Governor Quinn Names Economic Recovery Panel

CHICAGO – October 31, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today signed named a diverse group of 35 Illinois professionals to the newly-formed Economic Recovery Commission, a panel charged with providing guidance for dealing with the current economic downturn while also preparing plans to ensure the long-term health and prosperity of Illinois’ economy.

“The Economic Recovery Commission will help develop strategies to improve the state’s economic climate,” said Governor Quinn. “It will explore realistic and effective ways to create jobs, strengthen Illinois’ business base, and help plan our state’s long-term economic revival. I look forward to receiving its counsel and assistance.”

The Economic Recovery Commission consists of Illinois citizens with exceptional professional reputations and diverse experience in business, academia, finance, non-profit administration and government.

Governor Quinn named Alexander I. Rorke and John A. Spring as co-chairs of the Commission. Rorke, of Evanston, is an investment banker with extensive experience working with state and local governments, start up companies and civic organizations. Spring is the Mayor of Quincy. A longtime community activist, Spring was also a school administrator. (Spring Background, Rorke Background)

The Commission is charged with determining how Illinois can best harness its business, labor, educational, natural and other resources to provide growth and opportunity for its citizens. The Commission will provide independent, non-partisan information and advice to Governor Quinn in a number of areas that are central to the future of the Illinois economy and the Governor's job creation efforts.

Topic areas include infrastructure, innovation, sustainability, global markets, education, and government. For each of these areas, the Commission will review Illinois' current strategies and policies, evaluate successful programs and initiatives from other states and countries, and suggest new ideas to drive job creation and economic recovery for Illinois.

The Commission with submit a report outlining its findings and recommendations to Governor Quinn on or before March 31, 2010.

The first meeting of the Commission will be Monday, November 2, 2009, at 2 p.m. in room 2-025 at the James R. Thompson Center and in the lobby theater at the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity at 620 East Adams Street in Springfield.

The Commission meeting can be listened to live at Economy.Illinois.gov.