Governor Makes Pitch for Boeing Headquarters

CHICAGO -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced that the State of Illinois will aggressively pursue The Boeing Company's corporate headquarters relocation. Boeing announced that Chicago is among three cities being considered as the new location for the company's world headquarters.

"Chicago is tailor-made for this project. The combination of Illinois' highly skilled and productive workforce, strong infrastructure, strategic location, attractive financial incentives, and world-class cultural attractions gives us an edge over the competition," Governor Ryan said. "In short, we have everything Boeing is looking for, and we'll make sure the company fully understands our assets."

The Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) will spearhead the state's efforts to attract the project. DCCA programs that would be available to Boeing include EDGE tax credits, a High Impact Business designation, Industrial Training Program grants, Large Business Development program grants and other technical assistance. In addition, the state could offer various infrastructure support.

"The Governor's aggressive economic development initiatives means DCCA can effectively compete for any project, against any state. The cooperation between Governor Ryan and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley in promoting economic development has helped us land a Ford supplier park and a Solo Cup facility on Chicago's south side, a new ABN Amro facility on the city's west side, and other projects," said DCCA Director Pam McDonough.

DCCA will work with officials from the City of Chicago in coordinating efforts to attract the Boeing project, which could potentially involve a joint "sales pitch" by Governor Ryan and Mayor Daley in Seattle.

"The Mayor and I understand that this project is about more than just attracting 500 new jobs to Illinois. Boeing is a company on the cutting edge of technology and their presence here could create new opportunities to further strengthen our proud tradition of innovation," added Governor Ryan.