CHAMBER DISCUSSES TAX REFORM
WITH CONGRESSMEN   
        
Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch joined in on a discussion with Congressman Rodney Davis highlighting the pertinent need for tax reform. Federal tax reform would help Illinois' small to midsized businesses. Opening up the conversation on both a state and national level is invaluable to Illinois job creators. The dialog continued when Illinois Chamber's Tax Institute Executive Director Keith Staats and President Todd Maisch participated in a roundtable event on Aug. 28 in Naperville with Congressman Peter Roskam.

OPPORTUNITY FOR TOYOTA-MAZDA
PLANT GREATER THAN FOXCONN  
 
On August 22nd, Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch discussed the opportunity Illinois has to gain the Toyota-Mazda plant that would employ up to 4,000 workers. "The Toyota thing is much more real than Foxconn," said Maisch. The Illinois Chamber continues to fight for vital economic development tools that would bring jobs to Illinois and not send them across the border.

 
CHAMBER PRESIDENT PUSHES FOR JOB CREATION
ON WCRA EFFINGHAM RADIO
       
Aug. 5 Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch spoke with WCRA Effingham Radio on the potential impact of the new budget, school funding, the tax increase, and what needs to be done for job creation in Illinois.
BROCKSCHMIDT DEFENDS ILLINOIS WATERWAYS   
          
Illinois Chamber of Commerce Executive Director of the Infrastructure Council and Vice President of Policy Benjamin Brockschmidt discusses the impact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Brandon Road report on Asian carp released on Aug. 7 may have on Illinois' waterways. The Brandon Road report concluded that the best option to combat Asian carp available is a $275 million plan to install a combination of electronic and sound barriers by the Brandon Road lock and dam on the Illinois River, near Joliet.

The Illinois Chamber recognizes the Illinois waterways contribute over $6.4 billion to Illinois' economy, annually saving shippers $860 million and continues to analyze the report until everyone knows the full extent it would have on Illinois' economy.On July 6, Katie Stonewater (pictured second from left), executive director of the Energy Council, attended a meeting with Congressman Krishnamoorthi (pictured second from right) and other IL-8 area Chambers to discuss issues that are important to their respective Chamber memberships.  There were some great discussions about healthcare, tax reform, and the need to streamline workforce development programs that provide people with training and education that lead to jobs.  With that, the congressman stressed the need to further incorporate and consult the business community in these discussions.   
 
CHAMBER FIGHTS TO REVIVE STATE'S
VITAL ECONOMIC TOOL - EDGE
 
   
House Bill 162 passed the Senate Aug. 13 with support from the Chamber and from both sides of the isle and is headed to the governor's desk. This bill, which is an improved version of EDGE, contains several provisions first proposed by the Illinois Chamber. Small and mid-size businesses, as well as communities across the state are getting some additional support that would be beneficial for the entire employer community. The legislation serves as a vital economic tool for Illinois' business climate, one need to lure opportunity to our state.

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 PROCUREMENT STREAMLINING
A WIN FOR ILLINOIS     

On Aug. 9, Gov. Rauner signed Senate Bill 8 that makes the state procurement process more efficient and transparent. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce's staff played a major role in bringing the reform to life. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support, eliminates unnecessary administrative delays for state universities, permits Illinois to enter into joint purchasing agreements with other units of government, and saves money for Illinois taxpayers. The Chamber advocated for the bill because the reform is an important reminder that government can work smarter and more efficiently while still protecting taxpayer interests. "Thousands of Illinois businesses will view this reform as a step forward for Illinois," Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch said.     
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COUNCIL TALKS NAFTA WITH MEXICAN DELEGATION

Wednesday Aug. 23, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce's International Business Council in partnership with the Trade Commission and the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago organized a roundtable with a delegation of ten representatives from the Mexican Federal Assembly to discuss NAFTA and the Agricultural Sector at the Chamber's Springfield office. The group, which included seven of the twenty-eight members of the Agricultural Commission at the Mexican Legislature and two representatives of the Mexican Association of the Agricultural Development Secretaries, was led by Mexico's Congressman German Escobar Manjarrez, a farmer and Chairman of the aforementioned Agricultural Commission.

Additional participants included the Illinois SoyBean Association, Illinois Farm Bureau and Growmark, Minority Speaker for the House's Agricultural and Conservation Committee State Representatives Charles Meier, and Chairman of the International Trade and Commerce Committee Andre Thapedi. "NAFTA is the most important trade agreement for the United States and, most certainly, for Illinois" said Laura Ortega, the Chamber's International Business Council executive director.

Additionally, Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch met with Canada's Consul General John Cruickshank in Chicago to discuss NAFTA in relation to Illinois and Canada.
CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION RECOGNIZED

Illinois' state plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act was approved by the U.S. Department of Education recently.  The Illinois Chamber was heavily involved in discussions in drafting the college and career readiness indicators offered in the plan and provided formal comments to the Illinois State Board of Education. In its weekly newsletter, the U.S. Department of Education recognized Illinois' college and career readiness indicators as an example of something unique and progressive our state accomplished.  This acknowledgment highlights the significance of ensuring that our education system focus on outcomes and a community that supports success and offers opportunities to all.

The Chamber believes career readiness must be a central priority in securing Illinois' economic future and was proud to contribute to the drafting of the plan.  Congrats to Illinois for standing out nationally on this important issue.

CHAMBER RELEASES EDIE AWARD WINNERS

Aug. 10 the Illinois Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Illinois Economic Development Association (IEDA) released the names of the winners of the 9th Annual Economic Development in Illinois Awards - the Edies. The Edies, sponsored by Nicor Gas, honor outstanding economic development projects completed in the calendar year of 2016 that bring jobs, growth and prosperity to Illinois communities. The five winners were Amazon (Edwardsville and Romeoville Fulfillment Centers), Target (DeKalb), Zurich North America (Schaumburg), Illinois Tollway (Downers Grove), and Fuyao Glass North America (Decatur). The Illinois Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Edie Award project winners and thanks them for their commitment and investment in Illinois' future.

CHAMBER RECOGNIZED FOR EFFECTIVE VIDEO

Illinois Chamber's Laurie Silvey (pictured at left) attended the Association of State Chamber Professionals conference where Facebook speaker, Eva Guidarini, used the Illinois Chamber's Two-Minute Drill as an example of a great visual press release in her presentation.

HOFFMAN ADVOCATES IN A BIG WAY

If you're driving around Springfield, you might recognize our very own Nathan Hoffman featured on this local billboard for the University of Illinois Springfield.

IN THE NEWS

In the month of August, we spoke to radio, television, and print media outlets, delivering pro-business values to audiences across Illinois. 
 
 
EDGE Tax 
Income Tax 
   
Procurement
 
Illinois Minimum Wage
Toyota Car Plant
Additional Chamber News
 




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