Business Facilities - December 2008 - (Page 18)

nation—as a destination for foreign direct investment. about 1,576 foreign companies have chosen to locate their 5,330 facilities in Illinois. Illinois is the fifth-largest exporting state in the U.S. Direct exports totaled more than $48.73 billion worth of goods in 2007, a 15.8% increase over the previous year and 7.1% of Illinois’ Gross State Product, according to data released from WISER, the World Institute for Strategic Economic Research, which compiles its information from the U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division. Exports have historically accounted for more than 15% of Illinois’s GSP growth during the past 10 years and export trade supports more than 500,000 jobs. The $48.73 billion the state exported in 2007 was an increase of $6.65 billion from 2006, and a nearly 36% increase over 2005. This total is nearly 4% higher than the national average of 12%. Illinois exports have increased close to 90% from the 2002 export figure of $25.69 billion. Illinois is a great location for quality employees. The state offers a diverse, well-trained workforce, as nearly half of the six million workers in Illinois are professionals or skilled technicians. Illinois also ranks fourth in the nation and second in the Great Lakes region for value-added productivity in manufacturing. Productivity in the state outperforms other Great Lakes states by $6.71 per hour. Illinois is competitive in a variety of industries and has earned a reputation for being a global leader in biotechnology. In 2010 Chicago will host BIO 2010, which marks the second time the “Olympics” of biotech will come to the Midwest. The annual BIO convention is the industry’s largest gathering of researchers, major international and domestic biotech corporations, startups, regulators and investors. Springfield: The Middle of Everywhere A large labor pool of skilled workers in the greater Springfield, IL metro area offers considerable advantages for companies seeking a business location with economical operating costs. The area’s prime location in the heart of the Midwest provides strategic access to markets across the U.S. “The Springfield community values the companies located here, with public and private sectors committed to helping existing and new businesses thrive and grow,” says Tim Rogers, vice president of business attraction and development. “That commitment is a big reason why many world-class companies have chosen to locate and expand their operations in the greater Springfield area.” • Located at I-55 and I-72 in Sangamon County THE PATHFINDERS workforce report available Affordable properties Lower tax rates, incentives and reliable electricity • • Freight Model and Cost Comparison Report Available 217-525-1173 • www.springfieldinthemiddle.com #2526 at www.BusinessFacilities.com 18 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 PHOTO CREDIT: THE GREATER SPRINGFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • The Quantum Growth Partnership, which is the area’s economic development initiative, recognizes that expansion and location decisions are driven by sound business principles. For that reason, Springfield economic representatives are prepared to demonstrate how a Springfield location makes good business sense. “A freight model and cost comparison report developed by Jacobs Carter Burgess and the area labor availability report from the Pathfind- http://www.BusinessFacilities.com http://www.springfieldinthemiddle.com http://www.springfieldinthemiddle.com http://www.BusinessFacilities.com

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

Business Facilities - December 2008 Contents First Word Snapshots Corporate Moves: North Carolina Gold Award: New Engine for Growth in Virginia Silver Award: Tennessee Gets the Big Prize Bronze Award: Enrichment in Idaho Falls Honorable Mentions International Reach From America's Heartland Supply Chain Priorities Metro Spotlight: Greenville/ Spartanburg, SC The Magnolia State Has It All A Real Estate Mega-Merger State of the Year Ask the Expert Advertiser Index

Business Facilities - December 2008

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