Illinois remains amid top states for new and expanding facilities

CHICAGO – 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.

Attends wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate hero of American Revolution

CHICAGO  – Gov. Bruce Rauner celebrated Casimir Pulaski Day by attending commemorative events at the Polish Museum of America to honor the Revolutionary War hero known as the “Father of the American Cavalry.”

Pulaski, a Warsaw-born immigrant who came to America to join the fight for independence, became a general in the Continental Army, created the Pulaski Cavalry Legion, and reformed the cavalry as a whole. He was gravely wounded at the Battle of Savannah and died shortly thereafter. He was 34.

“Even after all these years, Casimir Pulaski is a role model for our times,” Rauner said. “He was a reformer who fought courageously for freedom and independence. His victories during the Revolutionary War are lessons in leadership and the power of reform, lessons from which we can learn here in Illinois.”

The event commemorating Pulaski’s contribution to American independence included a wreath-laying ceremony at the famous Stanislaw Batowski painting depicting Pulaski leading his troops in battle at Savannah. Piotr Janicki, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago, Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel and other government and Polonia leaders were in attendance.

“We honor General Casimir Pulaski for his contribution to the cause of American ideals of liberty, democracy and freedom for which he made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Richard Owsiany, president of the Polish Museum of America. “Pulaski, as have other Poles, fought for their own causes and for others under the banner of “for your freedom and ours”.”

Pulaski is one of only eight people to be awarded honorary United States citizenship. He joined the likes of William Penn and Winston Churchill in 2009.

Pulaski signed on to the American Revolution after meeting Benjamin Franklin in Paris. His first encounter against the British army was at the Battle of Brandywine in September of 1777. By 1778, he was in command of the Pulaski Legion, an independent cavalry unit that he trained in European fashion. The Legion, made up of Americans, Germans, Frenchmen, Irishmen, and Poles was credited with defending Pennsylvania and South Carolina. His final battle at Savannah took place in 1779.

In 1977, Illinois designated the first Monday in March as “Casimir Pulaski Day.” The day is one on which Illinoisans recognize Pulaski and, as important, the contributions that Polish Americans have made to the state and the nation.

Illinois is home to the second largest Polish population in the country and, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, ranks sixth among U.S. states for exports to and imports from Poland.