AugustFY2015RevenueReport.pdf
So what it comes down to is “job creation” doesn’t mean what you think it means.
On a related note. Food stamp caseloads are on the rise again in Illinois. Approx. 6,000 people added in June
http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/pd/29SNAPcurrPP.pdf
Comment by anon Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 2:01 pm
Anon - It is doubtful we will fully understand what is driving this sudden and historic decrease any time in the next few years.
Census data shows Illinois is comparatively one of the younger states in America, whether you consider median age or percentage of population in various age groups. Our “bulges” in the 60 to 64, 55 to 59, and 50 to 54-year-old age groups as measured by the Census Bureau are actually comparatively smaller than most other states.
Baby Boom is an obvious factor everywhere, but hardly the full explanation here. If anything, aging Boomers have a lesser impact on the labor force rate in Illinois than most other states.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 2:03 pm
===Both corporate and individual tax revenue are DOWN. ===
Individual tax rates are UP.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 2:04 pm
And the reason is a change in federal tax law, which gave us (and every other state) a huge $1 billion spike a couple years ago, followed by an echo spike last year.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 2:06 pm
Anon 2:01 - You are right. The first table in your link regarding revenue collection is a key data point.
It is also a frustrating one, in that it further blurs the picture regarding our job growth and economic gains. Government income tax collections naturally increase in correlation with job growth, but that is oddly not what is happening here. It will be years before the “boomer” or “economic malaise” are settled, especially with recent studies pointing to both as the culprit nationally.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 2:11 pm
And then Rich has to go and make sense of it all, lol. Should have hit “refresh” before hitting “Say It”.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 2:12 pm
=== Quinn-Madigan-Blagojevich machine ===
=== And it is hard to think of three people in Illinois politics less likely to be working together on anything ===
Every time Rauner attempts to “relate” he inadvertently demonstrates how out of touch he is. See also watch, van ad, etc.
Comment by the koala Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 2:17 pm
Crummy play by the Cubbies. I’d say they should be cursed, but a goat beat me to it.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 2:22 pm
yes but what will be the avergae salary of these 35 new jobs? minimium wage? that will help indianna’s continued slide below median income.
Comment by Ghost Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 2:37 pm
“Government income tax collections naturally increase in correlation with job growth, but that is oddly not what is happening here”
It’s happening in other states also, and income inequality is a culprit. Income going to the top is not only causing a weaker economy, it’s also hurting states’ revenues. The wealthy save more and spend more on untaxed services, which probably explains why many are trying to divest tax responsibility by eliminating the state income tax.
California, ironically, has seen an increase in revenue due to a state income tax increase and is gaining jobs, per a recent one-year period.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 2:40 pm
I like South Bend. Lots of good people there. Too bad it is not in Illinois. It ought to be.
The only thing the Cubs are going to be doing in South Bend is making folks there jealous of not living in Chicago. Well, that - and spending lots of their money out of state, which is a shame all around.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 3:04 pm
Anon 12:52 - Don’t forget that we tend to be a “younger” state by most measures.
We are the 20th-youngest state by median age according to the 2013 American Community Survey. We also have the 9th-smallest percentage of population in the 60 to 64 year old age range.
Older workers flocking to retire does not fully explain the picture here.
Comment by Formerly Known As... Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 3:26 pm
Formerly known as:
You’re right. Older workers aren’t even flocking to retire in Illinois.
The employment rate for older workers in Illinois has actually increased since the recession. It’s younger and prime aged workers who have been hit, and you can see it in their lowered employment rates.
Comment by Johnny Utah Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 3:32 pm
The more I think about it, it’s possible the Cubs wanted to get their affiliate out of their prime market.
Cubs attendance is on a seven-year slide.
The KC Cougars drew 415,000 in Geneva last year. The Cubs don’t see a dime of the gate or stadium sales.
Why give fans in the western burbs a chance to get their Cubbie on with less hassle and at a greatly reduced price?
The Cougars will be fine. They’re a study draw, no matter who they’re affiliated with.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 3:32 pm
== Despite a close proximity and upgrades, Kane County will lose its affiliation with the Chicago Cubs to South Bend [Indiana]. ==
And, the Tribbie article says: “Despite a close proximity >>, Kane County will lose its affiliation…”
Yup; another rich-fan-boy-owner stunt. Keep up the 1%’er work, boy. Like your fan base doesn’t have enough to complain about.
Comment by sal-says Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 4:08 pm
“We need to put our economy on jet fuel, and under Pat Quinn it’s struggling along on leaded gas.”
… I’m 35 and this reference is too old for me. I don’t really understand what’s bad about leaded gas, other than the lead. It’s weak, I guess? I don’t really know? Rauner is really courting the olds!
Comment by Too Young for Raunder Thursday, Sep 18, 14 @ 4:12 pm