What do a Chrysler plant in Belvidere, a produce distribution operation in Chicago, a new Navistar headquarters in Lisle, a new steel plant in Chicago and an artisan shop in Atlanta, Illinois all have in common?
The answer is today all five projects were announced as winners of the Edie (Economic Development in Illinois) Award. The annual award is given jointly by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Development Council (IDC) to recognize significant economic development projects finished in the prior year throughout Illinois.
“The economy is recovering slowly but surely and more and more companies are out there investing in our state and creating jobs,” said Doug Whitley, president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber is proud to be working with the IDC to recognize some of the exciting developments that were completed across the state.”
The Illinois Chamber and IDC believe it’s important to showcase recent accomplishments — especially when they translated into more jobs, tax base and economic vitality in Illinois.
“These companies and the local economic development teams are in the trenches across the state, creating jobs and investing in our communities,” said Kim Uhilg, chairman of the Illinois Development Council and business development director at the Morton Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council. “These successful projects are too often overlooked and we wanted to take a moment and reinforce the notion that economic development like this is central to keeping our state vibrant and healthy.”
The Illinois Chamber and IDC asked for nominations from across the state for projects completed in 2011. An awards committee reviewed the nominees and determined which projects were worthy of an Edie Award. The Edies will be formally presented at the Illinois Chamber’s annual meeting in Chicago on June 8th. The five winners of the 2012 Edie Award are as diverse as Illinois’ economy.
