Governor Quinn Announces Investment Package for U.S. Cellular to Create and Retain 1,100 Jobs

CHICAGO – October 8, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a more than $7 million business investment package that will keep U.S. Cellular Corporation in Illinois. The decision by one of the nation’s leading communications companies will create 25 new jobs and retain 1,075 jobs at its corporate headquarters in Chicago and at another facility in Bensenville.

“U.S. Cellular knows that there is no better place for a company to expand and create more jobs than Illinois, and that is why it chose to make this major investment in our state,” said Governor Quinn. “By listening to and responding to the needs and priorities of companies like U.S. Cellular, we are again proving that Illinois is a great state to do business in and putting more people to work.”

U.S. Cellular is renewing the leases for its Chicago headquarters and a management information systems hub in Bensenville. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is administering the state’s $7.1 million business investment package, which consists of Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits. The package will leverage more than $14.6 million in private investment.

"We are proud to call the State of Illinois our home, and we look forward to continuing to serve its residents and all of our other customers around the country with the first-rate wireless service they deserve," said Tom Weber, VP Financial & Real Estate Services for U.S. Cellular.

The state’s competitive investment package helped Illinois edge out several other states for U.S. Cellular’s expansion. Illinois has added nearly 38,000 new jobs in 2010, and so far this year Illinois’ economy has grown faster than the national economy.

“Governor Quinn recognizes the importance of partnering with innovative companies like U.S. Cellular in building a platform for our continued economic growth and creating more jobs,” said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. “By renewing its leases in Chicago and Bensenville, U.S. Cellular is demonstrating its commitment to Northeast Illinois, which is poised for vibrant growth as the state continues its economic recovery.”

U.S. Cellular is committed to fixing wireless one project at a time. The Chicago-based carrier, named one of Forbes Magazine’s 2010 “Most Trustworthy Companies”, recently unveiled The Belief Project, a series of industry-first, innovative solutions designed to elevate the customer experience. The Belief Project complements U.S. Cellular’s growing catalog of cutting-edge phones, all backed by its nationwide 3G network. For the 10th reporting period in a row, U.S. Cellular has received the J.D. Power and Associates award for overall call quality in the North Central Region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com.