Economic Growth

On behalf of the business community, the Chamber advocates for policies that drive inclusive economic growth and development in our State and region.

• Support policies that support our small businesses and help them grow. Oppose policies that make starting and running a small business in Illinois more difficult.
• Support legislation to grow the film and entertainment industry and its workforce in Illinois.
• Support policies that promote economic development in the south suburbs and south and west sides, and relieve some of the pressure driving up residential property taxes in these areas.
• Support legislation to modernize the State’s business tax incentives, such as the EDGE Tax Credit and the Research and Development Tax Credit for the 21^st century, and ensure any changes provide for enhanced benefits for minority-owned businesses
• Support policies and legislation that help the State’s rapidly growing data center community.
• Support and encourage policies that attract and act on substantial capital investment project opportunities, such as the creativity that was used with regards to the ONE Central Project.
• Encourage the creation in statute of the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment to serve as a partner to minority-owned firms and establish a supplier diversity program within the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
• Support the extension of the Brownfields Redevelopment Intermodal and Promotional Act to attract investment to the south suburbs while providing a case study for developing other blighted areas in the State.
• Support the State’s broadband deployment program and work with member companies to ensure the State is allocating these resources in the most efficient and impactful way possible.