2025/26 ILLINOIS INVESTMENT GUIDE2 ILLINOIS INVESTMENT GUIDE CONTENTS 08 Letter from the Governor Welcome to a state that supports industrial growth and a well-rounded business ecosystem. 46 24 10 10 Business Climate Overview Talented workers are migrating to a state that backs both human and investment capital. 14 Illinois EDC Interview Christy George intends to keep Illinois performing as a top 3 state and hints that she has even bigger goals. 18 Statistical Profile Illinois by the numbers. 20 Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Kristin Richards lays out the tools available to help businesses thrive in Illinois. 24 World Business Chicago Interview New President and CEO Phil Clement details notable recent investments and what brought them to Chicago. 28 Regional Spotlights A snapshot of all 10 regions statewide; and a rural farm store success story. 38 Testimonials from Business Leaders CEOs from around Illinois share their experiences in working with the state. 40 Transportation Infrastructure How Illinois rides the 4 R’s to victory; plus a detailed Q&A with IDOT. 46 Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park Chicago is one of six U.S. locations among 20 worldwide recognized as leading global quantum real estate markets. 49 Site Readiness After pumping $500 million into site development, Illinois off ers a shovel- ready tract for all kinds and sizes of business. 52 FDI & Trade Illinois regularly reaps more than its fair share of capital investment deals from around the world. 54 Case Study: Marshalltown Hammer How a “heart and soul American” tool manufacturer and town were saved. 4 ILLINOIS INVESTMENT GUIDE 58 76 79 58 Workforce Development ree community colleges illustrate how Illinois equips a highly competitive workforce. 62 Universities and Research e state’s many colleges and universities have a penchant for industry partnerships and pioneering R&D. 66 Next Generation Agriculture, Ag Tech, and Food Processing Illinois is home to more than 400 ag- tech companies and over 2,000 food manufacturers. 69 Incubators, Innovators and Entrepreneurs Wherever you are in Illinois, you are steps away from one of the state’s many incubators and accelerators. 72 Advanced Manufacturing Manufacturing supports 588,000 jobs statewide, ranking Illinois fi fth nationally. 76 Clean Energy Manufacturing and Production From Avina to Rivian, clean energy manufacturing and production is a dominant industry across Illinois. 79 Logistics Illinois had the second highest number of logistics projects from 2020 to 2024. Here’s how the state does it. 82 Life Sciences CBRE’s 2025 U.S. Life Sciences Talent Trends report fi nds that Chicago is the No. 6 market for life sciences degrees and certifi cates. 85 Technology Illinois is poised to become a global AI leader with top-end data centers and an entire quantum ecosystem. 88 Film and TV Illinois’ entertainment industry saw a boom following the inception of its fi lm and TV production tax incentive program in 2008. 91 Hospitality & Tourism From soccer supporters to Bigfoot lovers, Illinois caters to every kind of fan. 94 Quality of Life Why are people moving to Illinois? Aff ordability, family-oriented communities and high-wage jobs are just a start.6 ILLINOIS INVESTMENT GUIDE ONLINE EDITION TAKE THIS GUIDE WITH YOU ENJOY Read the digital edition on your tablet and phone. Click on links within articles for even more information. SHARE Share the magazine on social media with your friends and community. LINK Feature the magazine on your blog, website or newsletters with a link or one of our easy-to-use tools. siteselection.com/issue/illinois- investment-guide-2025 The publishers believe that the information contained in this publication is accurate. However, the in formation is not war ranted, and neither Conway Data Inc., nor Illinois Investment Guide, assumes any liability or responsibility for actual, consequential or incidental damages re sulting from inaccurate or erroneous information. PHONE: (770) 446-6996 • TOLL FREE: (800) 554-5686 FAX: (770) 263-8825 email: editor@conway.com web: siteselection.com/issue/illinois-investment-guide-2025 This publication is sponsored by Illinois EDC. The Illinois Investment Guide is published annually by Conway Data Inc., 6625 The Corners Parkway, Suite 200, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 USA. PRINTED IN USA. ©2025 Conway Data, Inc. CUSTOM CONTENT Publisher/Director LAURA LYNE Executive Vice President RONALD J. STARNER Editor in Chief ADAM BRUNS Editor Emeritus MARK AREND Managing Editor KELLY BARRAZA Associate Editor ALEXIS ELMORE Art DirectorNEGIN MOMTAZ Production Coordinator/Designer BOB GRAVLEE Lead Designers SEAN SCANTLAND RICHARD NENOFF Designer ASHLEIGH PORTER Data Services Manager KAREN MEDERNACH Senior Research Associate BRIAN ESPINOZA Research Associate McKENZIE WRIGHT GLOBAL SALES & MARKETING Vice President of Sales CHARLES FITZGIBBON Regional Director — Northeast U.S. MIKE GLENNON Regional Director — Midwest U.S. CATHY McFARLAND Regional Director — Southeast U.S. MARTA RUSSELL Regional Director — Western U.S. PAUL NEWMAN Regional Director — U.S. MARGARET ROSE EuropeBRENDAN DOHERTY, +44 7999 786752 Japan HIROKO MINATO, +81 50 8882 3456 Korea CHUL LEE, +82 2 466 5595 Sales Administrator CHRISTI STANSBERRY Sales Development Representatives BRE ROGERS NAN JANIS BUSINESS DEPARTMENT Chief Financial Officer DEBBIE PORTER Accounting Associate DAVIS WILSON CIRCULATION Circulation Manager JULIE CLARKE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TEAM Director of Programming & Analytics DANIEL BOYER IT CoordinatorMARK BERTRAM Webmaster DANIEL MONAGHANNext >