This year’s Illinois Investment Guide comes amidst the best time to do business in Illinois in recent memory. Look no further than Google, the global tech giant that just announced its plan to launch the single largest corporate expansion in downtown Chicago’s modern history, or Tyson Foods, that just announced a 170,000-sq.-ft. expansion to their production facility in Caseyville. These are just two examples of the over 400 companies that have expanded or relocated in Illinois since 2021; a clear sign that industries across every sector — manufacturing, technology, agriculture, energy, transportation, and more — are all thriving in the land of Lincoln.
Our state’s accolades speak to the reasons why major industry leaders have set up shop in our state. CNBC named Illinois as the best in the nation for infrastructure, with transportation, distribution and logistics that provide unmatched access to the global supply chain — making this state a competitive and highly convenient option for any company looking to expand or relocate. And according to Site Selection Magazine, Chicago is the No. 1 metro area for corporate relocations and expansion.
As new job creation continues, industries are increasing capacity. In 2021, we saw an all-time record of nearly 200,000 new businesses created in Illinois. With new incentives in industries like electric vehicle and semi-conductor chip manufacturing, data center, and apprenticeship tax credits — we are committed to supporting businesses small and large to continue growing our state’s powerhouse economy. These investments remind us of the value provided by partnership and collaboration, and are the building blocks to the historic investments in workforce development, infrastructure, and business development implemented by my administration.
Our state’s success is fostered by a government that understands the value of strong investments and supports for our number one asset: our people. Our industries are supported by the most talented, highly-educated, highly-skilled and dedicated workforce in the entire nation. Illinois boasts 12 world-class research universities, two of the top 10 universities in the country, and produces the second most computer science grads in the U.S. and 24,000 STEM graduates annually. Simply put, our talent base is unmatched. And as other states narrow the rights of their residents — whether it is reproductive health or being with the person you love — we recognize that the workforce of today and the future demands to live in a state that respects their humanity.
This guide represents an overview of the ways in which the State of Illinois offers opportunity for thriving small, medium and large businesses and expanded workforce development opportunities. It honors the work of our partners across both the private and public sectors and demonstrates how collaboration leads to economic empowerment. Thanks to this work, our economy is growing with companies relocating and expanding operations across Illinois. As we celebrate the publication of the 2022 Illinois Investment Guide, I’m thankful for our partners in the business community who contribute to the success of our great state. The best is yet to come.
Sincerely,
JB Pritzker
Governor
State of Illinois