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Remembering Todd Maisch
The members and staff of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of our President and CEO Todd Maisch. Todd was a beloved husband, father, and leader in the Illinois business community. We are deeply saddened by his loss.
I can not adequately put into words how much Todd meant to me and everyone at the Illinois Chamber, past and president. Senate President Harmon put it best- “Todd Maisch was synonymous with the Illinois Chamber”. Instead of telling people I met that “I work at the Chamber”, I always found myself saying “I work for Todd Maisch”.
I’ve had bosses I respected and admired, but I never before had one that felt like family. Todd loved the Illinois Chamber. He was an older brother I never had. Todd once came in on a weekend to paint my office wall with some special paint just because “he was tired of looking at that awful Bobby Knight frame”. He taught me business lessons and, more importantly, life lessons.
The most important of those life lessons is that no matter how important your job is it’s never as important as your family. Todd loved his sons more than anything and always prioritized spending time with them. I can’t count the number of times we’d have a meeting over the phone while he drove to a Quiz Bowl event. The next day, I’d feign interest when he’d give a detailed breakdown on the event from the night before. Did you know that quiz bowl refs can be biased?
I’ve found some comfort reading all the tributes to Todd these last 24 hours. He wasn’t with us long enough, but Todd made more impact in his time than most people could accomplish in several lifetimes.
If you'd like to leave a tribute in memory of Todd, please do so here.
End of Session Report
We are proud to release our annual End of Session Report. Just like every year, the Illinois Chamber team diligently drafted, tracked, and advocated on legislation impactful for the business community.
In this report, we begin by highlighting key 2023 victories for the Illinois Chamber. These victories include the passage of a Chamber initiative on permitting and the stoppage of harmful legislation on categories including independent contractors’ status in the workplace and environmental justice. This is followed by a brief narrative of some disappointments faced by the business community. Finally, this report then transitions into a section-by-section recap of the legislation tracked and lobbied by each of the Chamber’s 7 policy councils.
This document is a product of our advocacy over the past year. Click the link below to view the report.
Illinois Chamber End of Session Report
The Tech Council Recap begins on page 41. It runs for 9 pages and covers a broad base of issues from artificial intelligence to broadband, privacy, social media restrictions and vehicles.
Veto Session Dates Announced
The Spring Session might have just ended, but Veto Session will be here before you realize. Lawmakers announced the 2023 dates for October 24-26 and November 7-9. View the calendar here.
Rulemaking
Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Incentives: The DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY adopted a new Part titled Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois Program (14 IAC 580; 46 Ill Reg 8953) effective 5/9/23, implementing the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois Act [20 ILCS 686], under which DCEO, beginning in 2025, will provide tax credits to manufacturers of electric vehicles, electric vehicle component parts (including suppliers of battery raw materials or battery recyclers), equipment for electric vehicle power supplies, or renewable energy equipment, systems and other products, who locate or expand facilities in Illinois. This Part, originally titled Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Program, has undergone numerous changes since 1st Notice to reflect further amendments to the Act that expanded the program to include renewable energy product manufacturers. To qualify for REV Illinois tax credits, an electric vehicle manufacturer must invest at least $1.5 billion in capital improvements at the project site, create at least 500 new full time jobs, and begin operating within 5 years after applying for the credit. Component parts or renewable energy product manufacturers must invest at least $300 million, create at least 150 new full time jobs, and begin operating within 5 years. Battery recyclers, suppliers of raw materials, and electric vehicle/renewable energy manufacturers that do not meet previously listed criteria may qualify if they invest at least $2.5 million (changed since 1st Notice from $20 million), create at least 50 new full time jobs and begin operating within 4 years. A company that plans to convert an existing facility from traditional manufacturing to primarily electric vehicle, parts or power supply manufacturing or renewable energy product production must invest at least $100 million, create up to 50 (originally 75) new full time jobs and begin operations within 5 years. REV Illinois Program applicants must also certify that they are carbon neutral or have achieved nationally recognized green building standards within 24 months after starting operations. Companies that receive the REV Illinois credit also qualify for exemptions from State electric utility taxes for 10 years and from sales taxes on building materials for 5 years. Other provisions outline the amount of income tax credit available to applicants based on training costs, construction jobs created, location of the project, and other factors; the content of the program application and the tax credit agreement between the company and DCEO; the process by which DCEO issues certificates verifying eligibility for the tax credit (which the company then submits to the Department of Revenue); and the process for investigating noncompliance and recapturing tax credits from a noncompliant participant. Those affected by this rulemaking include electric vehicle and renewable energy product manufacturers, suppliers of component parts, and potential construction or manufacturing workers. Questions/requests for copies: Gina Arterberry, DCEO, 607 E. Adams St., Springfield IL 62701, Gina.M.Arterberry@illinois.gov
Women in Business
June 21, 2023
8:30 am – 2:30 pm
NIU Center | 1120 E. Diehl Road Naperville, IL 60563
The Illinois Chamber welcomes you to our annual women's conference as we come together to discuss and further dreams of our already strong women for a stronger Illinois. This year's theme is "Celebrate Success." The robust agenda will provide time for networking and connecting with professionals, and topics providing takeaways for all to take back to the office or home. Sponsorships are now available, more information here.
The event features keynote speaker Karen Murphy, SVP of Business Strategy and Chief Financial Officer for the Chicago Bears.
Registration Link: Women in Business Conference
Articles of Interest
Why Microsoft’s $75 Billion Bid for Activision Blizzard Hinges on Call of Duty
Ford, Rival Tesla Partner to Expand Charging Access
Microsoft executive calls for faster AI regulation
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