Business Facilities - June 2008 - (Page 41)

L ocated in the heart of the Midwest, Decatur, Illinois, is like no other city in America. With a metro area population of 125,000, Decatur is the focal point of national and international business concerns and quality of life activities and venues in east central Illinois. The Decatur region has long been known as America’s Agribusiness Center thanks to the presence of global leaders like Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Corporation, Tate & Lyle North America and Caterpillar. But while Decatur ‘s presence as a manufacturing powerhouse is well-established, it is also recognized around the world for its the cutting edge of research and development, engineering, life science and biotech research. In fact, despite belief that past perceptions are today’s reality, engineers, scientists, technicians and other managerial and professional occupations make up the largest part of the Decatur area workforce in addition to a large pool of workers experienced in all aspects of manufacturing, biotechnology and agribusiness. Best of all, they are setting the standard for productivity, reliability and innovation at home and around the world. Scientists and researchers at the Decatur-based global headquarters of ADM, Tate & Lyle, and other companies, are creating innovative ways to feed the world and at the same time developing advanced polymers, alternative fuels, and lifesaving pharmaceuticals from renewable resources. A S P E C I A L A D V E RT I S I N G S E C T I O N O F B U S I N E S S FA C I L I T I E S Decatur has recently experienced an explosion in the health care industry with planned medical center expansions totaling nearly $75 million. Health science professionals have chosen Decatur as their place of business due to a highly skilled workforce, access to nearby medical research centers and the pro-business attitude of Decatur-area community leaders. Decatur boasts outstanding business-oriented educational resources through Millikin University’s Tabor School of Business and Richland Community College’s manufacturing center and business curriculum. Within a one hour drive of Decatur you will find the Schools of Medicine for both the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University, providing the latest in health care technology and research. Also in close proximity are renowned educational institutions like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois State University, Bradley University, Eastern Illinois University and the University of Illinois at Springfield. In today’s global economy, businesses require integrated transportation systems that meet their regional, national and international distribution needs. Decatur is uniquely positioned and ready to meet these needs through its world class transportation system which includes a Foreign Trade Zone, U.S. Customs Point of Entry, Norfolk Southern, CSX and Canadian National Railroads, a world class airport facility capable of handling aircraft of all sizes, proximity to three major Interstates and a centralized location situated between Chicago and Memphis, Indianapolis and Kansas City. With nearly $600 million in capital investment planned or underway in the region, it is easy to see why more and more businesses are looking to Decatur for logistics, distribution and manufacturing projects. Combine this with a venture capital fund dedicated to businesses who locate in Decatur and Macon County, aggressive local and state economic development incentives, infrastructure, and optimal location, you have all of the ingredients for success. It is easy to see why more and more businesses See Decatur in a Whole New Light! Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County Craig Coil, President 101 South Main St., Suite LL5 Decatur, IL 62523 Phone: 217-422-9307 Fax: 217-422-9307 E-mail: ccoil@DecaturEDC.com Web: www.DecaturEDC.com #2502 at www.BusinessFacilities.com BUSINESS FACILITIES 41 http://www.DecaturEDC.com http://www.BusinessFacilities.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Business Facilities - June 2008

Business Facilities - June 2008 Contents First Word Snapshots Metro Spotlight: Austin, TX The Greening of America Winds of Change in the Berkshires Hot Logistics Locales Metro Spotlight: New Mexico Borderplex Hollywood on the Louisiana Bayou Idaho: Gem State's Economy is Glittering Mayor's Reports New Brunswick, Canada's Export Leader Virginia: Where Business and Fun Come Together How Green Is Your Site? Maine's New Maritime Marketing Message Corporate Moves: Alabama Advertiser Index Ask the Expert

Business Facilities - June 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.