DCCA, IDES, & McHenry County Officials to Meet on Special Assistance for Harvard

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan said the state will work to assist the community of Harvard, Illinois after Motorola announced it will close its Harvard facility by April 2003. The Governor said that up to $1 million of a $3 million grant from Motorola to the state of Illinois' Department of Commerce and Community Affairs' "Illinois Workforce, Technology and Economic Development Fund" will be specifically allocated to assist with Harvard's economic development efforts and targeted assistance for the affected Motorola employees.

The fund was established by the General Assembly to provide job training programs and help promote innovation and skills enhancements for Illinois technology workers.

"Motorola's announcement that they will be closing the Harvard plant brings tough news to a community that has already faced layoffs," Governor Ryan said. "The state has a responsibility to ensure that we create new opportunities for the community and the workers affected by the facility closure.

"Motorola's offer to grant $3 million to the state's Technology and Economic Development Fund provides us with a unique opportunity to target much needed resources in this community," the Governor added.

Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) Director Pam McDonough and Department of Employment Security Director Gertrude Jordan, will meet with local elected officials and business leaders from McHenry County on Friday, April 19, to discuss ways in which the State will respond following the announced phased closure of Motorola's Harvard facility.

Approximately 850 positions locally will be eliminated by the time the company closes the facility in April of 2003.

The state has invited Senator Dick Klemm (R-Crystal Lake), Representative Jack Franks (D-Woodstock), Harvard Mayor Ralph Henning and other local officials to meet with DCCA Director Pam McDonough and IDES Director Gertrude Jordan and their staff members to discuss what can be done to support not only Motorola workers, but other businesses in the community which could be adversely affected by the facility closure.

"I am confident that the meeting will help us come up with some creative solutions to address both the short-term and long-term economic viability of the region, while providing new job opportunities for those affected by Motorola's decision," said Director McDonough.

Motorola employs more than 19,000 Illinois residents. The company's global headquarters are located in Schaumburg.