Illinois Chamber of Commerce

Raising Cigarette Taxes is not Medicaid Reform – Letter to the Editor

lweitzel — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:12:09 +0000

http://ilchamber.org/news/5439/raising-cigarette-taxes-is-not-medicaid-reform-letter-to-the-editor/Raising Cigarette Taxes is not Medicaid Reform – Letter to the Editor

Gov. Pat Quinn and members of the Illinois General Assembly are proposing to increase Illinois’ cigarette tax by $1 a pack and tying it to Medicaid spending. While the Illinois chamber agrees that Medicaid needs vital reforms, we disagree that finding more money to feed a program that is bankrupting the state is the right approach.

Raising taxes is not real “reform” of the Medicaid program. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is opposed to what appears to be a “tax first, ask questions later” policy approach when it comes to reforming the Medicaid program. The cigarette tax has been a declining revenue source ever since the tax rate was nearly doubled to 98 cents in 2002 and is a bad match to a program with escalating costs.

Furthermore, after raising the state’s personal income and corporate tax last year, legislators should focus on policies that help businesses be successful, especially small businesses. A cigarette tax hike of this magnitude would further harm business as Illinois retailers would simply lose sales to cheaper alternatives across state borders, to increasingly popular roll-your-own shops, or to the internet, all of which also cost the state revenue.

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce supports long-term solutions for the problems facing the state’s Medicaid program. To address the program’s escalating costs and year-over-year deficits, more savings could be found by focusing on coordination of care and program eligibility for example. These types of reforms have proven successful in other states and when enacted in Illinois will provide real long-term cost savings.

Now is not the time for more tax increases on Illinois businesses and families. Now is the time to enact real long-term reforms to our state’s Medicaid program before the problem gets worse.

TODD MAISCH

vice president, Government Affairs, Illinois Chamber of Commerce

Google offers small firms a leg-up online

lweitzel — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:51:51 +0000

http://ilchamber.org/news/5433/google-offers-small-firms-a-leg-up-online/Google offers small firms a leg-up online

By John Pletz

Google Inc. is offering to help small businesses set up their own websites for free in hopes of encouraging them to get online.

The online search giant says 58% of Illinois small businesses have no website. It’s partnering with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Small Business Development Centers, World Business Chicago, and the Illinois Restaurant Association to get the word out.

For Google, which is in the business of selling online advertising, it’s good for business. But many small businesses need help, says Nick Harrison, creative director at Dashal Inc., a Chicago-based agency that does web development, social media and branding (and a regular contributor to Crain’s small-business blog).

“Lack of knowledge is the biggest barrier,” he says. “They’ll get some small businesses onboard who were thinking about (getting online) and they think Google can help them with the technology part. They don’t have a lot of knowledge or time to do it themselves.”

Google is partnering with Intuit Inc., which will build the sites using its software tools. It’s hosting free sessions about websites and online marketing May 31 and June 1 at Chicago Illuminating Company, 19 E. 21st Street. To sign up, visit www.IllinoisGetOnline.com.

Google will purchase the domain name for a small business for a year, and Intuit will provide its software for a year. After that, businesses will have to pay for the domain name and the website software from Intuit, which would cost about $6.99 a month.

Google’s campaign is just the latest example of online marketers positioning themselves as technology partners to cement relationships with small business customers. Google started its GetOnline campaign last summer in Austin, Texas, and has rolled it out to multiple markets. Groupon Inc. has launched online tools such as an appointment-scheduling tool and a frequent-customer loyalty reward offering.

“There are lots of revenue opportunities for these guys,” Mr. Harrison says.

Belvidere assembly plant receives 2012 Economic Development in Illinois Award

lweitzel — Tue, 22 May 2012 21:06:07 +0000

http://ilchamber.org/news/5430/belvidere-assembly-plant-receives-2012-economic-development-in-illinois-award/Belvidere assembly plant receives 2012 Economic Development in Illinois Award

By Franz Osorio

BELVIDERE —

The Chrysler Group Belvidere Assembly Plant project received a 2012 Economic Development in Illinois Award for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Development Council.

In 2009, the Chrysler Group was unable to guarantee that the Belvedere Assembly Plant would continue manufacturing cars. Growth Dimensions and the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity stepped in to do what they could in order to ensure that it would remain running.

A year later, Chrysler had decided to build an addition measuring 638,000 square feet and invest $600 million into expanding the plant. The state helped save 1,950 jobs by providing a $62.1 million business investment project.

This project has not only resulted in maintaining 1,400 jobs at seven parts suppliers but has also created 500 jobs with the opening of four additional suppliers. Chrysler has also increased its investment to $700 million.

“The economy is recovering slowly but surely and more and more companies are out there investing in our state and creating jobs,” Doug Whitley, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, said in a press release. “The Chamber is proud to be working with the IDC to recognize some of the exciting developments that were completed across the state.”

Economic Development in Illinois Awards are given to businesses and organizations that make significant contributions to the economic development of the state.

http://www.rrstar.com/businessrockford/x1982677160/Belvidere-assembly-plant-receives-2012-Economic-Development-in-Illinois-Award

Lake County Route 53/120 Corridor Plan Approved By Blue Ribbon Advisory Council

lweitzel — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:17:20 +0000

http://ilchamber.org/news/5401/lake-county-route-53120-corridor-plan-approved-by-blue-ribbon-advisory-council/Lake County Route 53/120 Corridor Plan Approved By Blue Ribbon Advisory Council

The Illinois Route 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council completed nine months of discussion and deliberation with the approval of a final report recommending the Illinois Tollway move forward with an Illinois Route 53/120 Corridor project in Lake County.

The group includes local elected officials, transportation and planning agencies and a diverse group of environmental, civic, business and labor representatives. The report will be presented to the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors in June.

Co-chaired by David Stolman, Lake County Board Chair, and George Ranney, President and CEO of Metropolis Strategies, the Advisory Council’s work has focused on answering three primary questions:

Is there consensus to move forward?
What are the scope, configuration and design elements of a new roadway?
How should the project be financed?

Council members adopted a resolution at the final council meeting acknowledging the necessity to build a 21^st Century roadway in Lake County to serve the needs of residents and businesses. While the resolution and report are a significant step forward, the Advisory Council’s approval and continued support is contingent upon adhering to the design principles, alignments and environmental commitments outlined in the report.

“We are confident that the recommendations presented in this report reflect the will of the diverse group of members that the Illinois Tollway brought together to finally help reach consensus on this project,” said Stolman. “We have made great strides through an open, transparent process that included tremendous public participation along the way.”

“This is a significant step forward in road building,” said Ranney. “We have come together to outline a project that protects environmental concerns while creating a ‘modern parkway’ envisioned for the region.”

In its final report, the Advisory Council agrees:

The Illinois Route 53/120 Corridor project should move forward according to the Advisory Council’s requirements.
The new Illinois Route 53 should be a four-lane, limited access, tolled parkway with a 45 mph maximum operating speed. It also proposes alignment options for configuration of Illinois Route 120 that should move forward for further study.
The project should be funded through the use of tolling, as well as the use of local revenue sources and other options, to be developed in coordination with local governments. Those options could include adjusting tolls on the north Tri-State Tollway (I-94) and tolling the existing Illinois Route 53 from Lake Cook Road to the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90).

The Advisory Council’s report outlines five key recommendations for the best way to move forward with an Illinois Route 53/120 Corridor project. These recommendations align with the group’s guiding principles, as well as scope, configuration and design elements agreed upon by the Advisory Council.

Key recommendations include to:

Create a transportation system that preserves the environment and nearby communities and enhances connectivity
Design a context sensitive roadway
Respect and preserve the land
Establish an innovative funding plan for an innovative roadway
Create a corridor plan and implementation strategy

The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors announced the creation of the Advisory Council on June 30, 2011 to develop regional consensus on whether to move forward with the project, the scope and configuration, the design and elements, and how it should be financed. The Tollway looked to the Advisory Council to recommend a series of best practices for an integrated, multi-modal, 21^st Century corridor that is financially viable, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.

The concept of the extension of Illinois Route 53/120 has support from local governments, transportation agencies and the general public. Lake County and 12 villages and city councils have passed resolutions of support and the project is included in Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s (CMAP) GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan. Additionally, in a 2009 county-wide referendum, 75 percent of voters favored extending Illinois Route 53.

Illinois Route 53/120 Blue Ribbon Advisory Council

David Stolman – Council Co-chair, Lake County Board Chair
George Ranney – Council Co-chair, President and CEO Metropolis Strategies
Gerald Adelmann – President and CEO, Openlands
MarySue Barrett – President, Metropolitan Planning Commission
Randy Blankenhorn – Executive Director, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Jeff Braiman – Buffalo Grove Village President, Northwest Municipal Conference representative
Carolina Duque – Executive Director, Mano a Mano Resource Center
Chris Geiselhart – President, Lake County Audubon Society
Jacky Grimshaw – Vice President of Policy, The Center for Neighborhood Technology
Lynn Karner – Director, Lake County Building and Construction Trades Council
David Kennedy – Executive Director, American Council of Engineering Companies
Mark Knigge – Wauconda Mayor, Lake County Municipal League representative
Howard Learner – Executive Director, Environmental Law and Policy Center
Arlene Mulder – Arlington Heights Mayor, Northwest Conference of Mayors representative
Jorge Ramirez – President, Chicago Federation of Labor
Leanne Redden – Senior Deputy Executive Director, Regional Transportation Authority
Leon Rockingham – North Chicago Mayor, Lake County Council of Mayors representative
Maria Rodriquez – Village President of Long Grove and Vice-Chair, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission
Kathy Ryg – President, Voices for Illinois Children and former state representative
Michael Sands – Senior Associate, Liberty Prairie Foundation
Ann Schneider – Secretary of Transportation, Illinois Department of Transportation
Michael Sturino – President and CEO, Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association
Jerry Weber – President, College of Lake County
Doug Whitley – President, Illinois Chamber of Commerce
Suzanne Zupec – Chair, Lake County Transportation Alliance
Ex-Officio Member – State Representative Rita Mayfield, 60^th District
Ex-Officio Member – State Representative Sidney Mathias, 53^rd District
Ex-Officio Member – State Senator Terry Link, 30^th District
Ex-Officio Member – State Senator Suzi Schmidt, 31^st District

- Submitted by the Blue Ribbon Advisory Council.

http://libertyville.patch.com/articles/lake-county-route-53120-corridor-plan-approved-by-blue-ribbon-advisory-council

Health care industry’s perfect storm

lweitzel — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:13:41 +0000

http://ilchamber.org/news/5399/health-care-industrys-perfect-storm/Health care industry’s perfect storm

By KATE SCHOTT – kschott@shawmedia.com

When local health care officials talk about the state of their industry, they say a perfect storm is brewing.

Kevin Poorten, president and CEO of KishHealth System, and Michael Flora, executive director of the Ben Gordon Center, said providers work together to ensure people who need care get it, even as demand increases.

At the same time, providers are in the midst of what Poorten calls an unprecedented shift in how health care is delivered in the U.S. on the backdrop of financial challenges.

There’s the federal Affordable Care Act, which aims to improve access to and quality of health care while controlling costs through a number of mandates. And at the state level, there are proposals to cut billions from the Medicaid program and discussion of taking away the tax-exempt status of hospitals – all as Illinois continues to drown financially.

“I’ve never seen the rate of change at the pace that we currently are experiencing,” Poorten said.

Jane Lux, administrator for the DeKalb County Health Department, said there is no doubt health care has to be delivered differently.

“There is the push to improve outcomes and yet to do it more efficiently and at less cost,” Lux said. “It’s exciting in a way, when you work in the field of health care. Now you have to look at this and figure out, how are we going to do this? It’s an opportunity, but it’s also a very big challenge.”

Flora said there’s so much innovation in health care it could almost be called disruptive innovation.

“It’s that perfect storm, where there are multiple factors,” Flora said. “In the meantime, providers responding to the change still have to perform care on a daily basis. The demand doesn’t change.”

All the unknowns – whether that be new mandates at the federal levels, cuts at the state level, waiting for the reimbursement check to come or insurance providers wanting to reduce payments – make it hard to plan for the future, said Alice Freier, administrator of the DeKalb Clinic.

“Because of the continued uncertainty of what the government is going to do, whether it be the local, state or federal, it’s very hard to make plans going forward,” she said.

Shifting priorities

Providing care to the community is what local health care providers said their core mission is and will remain despite the uncertainty. What will change is how they do that.

The reform focus at the federal level – and appropriately so, Poorten said – is transforming the health care system from one based on volume and quantity to one focused on value and quality.

Poorten said the three-fold aim of the federal Affordable Care Act – improving access and quality while decreasing costs – is a good one. So are many of the reforms, such as letting young adults stay on a parent’s insurance until 26 and the elimination of pre-existing conditions as a reason to be denied insurance coverage.

But the act presents “an incredible amount of challenges” for health care systems developed on volume and quantity standards, he said, and the transition is going to take time.

Take the mandate to have all medical records kept electronically. Flora said that will make it easier to provide integrated care amongst various doctors – which is what’s best for patients, he said – but it takes investments administratively and financially to get there.

Local health care providers realize the federal government can’t sustain health care as it is today. Spending on health care was 17.6 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product in 2010, according to the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Studies. By 2020, it’s expected to be 19.8 percent.

While local officials agree health care needs to focus on less-expensive prevention efforts, that needs to be accompanied by a culture shift.

“We have to, as a culture, be engaged in prevention,” Lux said. “That’s why it’s what we hear from all levels. There is a huge push to address the problem with issues of obesity, how do we eat healthier, how be more physically active, how change environments and communities so we can be more healthy.”

One provision of the Affordable Care Act aims to do that. As of October, hospitals will not get paid if Medicaid patients with certain conditions – such as some heart ailments – are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of being discharged.

Today, the hospital is reimbursed for both visits, Poorten said, but starting in October, it will only get paid for the first time.

The move will encourage health care systems to provide better care coordination to ensure patients follow up with a primary care physician, eat right and take necessary medication, he said.

But it also depends on patient self-care. And that can be tough for a number of reasons. Nationwide, 30 percent to 40 percent of people discharged from hospitals don’t fill prescriptions – often because they can’t afford it, Poorten said.

Lux said health care officials are doing a better job than ever before at informing patients about how to stay healthy, as well as focusing on prevention and offering wellness classes. KishHealth and the Kishwaukee Family YMCA have gotten involved in initiatives such as Pioneering Healthy Communities, which is designed to change environmental factors and local policies to promote healthy behavior.

At the same time, it’s hard for many to access health care, often due to economic and social factors, Lux said.

“It takes resources, money or time or learning about how to [be healthier],” she said. “If your family is in crisis mode most of the time, it’s just going to be harder to even get to that point of, what am I doing with food that could be more healthy.”

State proposals

The mandates of the federal health reform are playing out as the state’s dismal finances take a toll on health care providers.

The DeKalb Clinic is owed $4 million in state and federal payments. The state is a year behind paying the County Health Department and more than 200 days late in paying KishHealth, which is owed $20 million.

The state is current with payments to the Ben Gordon Center, which provides mental health services to local residents. Still, the center provides more than $400,000 in care annually above the grants it receives. And the state has cut its mental health budget by more than 31 percent since 2008-09, Flora said.

With the state billions of dollars in debt, the Illinois Hospital Association says it understands that everyone has to be a part of solving the state fiscal crisis.

Illinois is expected to end this fiscal year with almost $2 billion in unpaid Medicaid bills, caused in part by rising medical costs, increased enrollment and a deferral of $1.9 billion in last year’s bills to this fiscal year, according to Gov. Pat Quinn’s office.

Medicaid provides health care for low-income and disabled people. Quinn has proposed reducing Medicaid spending by $2.7 billion for the next fiscal year, a 23 percent reduction.

His plan calls for about $1.35 billion in service cuts next fiscal year, an 8 to 9 percent reimbursement cut for health care providers, and a $1 tax increase on every pack of cigarettes.

“We must act quickly to save the entire Medicaid system from collapse, and protect providers and the millions of Illinois residents that depend upon Medicaid for their health care,” Quinn said in April when announcing his proposal. “This proposal will fundamentally restructure our Medicaid system, alleviate the pressures on the rest of our budget, and ensure the program is sustainable for years to come.”

The Civic Foundation, a nonpartisan government research organization working to maximize the quality and cost-effectiveness of government services in Illinois, supports Quinn’s proposed budget – the first time in four years the organization has supported a proposed budget.

In a news release issued earlier this month, the Foundation said Quinn’s Medicaid reform proposal aims to eliminate the funding gap. While the foundation notes it is unfortunate the state allowed the program to get to the brink of collapse, Quinn’s proposal “is a reasonable effort to restructure the program given the severity of the crisis.”

But A.J. Wilhelmi, senior vice president of government relations for the IHA, said Quinn’s proposals are too drastic.

“We feel there are alternatives to blunt cuts to the program,” he said. “Cuts of that magnitude will cause irreparable harm to patients.”

Health care officials fear lawmakers aren’t considering all of the unintended consequences as they rush toward a solution.

Take the governor’s proposal to cut the reimbursement rate – a rate, Poorten noted, that hasn’t been increased since the 1990s. If it goes through, it would mean a $1.16 million hit for KishHealth. If the reduction includes behavioral health, it could mean a reduction of $80,000 to $100,000 for Ben Gordon Center, Flora said.

The state already doesn’t cover all the costs of a Medicaid patient. For example in fiscal 2011, KCH was paid 43 percent and Valley West 36 percent of what it costs to provide care for a Medicaid patient.

And if the Affordable Care Act is upheld through its legal challenges, every U.S. citizen will be required to be insured by 2014. Many will go onto the Medicaid system of whatever state he or she lives in.

The IHA is asking lawmakers to take time and make smart changes or be prepared to suffer unintended consequences. The organization has submitted a dozen alternatives that could save up to $1.4 billion. Ideas include enforcing current eligibility policies so those who no longer qualify for the program are removed from the program; a co-pay of $10 for non-emergency visits to emergency departments by Medicaid patients; and enhancing provider-based care coordination.

State Rep. Robert Pritchard, R-Hinckley, said the governor refuses to look at proposals that would move the state into a good direction, such as those focusing on eligibility and fraud.

“My frustration is the governor’s staff isn’t responsive to those kinds of arguments,” he said. “The hospital association has been meeting with them for ages and they take a few of the low-hanging fruit ideas but don’t do the things that will also save us some real money. … It’s not all a matter of logic and what can be justified, it’s what is politically feasible that can we get accomplished.”

State Sen. Christine Johnson, R-Shabbona, serves on the state’s Medicaid task force. She said proposals that target fraud and waste should be the first step to reform. When the state sent out an annual mailing in January, for instance, 6 percent of the replies came back from people with out-of-state addresses.

Other ideas Johnson supports include scaling back who is allowed on Medicaid, noting the program has undergone massive growth in recent years, mainly due to expansions under former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Illinois also covers more services, such as adult dental care, under Medicaid than other states, and going to the national average for those services could save $1 billion.

Johnson said action on Medicaid could come next week. While she agrees that decisions shouldn’t be rushed, she also noted Medicaid discussions have been ongoing since January.

“As critical as this is getting to be, we have to do something,” she said. “We need to make our best good-faith effort to try to avoid all the pitfalls you can. There is no such thing as a perfect bill, unfortunately.”

Property tax concerns

Another idea being discussed in Illinois is to take away the tax-exempt status of hospitals, which traditionally are considered nonprofit organizations.

If KishHealth lost its tax-exempt status, it would mean paying $2 million to $2.5 million more annually in property taxes. KishHealth already pays property taxes on some property, such as on Hauser-Ross and the cancer center. Brad Copple, president of Kishwaukee Community and Valley West Community hospitals, said both could be taken off the tax rolls but the health system keeps them on there in order to be a good neighbor.

There is a push that would say the only way a hospital can earn property tax-exempt status is to look at how much a health provider spends on charity care, which is defined as care provided to people who cannot pay.

But charity care doesn’t include things such as the Community Cares Clinic – the effort between KishHealth, Northern Illinois University and private donors to provide affordable access to primary medical care – sponsorships of events such as the cancer walk, or donations to places such as Ben Gordon Center that are specifically targeted for those on Medicaid, the underinsured and uninsured populations of the county.

In its most recent community benefits report, KishHealth gave $68 million in what Poorten calls community benefits. Of that, about half was the gap between what the system is paid for treating Medicaid patients and what it costs to actually take care of those patients.

“We aren’t saying everything needs to be included, but we are saying the bucket needs to include a lot more than just charity care,” Poorten said.

Johnson and Pritchard agree the definition of charity care needs to be expanded. The Civic Federation and Illinois Chamber of Commerce have expressed support for keeping hospitals tax-exempt and establishing clear standards of eligibility, as has almost the entire Illinois Congressional delegation.

Finding solutions

Poorten called himself “the biggest optimist” and said the industry’s problems will be figured out. But he stressed lawmakers need to create clarity for health care providers and keep financial impacts of their actions in mind.

“I think there is a general sense, even in Springfield, that hospitals are doing OK, that hospitals are making money, that we don’t have to necessarily have to worry about the financial, that we can continue to take more from the hospitals, because we have continued to take more from the hospitals and they have continued to survive,” Copple said.

“That has to end,” he said. “We are at a point where with the piling on … we are going to start losing hospitals, and that’s going to include an access problem.”

Poorten encouraged residents to get informed about the looming changes and proposals because whatever is implemented affects everyone in the end.

“That’s the takeaway. It’s not about Medicaid, it’s not about pensions,” he said. “It’s about quality of life for our community.”

http://www.daily-chronicle.com/2012/05/08/health-care-industrys-perfect-storm/a7aye4/?page=1

Raising Cigarette Taxes is NOT Medicaid Reform

lweitzel — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:54:20 +0000

http://ilchamber.org/news/5436/raising-cigarette-taxes-is-not-medicaid-reform/Raising Cigarette Taxes is NOT Medicaid Reform

Murphysboro, Ill. —

Raising Cigarette Taxes is NOT Medicaid Reform

Governor Pat Quinn and Members of the Illinois General Assembly are proposing to increase Illinois’ cigarette tax by $1 a pack and tying it to Medicaid spending. While the Illinois Chamber agrees that Medicaid needs vital reforms, we disagree that finding more money to feed a program that is bankrupting the state is the right approach.

Now is not the time for more tax increases on Illinois businesses and families. Now is the time to enact real long-term reforms to our state’s Medicaid program before the problem gets worse.

Todd Maisch
Vice President
Government Affairs
Illinois Chamber of Commerce

215 East Adams Street
Springfield, Illinois 62701
217-522-5512

http://www.murphysboroamerican.com/newsnow/x358791765/Raising-Cigarette-Taxes-is-NOT-Medicaid-Reform

Testa Produce Named One Of Five Recipients Of 2012 Edie (Economic Development In IL) Awards

lweitzel — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:34:35 +0000

http://ilchamber.org/news/5357/testa-produce-named-one-of-five-recipients-of-2012-edie-economic-development-in-il-awards/Testa Produce Named One Of Five Recipients Of 2012 Edie (Economic Development In IL) Awards

CHICAGO – What do a Chrysler plant in Belvidere, a produce distribution operation in Chicago, a new Navistar headquarters in Lisle, a new steel plant in Chicago and an artisan shop in Atlanta, Illinois all have in common?

The answer is today all five projects were announced as winners of the Edie (Economic Development in Illinois) Award. The annual award is given jointly by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Development Council (IDC) to recognize significant economic development projects finished in the prior year throughout Illinois.

“The economy is recovering slowly but surely and more and more companies are out there investing in our state and creating jobs,” said Doug Whitley, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is proud to be working with the IDC to recognize some of the exciting developments that were completed across the state.”

The Illinois Chamber and IDC believe it’s important to showcase recent accomplishments — especially when they translated into more jobs, tax base and economic vitality in Illinois.

“These companies and the local economic development teams are in the trenches across the state, creating jobs and investing in our communities,” said Kim Uhilg, chairman of the Illinois Development Council and business development director at the Morton Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council. “These successful projects are too often overlooked and we wanted to take a moment and reinforce the notion that economic development like this is central to keeping our state vibrant and healthy.”

The Illinois Chamber and IDC asked for nominations from across the state for projects completed in 2011. An awards committee reviewed the nominees and determined which projects were worthy of an Edie Award. The Edies will be formally presented at the Illinois Chamber’s annual meeting in Chicago on June 8th. The five winners of the 2012 Edie Award are as diverse as Illinois’ economy.

Arch Street Artisan (Atlanta, Illinois) — The Atlanta Betterment Fund (ABF) was created in July 2008 to help ensure the quality of life in Atlanta by helping the community’s businesses and services survive and thrive. The ABF initiated the idea for the Arch Street Artisans shop in January of 2011 because it would help local residents who were known for crafting unique products (such as jewelry, woodworking, homemade candy, stained glass, etc.) but who did not have the resources to open their own business location from which to sell their products. The ABF decided to fund a central commercial location that could be shared by local artisans and out of which they could collectively market and sell their products.The ABF recruited the artisans and worked with them to renovate a vacant commercial space in downtown Atlanta. The shop opened in July of 2011 and has increased sales tax revenue for the city and provided a unique and fun shopping experience for locals and visitors alike.

Belvidere Assembly Plant - Chrysler Group LLC (Belvidere, Illinois) — In November 2009, the newly formed Fiat-managed Chrysler Group LLC announced that they could not promise that future models would be produced at the Belvidere Assembly Plant after 2012. That decision needed to be assessed on a competitive basis.

Growth Dimensions (Belvidere’s lead economic development agency) and the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity worked with other local and state resources to ensure the future of the Belvidere plant. By the end of 2010, Chrysler had announced construction of a 638,000SF addition to the plant and a $600 million investment to expand the plant and prepare it for production of future vehicles. The state committed to providing a $62.1 million business investment package to save 1,950 permanent jobs and generate 700,000 construction hours. Governor Quinn helped to pass and signed legislation into law in December 2009 to expand the EDGE tax credit to benefit the auto industry, which was critical to Chrysler’s decision to stay and expand in Illinois.

The project resulted in retaining the operation of seven parts suppliers (six located in Belvidere and one in Sycamore) representing 1,400 jobs in total. During the project period four additional parts suppliers made investments in Belvidere. These four additional suppliers added another 500 jobs. Chrysler Group recently announced that the original $600 million investment had increased to $700 million and that the plant would add 1,800 jobs by the third quarter of 2012, which includes nearly 500 for production of the all-new Dodge Dart. In total, the Belvidere Assembly Plant is expected to be operating with 4,500 employees by third quarter this year.

Finkl Steel Plant (Chicago, Illinois) — Founded in 1879, A. Finkl & Sons Co. (Finkl) is the world’s leading supplier of forged die steels, plastic mold steels, die casting tool steels and custom open-die forgings. The company’s products are used in a variety of manufacturing applications, including automotive, mining, and air and aerospace. Located in Chicago, Finkl produces more than 100,000 tons of steel each year—distributed domestically and to more than 18 countries worldwide. Finkl decided to build to a new 53-acre manufacturing campus on Chicago’s south side that would help them employ the most advanced technologies and equipment, with five times the capacity of its current facility. In addition to creating new jobs, the south-side campus would serve as a catalyst for ancillary redevelopment in the nearby community.

2012 Edie Award winners, page three

Navistar Headquarters (Lisle, Illinois) — In the fall of 2010 Navistar announced its intention to move its corporate headquarters to a former Lucent Technologies location in Lisle, Illinois. This move entailed moving its headquarters operations from Warrenville, Illinois as well as integrating its truck and engine product development operations from other locations, which involved moving employees in from out-of-state. Now complete, the 1.2 million-square-foot global headquarters and integrated product development center for Navistar welcomes more than 3,000 employees and several hundred contractors every day.

During construction, more than 2,000 union workers renovated the facility and Navistar paid $900,000 in fees to the Village of Lisle for permits for construction and move in. This was unplanned revenue for the village. Relocating employees to the area has resulted in over
$50 million worth of homes and there are more to come. As with any project of this size, Navistar teamed up with state and local officials on the final financial package – including a $100 million investment by Navistar through Illinois Finance Authority bonds, state incentive packages worth $65 million and Lisle and DuPage County investment in road improvements.

Testa Produce Distribution Center (Chicago, Illinois) — In 2011, Testa expanded its operations to a restored brownfield site in the Back of the Yards Neighborhood — previously Chicago’s historic Stockyards Corridor. Testa Produce is a 100-year-old family owned and operated wholesale produce distributor, servicing the foodservice industry throughout Chicagoland and the surrounding areas. The company’s 91,000 square foot facility is equipped with 180 photovoltaic solar panels and a 238-foot freestanding wind turbine — the first of its kind in Chicago — that will generate 30 percent of the building’s energy needs. On-site energy generation offsets the equivalent of about 80 homes worth of energy each year. The extensive water management system consists of a retention pond, bio swales, an internal rainwater-harvesting cistern, and a 45,000 square-foot barreled vegetated roof. This system is designed to reduce the facility’s water demand by over 40%. Testa’s building meets the stringent requirements of the US Green Building Council and as a result the company has been named the first LEED Platinum Refrigerated Foodservice Facility in the United States.
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce promotes the interests of Illinois business by working to improve the state’s business climate. The Illinois Chamber aggressively advocates legislation and public policies that support economic growth, and is a source of timely and reliable information on matters important to its members, Illinois employers and the general public. The Illinois Chamber also provides effective programs and services to its members to meet their business needs, including immediate answers to tax and human resources concerns and access to training and consulting services.

The Illinois Development Council is an association of economic development professionals and allies that strives to build relationships, professionalism, and a positive atmosphere in which to create jobs and wealth in Illinois. These individuals are employed by municipalities; not-for-profit economic development councils or community development corporations; utilities; railroads; planning commissions; state government; and other partners interested in retaining and growing businesses in Illinois. Members of the organization participate in mutually beneficial public policy, marketing and educational efforts. www.ildevelopmentcouncil.org.

Illinois Chamber chief says state is back in business

lweitzel — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:31:48 +0000

http://ilchamber.org/news/5355/illinois-chamber-chief-says-state-is-back-in-business/Illinois Chamber chief says state is back in business

Illinois Chamber chief says state is back in business

Chicago Southland Chamber Chair John Currier (from left) joins Illinois Chamber Chair Doug Whitley and Chicago Southland Chamber President and CEO David Hinderliter onstage.

Photo by Larry Burrows
State Chamber chief upbeat about progress
Illinois is back in business.

“I genuinely believe we’ve turned the corner, are out of the ditch and on the way home,” said Doug Whitley, president of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.
“It takes a long time and hard work to change an image, but good things are happening,” he said Monday (May 14) to Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce members and guests at the Holiday Inn Hotel-Tinley Park Convention Center.
While Whitley’s look at Illinois finances dominated the program, prior to his dynamic presentation, Chamber Chair John Currier introduced David Hinderliter, recently appointed Chicago Southland Chamber President.
Currier said Hinderliter, who has an extensive business and leadership background, will “aggressively promote the Chamber issues.”
Whitley, whose Chamber and public sector resume also reflects extraordinary leadership, kicked off his talk with upbeat comments about progress in Illinois.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle stand out as two leaders who “reflect the changing tone of what Illinois is all about,” Whitley said.
Both cut budgets and coordinate city and country programs to reduce expenses. They also speak boldly.
“Rahm told Springfield lawmakers, ‘We need pension relief or we will have to raise taxes to where people won’t want to come to Chicago,’” Whitley said.
“Rahm understands what is going on … and I’m impressed with him.”
The state Chamber leader also acknowledged Gov. Pat Quinn has “stepped up” and realizes the Illinois cannot remain on cruise control.
In fact, the governor has presented state lawmakers with a budget that begins to correct years of spending that has left the state with a $9 billion deficit and $80 billion pension liability.
Quinn wants his budget approved by the end of this month.
“The governor has challenged the public, media and legislature to do the right thing,” Whitley continued.
“Change (in spending and taxation) should be a shared effort.”
“If we don’t change the pension system in Illinois, there won’t be a pension system,” he said.
Quinn’s plan calls for school districts to pick up their own teacher pension costs, to be phased in over time. Pension recipients’ will have to increase their contributions as well.
“Fixing the pension system is critical to getting the fiscal house in order,” Whitley added. Last year’s state income tax hike did virtually nothing to alleviate the state’s flowing red ink.
Quinn’s proposal also calls for some $2.7 billion reductions in Medicaid by eliminating fraud and tightening eligibility requirements.
“The next few weeks will be exciting and important.
“Will individual legislators have the fortitude to do what’s right?
“Some are afraid they might not get re-elected,” and Whitley called on all Illinoisans to let lawmakers in both parties know the state’s future is in their hands.
He also pointed to a more obscure issue critical to the job market.
“Our economy is all about jobs … and employers are not finding qualified (job applicants).
“There is a major disconnect between jobs available and those coming out of the educational system. We need qualified workers and we must close the gap between the educational system and what employers need.”
Thousands of Illinois positions remain open due to lack of qualified applicants.
“We’ve got challenges to fulfill. The future is brighter than it was, but we need to talk to our elected officials about what they need to do,” Whitley said.
Before closing the afternoon program, Hinderliter and Currier announced the Chamber Foundation’s four $2,000 college scholarship winners: Michael Jacus of Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox; Meghan Luzzo, Marist High School, Chicago; Andrew McCatty, Carl Sandburg, Orland Park; and Laura Prosapio, Alan B. Shepard in Palos Heights.

Editorial: Needless exercise in bureaucracy bad for business

lweitzel — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:13:44 +0000

http://ilchamber.org/news/5349/editorial-needless-exercise-in-bureaucracy-bad-for-business/Editorial: Needless exercise in bureaucracy bad for business

JOURNAL-COURIER

Things could always be worse for Illinois’ business climate.

Senate President John Cullerton seems determined to prove the point.

The Chicago Democrat’s Corporate Disclosure and Responsibility Act is one of those pleasant-sounding proposals in which the name belies reality.

Cullerton wants — and Senate Democrats are backing —requirements that publicly traded corporations doing business in Illinois disclose significantly more financial information about their operations than many other states would ever consider asking.

It’s the Legislature’s forte: Invent a need and then fill it.

Cullerton said the legislation is to help people evaluate the need for corporate tax breaks, such as the CME Group and Sears Holdings received last year to keep them in Illinois.

If such is the case, then perhaps the proposal should be applied only to those companies that seek tax incentives: Less than 1 percent of all businesses in the state.
Instead, throwing a blanket over all business creates a monstrosity of needless paperwork, mind-numbing regulation and little return.

Consider that federal regulations already require publicly traded businesses to provide detailed quarterly and annual reports to shareholders. These reports, as well as financial projections and outlooks, are readily available on most companies’ websites.

There is also some matter of privacy that should be expected. Federal rules strike a cautious balance between what is necessary to protect shareholders and what is necessary to have some proprietary freedom to grow and prosper.

But in Illinois, at least, companies large and small would have to detail their income, tax credits and much more.

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce says the proposal is burdensome and threatens competitiveness.

That’s an understatement from a group that certainly has no love loss with Cullerton.

Many political wonks in Springfield say the legislation is a message to the chamber, which recently sponsored a luncheon with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. See, Walker’s visit didn’t sit well with union officials here — who happened to be in power talks with lawmakers about pension reform — because of Walker’s treatment of union workers in his home state.

If there is a truth to that, Cullerton’s proposal is an abuse of power. If that isn’t the reason behind it, the proposal is just an unnecessary impediment to business.

http://www.myjournalcourier.com/articles/exercise-39858-illinois-bad.html

Artisans shop earns prestigious award

lweitzel — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:12:09 +0000

http://ilchamber.org/news/5347/artisans-shop-earns-prestigious-award/Artisans shop earns prestigious award

By THE COURIER

ATLANTA —

What does an artisan shop in the Logan County community of Atlanta have in common with a Chrysler plant in Belvidere, a produce distribution operation in Chicago, a new Navistar headquarters in Lisle and a new steel plant in Chicago and an artisan shop in Atlanta, Illinois all have in common?

The answer: All five projects were announced Wednesday as winners of the prestigious EDIE (Economic Development in Illinois) Award. The annual award is given jointly by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Development Council to recognize significant economic development projects finished in the prior year throughout Illinois.

The Atlanta Betterment Fund was created in July 2008 to bolster the quality of life in Atlanta by helping the community’s businesses and services survive and thrive.

The ABF initiated the idea for the Arch Street Artisans shop in January 2011 because it would help local residents who were known for crafting unique products, such as jewelry, woodworking, homemade candy and stained glass, but who did not have the resources to open their own business location to sell their products.

The ABF decided to fund a central commercial location that could be shared by local artisans who could collectively market and sell their products.

Fund representatives recruited the artisans and worked with them to renovate a vacant commercial space in downtown Atlanta. The shop opened in July of 2011 and has increased sales tax revenue for the city and provided a unique and fun shopping experience for locals and visitors alike.

The Illinois Chamber and IDC believe it’s important to showcase recent accomplishments — especially when they translated into more jobs, tax base and economic vitality in Illinois.

The Illinois Chamber and IDC asked for nominations from across the state for projects completed in 2011.

An awards committee reviewed the nominees and determined which projects were worthy of an EDIE Award. The EDIEs will be formally presented June 8 during the Illinois chamber’s annual meeting in Chicago.
http://www.lincolncourier.com/topstories/x2047357654/Artisans-shop-earns-prestigious-award