b'PRESIDENTS MESSAGEPrioritizing Growth in IllinoisDear Chamber Members: world-class universities, a diverseworkforce, a central location with Illinois is experiencing numerouseasy access to major markets, and positive developments throughouta comprehensive transportation the state. Our robust transporta- network. Despite these advantages, tion infrastructure, combined withexisting businesses face govern-a central location and vital tradement mandates and penalties that partnerships, has fostered a strongcomplicate their operations. Larger and growing sector of foreign directcompanies can often absorb these investment. The manufacturing andimpacts, while medium and small-technology sectors in Illinois havesized businesses struggle with profit leveraged innovation to stay ahead ofmargin compression and operating market dynamics and lead the statesdeficits due to rising costs of goods LOU SANDOVAL economic resurgence. The Governorsand labor.PRESIDENT AND CEO team has harnessed the potentialThe way forward involves creat-of quantum computing and micro- ing a business-friendly environment electronics to create opportunitiesthat supports entrepreneurs, small in areas such as the South Side ofbusinesses, and large corporations Chicago, which has faced decades ofalike. We need to streamline burden-disinvestment. some regulations, reduce taxes that However, despite these encour- hinder investment, and implement aging trends and Illinoiss potential,policies that encourage long-term not all regions or economic levelseconomic stability. Illinois should are experiencing the benefits. Thebe a place where businesses want to Tax Foundation recently released itsstart, grow, and remainwhere the Tax Competitiveness Index, rankingnext generation of innovators can Illinois 37th out of 50 states. Thisfind the support they need to bring ranking reflects factors such as thetheir ideas to fruition.states corporate tax rate (42nd), salesOne of the most critical com-tax rate (38th), and property tax rateponents of this growth is workforce (41st). While we have utilized incen- development. As technology advanc-tives to attract new industry sectors,es and industries evolve, we must we may be better served by directinginvest in education and training pro-more incentives toward business- grams that equip our residents with es that are already operating herethe skills needed for success in the and feeling the impact of the states21st-century economy. Strengthening business climate. Its time for Illinoispartnerships between businesses and to reset its trajectory and embraceeducational institutions and ensuring policies that encourage growth, op- access to job training in emerging portunity, and long-term prosperityfields such as renewable energy, for all residents. healthcare, and advanced manufac-Illinois possesses all the ingre- turing, will position Illinois at the dients for success. We are home to 2ILLINOIS BUSINESS LEADER'