Intersect Illinois

Global business leaders from BMO U.S., Lion Electric, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network, Ferrero, and UL Solutions?agree:?#Illinois?is a great place to do business. Hear why these companies choose to?#BeinIllinois.?? Featuring Darrel Hackett, Nicolas Brunet, Shana Kelley, Alanna Cotton, and Jennifer Scanlon. ??

Set to open this February, the Wedge Innovation Center in #AltonIL will spark cutting-edge economic and workforce development opportunities in the Greater STL region. ?? The Wedge will serve as a high tech incubator for new technologies, data analytics and #AI applications as the future home of the Midwest AI Network, some Southern Illinois University Edwardsville educational programs, tech start-ups, and local entrepreneurs. Joining SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor and SIU System President (and Intersect board member) Daniel Mahony, Gov. Pritzker recently toured the center, saying it's indicative that "Illinois is on the rise everywhere." More about the new 55K sq. ft. center: https://bit.ly/3ZdZx1Z #BeinIllinois | AltonWorks | TechSTL | Greater St. Louis, Inc.

Intersect Director of BD Cathriona Fey attended Bisnow's Industrial Summit this week. Check out her recap of the event.??

Kudos to the Chicago Quantum Exchange on its recent successful Chicago Quantum Summit, bringing together top industry stakeholders. Highlights included: ?? Gov. Pritzker explained why Illinois has made early, bold investments in #quantum, such as the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, and urged the crowd of innovators to #BeinIllinois. ?? Intersect Illinois Chief Quantum Officer Preeti Chalsani moderated a panel about optimizing public-private partnerships to catalyze commercialization. Panelists included jean-luc cambier with United States Department of Defense, Rima Kasia Oueid with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Abin Kuriakose with World Business Chicago, and Kristi Dula-Ferguson with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. ?? Preeti also discussed Illinois' "special" quantum ecosystem of academic, industry, and government partners with IBM's Katie Pizzolato. Check out a recap of the top #quantum event in our #BeinIllinois blog: https://bit.ly/3OetSaj

Intersect Illinois-assisted projects in FY24 resulted in: ?? 2,738 new jobs (up 158% over last year) ?? $2.05B in investment (up 47% over last year) From plant-based seafood alternatives to #EV manufacturing, our annual report highlights project wins and growth industries. Read about the companies that are locating and expanding in Illinois here: https://bit.ly/40Q850q Aluflexpack Group | AQUA Cultured Foods | Bedrock Materials | Gotion Inc. | Mazen Animal Health - Oral Vaccines | WITTENSTEIN North America | Ymer Technology

Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined representatives from Veterans Energy, a local veteran-owned business, and Joliet officials to celebrate the opening of the first EV fast chargers funded under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded $480K to the Veterans Energy Team. Approximately 2K fast charging ports will be installed over the next 18 months. ??? Read more from the announcement: https://bit.ly/4eDd73F

More and more companies are choosing to #BeinIllinois. This Site Selection Magazine story, "How Illinois Became the King of Commerce," outlines how the state has ranked #2 in the nation for corporate expansions and relocations for two consecutive years and how #Chicago ranks as the "top metro" for the 11th year. ?????? The story explains how recent expansion and relocation projects are not confined to one area of the state. Conway Data, Inc. outlines more in its #ILInvestmentGuide: https://bit.ly/4eaWmwt Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity | World Business Chicago

Congrats to ComEd, recognized for its best-in-class reliability and work to make #Illinois a leader in #cleanenergy. ??? ComEd earned the 2024 ReliabilityOne? award for Outstanding Reliability Performance in the Midwest Metropolitan Service Area by PA Consulting and the Climate Action Leader award for advancing the planning and operations to transition into a cleaner future grid. These recognitions reflect the utility's deep dedication to customer service and sustainability. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3UT3c2T #TeamIllinois #BeinIllinois

Wiegel Tool Works, Inc, Gov. Pritzker, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced that the manufacturer will invest $5.5M to expand its #WoodDaleIL HQ and grow production of its #EV components that will help meet Illinois’ #cleanenergy goals. ?? ? Bolstered by a REV agreement, Wiegel will retain and strengthen its workforce of 105, and create more jobs. With deep roots in Illinois, Wiegel President and CEO Aaron Wiegel said the state's "strategic infrastructure, which includes technical schools, and a highly skilled workforce" have been key parts of the company's success. #BeinIllinois Read more here: https://bit.ly/4fqv4DF

As you'll find in our newly released FY24 annual report, there has never been a better time to #BeinIllinois. Intersect Illinois Chairman John Atkinson and President & CEO Christy George outline how Illinois has seen great recent momentum as a business destination — from the collaborative nature of #TeamIllinois, to how the state is preparing for industries of the future. Read their note here: https://bit.ly/4etKPIM