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?  Answer? All five projects were just 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 Illinoi ...

 "Capturing Opportunity:  Closing Gaps" will be the focus of our keynote speaker, Ed Rust, Jr., who is the Chairman and CEO of State Farm.  Focusing on challenges America faces with the rise of a truly global economy, Ed Rust, Jr., who is also the incoming Chairman of the Board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will encourage attendees to make the most of opportunities available to America's businesses and i ...

 We affirm today that the Illinois Chamber supports Governor Pat Quinn's blueprint for reforming Illinois' pension laws and undertaking the necessary bold steps to address the state's $83 billion in estimated unfunded pension liability. Governor Quinn deserves both praise and widespread support from across Illinois for taking on this critical and controversial issue.  The Governor set the appropriate tone i ...

 Last year, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce supported the Medicaid reforms enacted in Public Act 96-1501 because we believed it took the initial steps necessary to align the Medicaid program with trends currently taking shape in the private market that demand greater efficiency, higher quality and better outcomes. The Medicaid reform law arrived at the same time lawmakers raised state individual and corpor ...

 Conference to Spotlight Hot-Button Healthcare Issues for Employers  The Affordable Care Act is currently under review by the U.S. Supreme Court. Medicaid and other hot-button healthcare issues are due to be addressed by the Illinois General Assembly this legislative session. Given all that is happening, it is more important now than ever for employers to stay current on the healthcare issues affecting thei ...

 The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to begin arguments today on the Affordable Care Act, and its ruling will have deep and far-reaching implications for employers in Illinois and throughout the nation. Since the Act was signed into law two years ago, the Chamber has worked hard to ensure employers' best interests have been represented in all facets of the healthcare reform effort. From our work on establis ...

 Many hospitals in Illinois and, I suspect, nationally, are on edge because of an Illinois Supreme Court ruling nearly two years ago in the case Provena Covenant Medical Center v. The Illinois Department of Revenue. The case certainly brought immediate, severe financial implications for one hospital, and it laid the foundation for a legislative and regulatory battle that continues to this day. The fight ove ...

English: Electricity Pylon, crossing lines Deu... Image via Wikipedia The Illinois Chamber of Commerce works hard on policies to make Illinois a better place to do business, but sometimes we don't take time to highlight the attributes already in place that make Illinois a beacon for new business growth. ...