O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7

Partnering for Success IN THIS

ISSUE:

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Lunch & Learn Legislative Updates: The Impact on Small

Business and Rural Illinois

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sauk Valley Community College, Room 1J02 Registration is required by October 20. The fee is $10 and includes

lunch. Please call 815-835-6244 or email sbdc@svcc.edu to register or for additional information.

P A R T N E R I N G F O R S U C C E S S 2

Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Directors & Staff

Executive Committee

President: Brian Hawkins First Vice President: Mike Loos

Second Vice President: Karen Voss Treasurer: Mary White

Past President: Jerry Binder

Board of Directors Term Ends January 31, 2018

Brian Hawkins, Hawkins-Cassens Ins. Tim Determan, Pinney Printing

Pam Topper, Illinois Bank & Trust Steve Munson, The Medicine Shoppe

David Knie, Knie Appliance Lance Buser, Walmart D.C. #7024

Term Ends January 31, 2019

Jerry Binder, Whiteside Area Career Center Jim Cesarek, RE/MAX Sauk Valley

Dr. Jon Mandrell, Sauk Valley Community College Claudia Sauer, CGH Medical Center

Karen Voss, Hospice of the Rock River Valley

Terms Ends January 31, 2020 Mike Loos, Edward Jones Investments

Sheila Martinez, US Bank Rick Turnroth, Turnroth Sign Company

Mary White, Community State Bank

Staff Executive Director ~ Kris Noble

Financial Specialist/Office Manager ~ Megan Jones Marketing/Advertising ~ Melissa Vlakancic

October Calendar of Events

Oct 4 Executive Committee

Oct 9 Columbus Day - office closed

Oct 10 Board of Directors

Oct 10 Education Committee

Oct 12 Ambassador Committee

Oct 13 HBLC

Oct 17 Agri-Business Committee

Oct 18 PWN Committee

Oct 20 BBB - United Way

Oct 26 BAH - Holiday Inn Express

Chamber work is vast and varied. Whether I am

attending a meeting, visiting with current or prospective

members, attending Ribbon Cuttings, organizing a

workshop or event, the one thing we as staff and the

Board of Directors are constantly thinking of is new

ways to promote and support our members and this

community.

So, I am excited to share that we partnered with Sauk

Valley Media to develop the Sauk Valley Area

Chamber of Commerce Community Guide and it was

delivered today! This guide provides a listing of all our

members and contact information. It also provides an

overview of our mission, goals, and how we do what we

do! It contains a lot of useful information about the

Sauk Valley area including government contacts, local

events, places to worship, libraries, education,

healthcare, parks and recreation, and a comprehensive

list of clubs, services and organizations. The directories

are available at the chamber office-and we will be

delivering copies in

the next few weeks.

If you want to make

sure that you get

copies for your

business or

organization, please

call the chamber

office and we will

get them to you!

I want to give

special thanks

chamber staff,

Melissa Vlakancic

and Megan Jones.

Their commitment

to this project was incredible and much appreciated. I

also want to thank Jennifer Heintzelman and Kris Sands

at Sauk Valley Media for working with us on this

project and their support of the SVACC.

Enjoy the Day!

A Message from the Director

Special Recognition

We would like to give special recognition to the following groups who provide extra support to the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. This extra effort and support is truly appreciated. If you have the opportunity to express your sincere appreciation to these

members, please do so!

MEMBER RENEWALS

Altorfer, Inc. Cornerstone Credit Union Edward jones/Lareau Goodwill Industries of Northern IL Illinois Bank & Trust Imprintable Memories Inc.

Kreider Services Inc. McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory NICIL Sauk Valley Community Concert Assn. Savant Capital, LLC Sedona Staffing

Sherwin Williams The Salvation Army University of Illinois Extension WSDR Withers Broadcasting

Member Update October 2017

P A R T N E R I N G F O R S U C C E S S 3

Investing over $1000 in Dues

CGH Medical Center Community State Bank

Midland States Bank Sauk Valley Bank

Sterling Federal Bank US Bank

Wal-Mart D. C. #7024 Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson

Wahl Clipper

150% Club Members

Sterling Moose Family Center 10/89 Sterling Commercial Roofing 08/94 D & E Furniture 02/99 Amazing Grace of Sterling 03/00 United Electric 12/03 Froet Industries, LLC 08/04 Greater Sterling Development 05/08 Lance’s Plumbing 09/04 Allstate Insurance 09/06 Illinois American Water 02/08 Wiersema Waste Service 04/08 Koch, Wolf & Linnea 01/10 Phil Mattox Ins. Agency 01/11 Select Employees Credit Union 04/12 Happy Tails Animal Shelter 06/12 Twin Cities Homeless Shelter 10/13 Moore Monument & Granite Co.10/13 Brent Martin Agency/Amer. Family 5/14 United Craftsmen, Ltd 3/17

110% Club Members 4D Farms A Brush With Dentistry Adam Wilcox Construction, LLC. Advance Auto Parts Andersen Statewide Buildings Avonlea Cottage Bargain Exterminators Brown Construction Company Candy Bouquet Cassens Drainage Cater Construction Centennial Community Players Central Heating & Cooling City of Sterling Compeer Financial Creative Cuisine Dale Carnegie Training DeJonge Tax and Accounting Dennis Electric of Tampico, Inc. Fraternal Order of Eagles Garage Door Specialists Gaffey Health Services Inc. Hawkins-Cassens Insurance Hill’s Electric Motor Service Imprintable Memories Kelly’s Ken Nelson Auto Plaza Kiwanis Club of Sterling Kreider Services Melton Seed & Service, LLC Mertes & Mertes P.C.

New Millenium Directories Penny Fillmer & John Lorentzen Plainwell Brass, Inc. Prescott’s Brand Source Radio Ranch, Inc. Rock Falls Comm. Development Corp. Rock River Ready Mix RRCA Accounts Management St. Vincent DePaul Society Sandrock Farms / Sauk Valley Angus Sandrock Insurance Agency Savant Capital Scholl Insurance Agency Schuneman Insurance Agency Sedona Staffing Servicemaster Sherwin Williams Showplace Antiques & Treasures Smeltzer Insurance Agency Sterling Township/ Giving Power to Adolescents Sterling Rock Falls Child Care The Spa At Central Park Trissel Graham & Toole Twin Cities Insurance Agency United Way of Whiteside County US Cellular Wendler Engineering Services, Inc. Whiteside County Genealogists Wilco Rental, Inc. Young Living Essential Oils

NEW MEMBERS

Team Evo North Central — 15820 Lakeside Drive, Sterling — (815) 631-6028 Midwest Activity Productions LLC — 407 12th Street, Dewitt, IA — (563) 424-0941

P A R T N E R I N G F O R S U C C E S S 4

Assets in Action October - Assets of the Month

#5 Caring School Climate

Every place has a climate, even a classroom. The way young people feel about going

to school and how well they learn is directly tied to what kind of “climate” their

school has. If a school feels “warm” in a caring way, it’s easier for students to learn.

But if safety at school is a problem or relationships between students and teachers are

tense, it’s more difficult for everyone to focus on learning. A healthy climate enables students, teachers,

staff, and parents to all take pride in their school. Caring School Climate is Asset 5 of Search Institute’s 40

Developmental Assets, the qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy,

caring, and responsible.

Research shows that young people who go to school where the environment feels caring and encouraging get

better grades, have healthier relationships, get into less trouble, and are interested in and better able to reach

their dreams. Only 37 percent of young people say their school provides a caring, encouraging environment,

according to Search Institute surveys.

In your home and family: Talk with your child about the “feel” of his or her school. Advocate through your

school/parent council or school leadership for caring relationships, as well as high academic expectations.

Both are important! In your neighborhood and community: Volunteer at your local school. If students or

faculty express negative or ambivalent mindsets, ask them why.

#23 Homework

54% of students surveyed report doing at least one hour of homework every day. The most you may hear

about homework from your child is that he or she hates it, doesn’t have any, or has too much of it the night

before a test. But it’s more likely that your child is actually lacking in some essential homework skills. Judy

Dodge, author of The Study Skills Handbook and a study-skills consultant, says young people need to

incorporate three key skills to do homework well.

1. Organizational skills—Young people need to develop ways to ensure that homework can be worked on,

such as finding a homework site, creating a homework filing system, and using visual organizers.

2. Time management skills— Children should set a consistent time to study, eliminate distractions, get

proper sleep, take needed breaks, and accurately project how long an assignment will take.

3. Study strategy skills—Children need to know and use a variety of learning strategies, such as rewriting,

drawing, memorizing aloud, and making flash cards.

Source: Ideas for Parents; HC/HY Newsletter #29

Copyright © 2007 by Search Institute®, 877-240-7251; www.search-institute.org. This message may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only (with this copyright line). All rights reserved.

Downtown Christmas Walk

Friday, November 17, 2017

5 PM until “Late”

www.sterlingmainstreet.org

P A R T N E R I N G F O R S U C C E S S 5

Ambassador Report

Ambassador Co-Chairs: Angie Smith, Good Samaritan Society-Prophets Riverview | Jim Keenan, Country Financial

In September the Ambassadors held 2 ribbon cuttings. The first was September 7th at The Boulevard Pub

and Grill. The second was held at Sauk Valley Community College on September 25th after remodeling

their Health Professions area. Our Business After Hours was held at Axiom Wealth Advisors in Dixon. Our

Customer Service Award went to Frary Lumber. They were nominated for their outstanding customer

service, especially considering their lack of air conditioning in the store at that time. The associate was very

helpful and patient. Congratulations!

When you join 4-H, you are joining the largest out-of-school youth program in the country. There are 6 million kids across the county in 4-H, and 200,000 of them live here in Illinois. 4-H is in every county in Illinois. Wherever you live 4-H is there. Depending on what your interests are, there’s a 4-H program where you belong and feel welcomed!

4-H offers so much for you to do. You find the path that makes sense for you! Join a club or after-school program, attend camp, sign up as a 4-H Teen Teacher, participate in a 4-H event, have fun, explore your interests, build leadership skills and make

connections to new friends, mentors, and future employers.

I have worked for extension for almost 5 years now and love the variety, flexibility and rewards. I work on so many different projects each day it helps keep my job interesting. The most rewarding thing is seeing my 4-H members grow up, not just in age but being more mature and responsible and doing great things in their communities! The youth are our future and I love being a part of an organization who is dedicated to bettering their lives.

My husband Mitchel and I have been married for 1 year now and are enjoying every minute of it. I’m looking forward to life together and starting a family someday.

Ambassador Spotlight: Allie Johnston representing University of Illinois Extension

Chamber Ambassadors

Nicole Bollman - CGH Medical Center

Shannon Richter – SBM

Jon Byar – Midland States Bank

James Keenan – Country Financial

James Marks – Wipfli LLP

Roy Dern – State Farm

Brent Martin – American Family Insurance

Sherry DeWalt – CGH Medical Center

Cassandra Salmon – Illinois Bank & Trust

Allie Johnston – University of Illinois Extension

Mary White – Community State Bank

Angie Smith – Good Samaritan Society-Prophets Riverview

Pam Fluck – Sauk Valley Bank

Melissa Ryan-Bergstrom – Candlelight Inn

Amanda Beveroth – Ward, Murray, Pace & Johnson

Karen Voss – Hospice of the Rock River Valley

Sheila Martinez – U.S. Bank

Danica Campos – Focus Services

Danielle Vance – Big Brothers Big Sisters

Chandra Meyer – Re/Max Sauk Valley

Victoria Maloney – U.S. Cellular

Katie Murray – Wipfli LLP

Erica Friesen – Frary Lumber

Nick Krumbholz – Sterling Federal Bank

Member since 1972

Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce

211 Locust Street, Sterling, IL 61081 P: 815-625-2400 | F: 815-625-9361

chamber@essex1.com | saukvalleyareachamber.com

Partnering for Success Advertising Let the SVACC Newsletter showcase your business or event! The monthly newsletter is

sent electronically to over 650 emails on the first of the month.

Business Card Ad = $30 per month * 6-month commitment = $25 per month Quarter Page Ad = $60 per month * 6-month commitment = $50 per month

Half Page Ad = $80 per month * 6-month commitment = $65 per month Cover Banner Ads = $90 per month * 6-month commitment = $75 per month

Inserts = $50 per month; Inserts for Non-Profits = $25 per month

P A R T N E R I N G F O R S U C C E S S 6

Jim Keenan, co-chair Ambassador, has been a Financial Representative with Country Financial since December of 2003. He enjoys meeting with his clients and helping them solve their financial problems.

Jim believes that the Sauk Valley area’s greatest challenge is attracting new businesses and creating jobs. He would like to see more businesses come in to town and fill up the empty buildings in the area.

Jim helps those in need by regularly donating blood to the American Red Cross. If he weren’t a financial representative, he would be a teacher/coach.

Jim is proud and honored to serve as an Ambassador and to have been selected as a co-chair.

Ambassador Spotlight: Jim Kennan representing Country Financial

Nominations are now being accepted for the

2018 Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Board of

Directors.

The nomination deadline is October 16.

Please mail or email nominations to the Chamber office.

chamber@essex1.com | 211 Locust Street, Sterling, IL

P A R T N E R I N G F O R S U C C E S S 7

Members in the News ComplianceSigns Honored for 8th Time on Inc. 5000

Eight consecutive years on fastest-growing companies list

For the eighth consecutive year,

ComplianceSigns, Inc. has been designated one

of the fastest-growing private companies in the

U.S. and honored as a Hall of Fame company by

Inc. magazine.

With eight appearances on the list, ComplianceSigns has received the distinction of being named to

the Inc. 5000 Hall of Fame, a milestone less than 10 percent of Inc. 5000 honorees ever achieve.

The company achieved revenue growth of 54 percent over the past three years to earn a spot

on the annual list. ComplianceSigns r anks as the seventh fastest-growing manufacturer in

Illinois and 114th in the entire country. It is among 32 U.S. manufacturers and just three Illinois

manufacturers who have made the Inc list five times or more. The sign company's overall rank is

4,536. ComplianceSigns was named to the Inc. Honor Roll in 2014 after appearing on the list five

times.

“We are honored and humbled to achieve Hall of Fame status and make the list again this

year,” said company president Paul Sandefer. It is very difficult for manufactur ing companies

to maintain significant growth of so many consecutive years. Manufacturers comprise less than 3

percent of the entire 2017 list, and just 32 U.S. manufacturers have made the list five times or more.

"We have fantastic people throughout our company," said Sandefer. "Their daily efforts to

develop and produce high-quality products and provide excellent customer service are what

keep our customers coming back - and keep our company growing. We say a sincere Thank

You to our loyal customers and our employee team for making this possible."

Excerpt taken from ComplianceSigns, Inc article.

For full article, visit http://safety-blog.compliancesigns.com/p/blog-page.html

Sedona Staffing Welcomes New Staff Member

Sedona Staffing is thr illed to welcome Angie Mango to their staff as

an Administrative Assistant. Angie brings with experience in

Management and Customer Service from UOI Boutique and Tri-County

Opportunities Council. She has secondary education from Upper Iowa

University in Liberal Arts and

Communications. Angie and her

husband, Joe, have two children

and are proud to live in the Rock Falls community.

P A R T N E R I N G F O R S U C C E S S 8

The Fiesta Day Parade was a success! Thank you to the Hispanic Business Leaders Committee and SVACC staff for organizing the parade.

A big thank you to all of our gracious sponsors! We could not have done it without their support. Thank you to the Sterling-Rock Falls Jaycees, Sauk Valley Community College volunteers, and Sterling High School students who assisted with the parade line-up. Thank you to the Glenview Middle School Mariachi Band from East Moline, the local folkloric dance groups; Grupo Alegria and Grupo Ay! Jalisco, and Ensamble Identidad y Folclor from Guanajuato, Mexico for providing entertainment after the parade. Although we had technical difficulties, the folkloric dance groups did not miss a beat and kept on dancing! Last but not least, thank you to all of the vendors who participated in the HBLC Vendor Fair.

Congratulations to our Fiesta Day Parade Winners!

1st Place - Batallon de Cinco de Mayo

2nd Place (tie!) - Community State Bank & YWCA of the Sauk Valley

3rd Place - Cornerstone Credit Union

Written by Mitch Clodfelter

Ever since the first day of CEO, we have discussed the topic of a certain “WOW-Factor”. The WOW-Factor is characterized by the impression we make on individuals who we interact with as a class. To each of us, the WOW-factor (or the impression we want to leave) is different. In my case, I do not believe that we should go out and try to impress every single person we meet. I believe instead that we should seek to be remembered by every person we meet. To leave that individual thinking, “WOW, that young-man is different.” That’s the goal. The goal is to be different because different is memorable. When I say “different” I don’t mean characteristically, I mean different in quality. I want to show people that I have something that not everybody possesses. Most students spend all of their high school and college years trying to fit in, and then as soon as they graduate they try to stand out to obtain a job. They want to be different from the other individuals applying for that job. If you want to be memorable, you have to be different. Whether or not the individual is significantly impressed by me, I want them to remember my name. And if they don’t remember my name, I want them to remember my face. I am quickly realizing that life is about connections. It’s not always about what you know, but rather who you know. So in the case of CEO I look forward to working on my WOW-Factor. I know I need practice, and I don’t expect to be perfect. I just hope to be memorable.

For more information on CEO email Le Hartman at lhartman@wacc.cc

P A R T N E R I N G F O R S U C C E S S 9

Sauk Valley Leadership Program

September Thoughts, LeAndra Hartman, Facilitator

The 2018 SV Leadership Program is two months into its second year. We started our

August session meeting twice that month for a half day, a change from last year’s

monthly, seven-hour day. In September it made sense to revert back to an all-day

session as we traveled to Camp Benson. It was a beautiful day for a solitude drive or if

looking for camaraderie, a lively ride on the YMCA bus! Once at camp there were both planned sessions

covering the topics of environmental issues and volunteerism and opportunities to choose from a variety of

activities…hiking, natural spa, rock climbing. Kyle Sheaffer and Scott Stoller weighed in on agriculture,

while Patrick Gorman and Greg Hunter enlightened us on The Reagan Home, Dixon Historical Society, and

the Dixon Park District. The camp staff, led by Eli “Badger” Rolli assured that we bonded through team-

building, had a fair amount of laughter, and ate fabulous camp food. (Which, by the way, tasted better than I

remember from decades ago in Northeast Iowa.) I had the privilege of leading activities that revisited our

personality profiles from August and a discussion of the dynamics surrounding how we interact with others.

Dr. Hellmich dove into three articles on ethical leadership and frameworks, which included a lively

discussion. Dawn Olds, Senior Vice President of Operations at Halo Branded Solutions, told her leadership

story while educating us on the work and growth at Halo, including information about the progress of their

new facility.

Most SV Leadership participants would agree that meeting bi-monthly is a great way to get to know each

other and still have time to get back to work, but our all-day session at Camp Benson was fun-filled and

information-packed. And in the words of the participants: “Camp Benson is a really neat place.” “It was a

good day and one I suggest you continue next year.” “Camp was absolutely wonderful!”

P A R T N E R I N G F O R S U C C E S S 10

Have you received EXCEPTIONAL customer service from a Sauk Valley Area business? If so, nominate them for the Customer Service Award! Businesses awarded the Customer Service Award

will receive a recognition plaque, an article in Sauk Valley Newspapers and in the chamber newsletter.

Save a stamp and nominate a business using our digital form: www.saukvalleyareachamber.com/form/view/5665

Please note that only Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce members are eligible for this award.

Congratulations to Frary Lumber on receiving the

Customer Service Award for September! They gave excellent

customer service. Thank you for being a member

of the SVACC!

Customer Service Award

Business After Hours September 28, 2017

Hosted by Axiom Wealth Advisors Thank you to Axiom Wealth Advisors for hosting the September Business After Hours! It was great

evening of catching up with friends, meeting new chamber members,

and football fun. The next BAH is October 26 at the Holiday Inn

Express.

P A R T N E R I N G F O R S U C C E S S 11

Ribbon Cuttings

2501 Avenue E, Sterling

815-905-2583

Remodeled their Health

Professions Area

173 IL-2, Dixon

815-288-5511

The Factory Pub-n-Grub | September 14

P A R T N E R I N G F O R S U C C E S S 12

In 1988 the Sterling Industrial Development Commission received a CDAP grant to start a Revolving Loan

Fund (RLF) for businesses in Sterling. The RLF was created to stimulate development and expansion of

commercial and industrial opportunities in Sterling by providing incentives, encouraging job creation and

retention, and to stimulate woman and minority owned businesses. Over the past 30 years, the RLF has

loaned out over $1.5 Million dollars to 25 businesses in our community.

This past year, our RLF was released back to our community by CDAP and the State of Illinois with the

State requirements and reporting no longer required. It is the decision of the SIDC to continue using the

majority of the money by further assisting new and existing businesses with job creation and business

development. Applicant and Project eligibility are strictly defined below:

Applicant eligibility:

1. Applicants may be a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or municipal authority doing business in Sterling.

2. Commercial and Manufacturing enterprises are eligible when, in the discretion of the SIDC, sufficient new jobs will be generated or retained.

3. Real Estate Investment is limited to owner/user applications only and only eligible by meeting 1 and 2 above.

Eligible Activities:

1. Land Costs.

2. Building Costs.

3. Acquisition of or improvements to structures where business will be conducted.

4. Machinery and Equipment.

5. Grants to lenders for required cash match for SBA loans.

Ineligible Activities:

1. Refinancing.

2. Real Estate Speculation.

3. Loans to businesses outside of Sterling.

If you know a Sterling business with loan needs, and who meets the above criteria, please contact Heather

Sotelo, Greater Sterling Development Corporation, hsotelo@sterlingdevelopment.org for more information,

terms, guidelines and rules for the program.

Government Affairs Update

P A R T N E R I N G F O R S U C C E S S 13

EDGE tax credit overhaul gets Gov. Rauner’s signature

Bipartisan legislation an important tool for job growth in Illinois

CHICAGO (Sept. 18, 2017) – Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed legislation (HB162) that overhauls the EDGE

Tax Credit Program and provides much-needed transparency and taxpayer protections.

“The EDGE Tax Credit Program overhaul is a bipartisan job creation program that is innovative and

competitive for businesses,” Gov. Rauner said. “This legislation is another tool to use in our quest to bring

high-quality and good-paying jobs to Illinois. It is crucial for the future success of our state that we make

Illinois a more business friendly environment through pro-growth measures.”

EDGE tax credit program is a critical local economic development tool that incentivizes job creation, growth

and competitiveness in the state. The new law extends the program until June 30, 2022.

Among the key components in the EDGE tax credit overhaul is that incentives will encourage companies to

expand or move to underserved areas in the state, and eligibility thresholds will be lowered to allow more

small businesses to grow in Illinois. The overhaul also implements a Gov. Rauner transparency measure,

requiring all EDGE agreements be posted within 10 days of the project being secured in Illinois.

“Thank you to Governor Rauner for signing HB 162 and renewing the EDGE Tax Credit Program,” said

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Sean McCarthy. “This is a critical local

economic development tool that incentivizes job creation, growth and competitiveness in the state. We look

forward to working together with companies – large and small—to move, expand and invest here in Illinois.”

"It's important for us to have every tool available to attract and retain businesses in Illinois and ensure we can

offer incentives that allow us to compete with neighboring states,” State Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake)

said. “I represent an area that borders Wisconsin. The EDGE program is essential in helping border

communities like mine stay competitive."

“Businesses in Illinois have been able to take advantage of the EDGE program for years,” said State Sen. Pam

Althoff (R-McHenry). “Wisconsin, which is just a stone’s throw away, frequently solicits employers in this

region to move across the border. But because of the EDGE program, our businesses are staying, providing

jobs for thousands of our residents. Extending the EDGE program is especially important in today’s Illinois

economy as jobs are already leaving in record numbers.”

“Representing a district on the Illinois-Iowa border, I know how important it is to support policies that make

Illinois competitive in attracting new job-creators, and keeping established businesses within our borders. By

extending the EDGE program, we’re keeping a pipeline for Illinois jobs open,” said State Sen. Neil Anderson

(R-Andalusia).

"Reforming and extending the EDGE tax credit is an important step toward growing new jobs in Illinois and

I'm grateful Governor Rauner is signing HB162 today. I look forward to working with the Governor's office

and my colleagues on future efforts to stimulate economic growth for our citizens." State Rep. Mike Zalewski

(D-Riverside), primary sponsor.

"This is about bringing good jobs to our communities. To compete with our neighboring states we absolutely

must make Illinois a more attractive place to do business and renewing EDGE will help us do that," said State

Representative Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville).

"Enacting these incentives makes Illinois significantly more competitive with neighboring states in attracting

and retaining good-paying jobs for Illinois families," said Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego). "This is the type of

bipartisan achievement everyone can be proud of."

"Working together on a bipartisan basis, we are now able to provide incentives that will enable job creators

and entrepreneurs to flourish and expand opportunity for families all across Illinois," said Rep. Patti Bellock (R

-Hinsdale). "Growing our economy and creating jobs must continue to be among the State's top priorities."