Gov. Blagojevich signs legislation designed to help communities attract new business

SPRINGFIELD - In an innovative effort to create jobs and grow business in Illinois, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today signed legislation that allows the state's economic development agency to establish business parks.  A business park creates a site selection advantage for Illinois communities looking to attract new businesses, industries and jobs to their area.

 

"In this ultra-competitive global economy, companies have more choices than ever when it comes to where they want to do business.  With this new law, we can help our communities attract new business and investment," Gov. Blagojevich said.

 

When companies are poised to expand or relocate, they often send business scouts out to identify potential sites that would serve as attractive locations.  With this new law, Illinois communities can be officially certified as "business ready," meaning all the ingredients needed for a business to move in and hit the ground running are already in place. House Bill 361, sponsored by Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Charleston) and Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon), authorizes the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to administer a program for establishing businesses and employers in business parks.  Business parks are typically located where motorway, rail and airport facilities are within a short distance, creating a competitive advantage by providing ready access to markets and trade.

 

"I am very excited about the prospect of bringing new jobs to Illinois that will be created by this bill.  I want to thank the Governor, DCEO and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce for working with me to put together this legislation," State Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Charleston) said.

 

The legislation builds on the Governor's ongoing efforts to create jobs and help communities grow business - including Location One, a web-based program that markets available sites and buildings and lists community profiles in one convenient package.  Because more than 85 percent of real estate site selection searches now begin on-line, this Web site vastly increases a community's exposure to site selectors seeking industrial and commercial real estate opportunities.  Location One can be found at www.illinoisbiz.biz/bus/site_locator.html.