Competition Expands Availability of Local Public Data;
Encourages Technology Innovation and Job Creation in Pilot Communities Belleville, Rockford, Champaign and the South Suburbs

CHICAGO - October 20, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a major accountability and transparency initiative designed to help local governments expand the amount of data available to the public. The Illinois Open Technology Challenge is a pilot initiative that will make Illinois' open data platform, Data.Illinois.Gov, available to municipal governments statewide. The Challenge, which will launch in the pilot communities of Belleville, Champaign, Rockford, and Chicago's South Suburbs, will promote the availability of public data and encourage the use of technology to address government challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship.

"We live in a knowledge economy that is driven by access to information and new ideas," Governor Quinn said. "The Illinois Open Technology Challenge will not only increase transparency at the local level by giving the public access to government data, it will give entrepreneurs the chance to develop new, innovative applications for the data that will create jobs and make a positive impact."

ILOpenTech (www.illinoisopentech.org) builds on the state's leadership role around open data and Governor Quinn's recently issued Executive Order establishing a new state Open Operating Standard. The state's support of 2011's Apps for Metro Chicago Illinois competition produced winners like iFindit, an innovative application that provides information on food, housing and medical care to the homeless and OkCopay, which is a directory of affordable medical care for those without insurance. The initiative brings together local governments with developers, area universities, nonprofits and community leaders in a common mission to use public data to create digital tools that serve civic needs and promote economic development across Illinois. The competition will include at least $75,000 in prize funding, which will be awarded to Illinois' most innovative developers who solve a digital problem in one of the four pilot communities. An additional prize will be awarded to the developer of the strongest application with a statewide purpose. A demonstration day and the announcement of prize winners are anticipated in early 2013.

ILOpenTech challenges the pilot communities to both transform currently available data into usable applications as well as produce new datasets that will be uploaded to the state site. The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) currently publishes data on a wide range of regional resources including transportation, infrastructure and housing. With the availability of the state portal, that data will be more easily accessible to the general public for download and analysis.

"In Rockford, we are searching for solutions to the economic challenges we face and are thirsty for new ideas," said Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey. "We're excited to see what creative solutions local talent can produce though our participation in this initiative and look forward to showcasing new innovations in Rockford's government."

"The Illinois Open Technology Challenge will help to make better connections across our community in leveraging the tremendous tech talent here to better understand what applications and will best serve civic needs," said Champaign Mayor Don Gerard. "We are thrilled to join in this effort to advance the open data movement."

"We have collected a lot of data on economic development, housing, infrastructure, planning, and natural resources, which is a powerful tool for our region," said Edward Paesel, executive director of the SSMMA. "The Illinois Open Technology Challenge will help us put this data to use for interactive applications that help promote economic development for our municipalities across the region."

"Increasing access to the information collected by the city of Belleville will lead to better government, more informed citizens, and exciting new innovations," said Belleville mayor Mark Eckert. "We are excited to be working with the state of Illinois to see new companies and jobs being created out of this innovative program."

The State of Illinois Open Data site, Data.Illinois.Gov, is a searchable clearinghouse of information from state agencies that is helping inform residents about the operation of state government and encouraging the creative use of state information, including the development of applications for mobile devices that can be built around the data. This site, which the governor launched in June 2011, now contains more than 6,500 data sets.

Sponsors of the Illinois Open Technology Challenge include the Chicago Community Trust, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Google, and the Motorola Mobility Foundation. Additional support is being provided by Comcast. Administrative support for the project is provided by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition and Smart Chicago Collaborative.

This is another initiative of the Illinois Innovation Council, created by Governor Quinn in February 2011, to promote economic development through innovation and the engagement of citizens, developers, academia and industry. For more information, please visit www.illinoisinnovation.org.

For more information on the Illinois Open Technology Challenge, including competition rules, submission requirements, and ways to engage, visit www.illinoisopentech.org.

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Economic Impact Expected to Generate More Than 1,100 Jobs,  More Than $200 Million in Annual Local Investment

 THOMSON, IL- October 2, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn and Senator Dick Durbin today announced that the Obama administration and the Federal Bureau of Prisons will purchase the underutilized, state-of-the-art maximum security Thomson Correctional Center to house federal criminal offenders. More than 1,100 jobs are expected to be generated once the facility is fully operational.

"This is excellent news that will create more than 1,100 jobs in northwestern Illinois and provide relief to taxpayers across the state who will no longer be forced to pay for an empty, unnecessary facility," Governor Quinn said. "I want to thank President Obama and Senator Durbin for their strong support throughout this process. We look forward to Thomson being a fully operational facility that will drive major economic growth in the region in the near future."

"At the direction of President Obama, the Department of Justice, on behalf of the federal Bureau of Prisons, filed paperwork today in the federal courthouse in Rockford, to finalize the $165 million transfer of Thomson to the federal system," said Senator Durbin.  "This historic action will lead to the creation of hundreds of construction jobs and over 1,000 permanent jobs at this federal facility.  After facing a political standoff in the House of Representatives, I went directly to the President and asked him to take this action. The President knows the Quad Cities and the critical need for good-paying jobs in this part of the state.  I want to thank Mayor Hebeler and the people of Thomson. This was his idea and they've patiently waited for over a decade for this day to come. This Mayor never gave up - I have the voice mails to prove it."

The Department of Justice, on behalf of the federal Bureau of Prisons, today filed documents in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Rockford to acquire Thomson Correctional Center at a price of $165 million, which falls between two federal appraisals. This court-guided process will benefit the taxpayers of Illinois, while ensuring that the facility is used appropriately. The cost of building the prison was $128.8 million. If the prison had continued to sit empty, it would cost the state more than $800,000 annually, and $60 million annually if it were to operate at full capacity.

The federal government's operation of Thomson will provide a major boost to the local economy and create more than 1,100 jobs. Annual operation of the facility is expected to generate more than $122 million in operating expenditures (including salaries), $19 million in labor income, and $61 million in local business sales.

The Thomson facility was built in 2001 by the State of Illinois as a state-of-the-art, maximum-security prison to house the most severe criminal offenders. The bulk of the facility was never occupied, however, and is sitting vacant. The facility was constructed on a 146-acre piece of land and has 1,600 beds with eight compartmentalized units designed for maximum inmate supervision and control. The facility is enclosed by a 12-foot exterior fence and 15-foot interior fence, which includes a dual sided electric stun fence.

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Trip to Focus on Manufacturing, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Education and Tourism

CHICAGO - September 20, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn will lead a trade mission to Brazil Sunday in an effort to increase economic opportunities between Illinois and Brazil. The governor will arrive in Brazil Sept. 23 for a six-day mission designed to strengthen Illinois exports, foster education and boost tourism.

"Brazil's strong economy and expanding middle class make the country an important market for Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "We are bringing together leaders from business, government and education to create and develop the relationships that will help fuel economic growth in Illinois."

Governor Quinn is the first Illinois governor to lead a trade mission to Brazil. With Illinois already leading the Midwest in exports, the trade mission will build on the state's prior successes as part of Governor Quinn's agenda to aggressively pursue international trade and create jobs in Illinois. In 2011, Illinois exports to Brazil totaled $2.55 billion, up 24 percent from the previous year, making Brazil the state's fifth-largest export market. Illinois is the fourth-largest exporter to Brazil in the U.S.

A delegation of officials from Illinois businesses, educational institutions, and state and local governments will accompany Governor Quinn on the trip, which includes stops in São Paulo, Brasilia and Recife. During the mission, Governor Quinn will preside over the signing of several memorandums of understanding as part of the Doing Business with Illinois program, which is designed to establish ties in manufacturing, agriculture, biotechnology and education. The trip will also pave the way for Illinois companies to take advantage of business opportunities as Brazil invests $150 billion of public money to build out its transportation and physical infrastructure.

While in São Paulo, the governor will address the Brazil travel trade industry to encourage Brazilians to visit Illinois. The opportunity to attract more international tourism spending to Illinois is significant, with 1.5 million Brazilians visiting the U.S. in 2011, but less than 4 percent traveling to Illinois. At each of the three stops in Sao Paulo, Brasilia, and Recife, Governor Quinn will hold meetings with key private sector leaders, top government officials and potential trading partners in order to open up more markets to Illinois companies.

The state is also working with Illinois colleges and universities to attract more Brazilian students. Last year, the Brazilian government unveiled plans to fund 100,000 scholarships to send students abroad to study science, engineering and math. The program, called Science Without Borders, provides scholarships for one year of study at colleges and universities in the U.S.

For the current academic year, nine Illinois universities and colleges are hosting 91 Brazilian students through the program. The mission will build on this strong foundation and expand the relationship. A number of Illinois companies have made plans to donate scholarship funds for Brazilians to attend Illinois universities for the 2013 to 2014 school year.  In addition, some Illinois companies will also provide internships to Brazilian students through the Science Without Borders program.

or follow him on Twitter at @GovernorQuinn. More information about Illinois trade and business opportunities can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website at

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Lauds "Portrait of a Soldier" Exhibit in Chicago; Let us "Remember, Reflect, Serve"

CHICAGO - September 11, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn called for a day of "remembrance, reflection and service" to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and servicemembers killed in the global war on terror. The governor today unveiled the "Portrait of a Soldier" traveling exhibit now on display at the Chicago Public Library Archer Heights Branch. This riveting collection by Mattoon artist Cameron Schilling features 250 hand-drawn portraits of each Illinois servicemember killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thus far in 2012, 10 Illinois service members have been killed in Afghanistan.

"On this anniversary of one of America's darkest days, let us remember, reflect and serve," Governor Quinn said. "We should never forget the horror faced by those in the World Trade Center and Pentagon, the courage of the passengers on United Flight 93, and the ultimate sacrifice made by our 6,600 fallen heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Governor Quinn directed state buildings to fly their flags at half-staff today and also called on Illinois residents to take time to thank a veteran, help a military family or salute a Gold Star family. Illinois residents can learn ways to help veterans and military families at OperationHomefront.org, which is among the nation's most popular and informative sites in support of our troops. The entire "Portrait of a Soldier" exhibit can also be viewed there.

Seen by thousands of people at more than 100 venues across the state since 2005, "Portrait of a Soldier" is a tribute to the 250 men and women from Illinois killed in the line of duty since 2001. Artist Cameron Schilling drew the first portrait in 2004, when he sketched Army Spc. Charles Neeley, a 19-year old Mattoon resident who died in Tikrit, Iraq, and presented the sketch to Neeley's parents. Months later, while a student at Eastern Illinois University, Schilling committed to draw a portrait of every Illinois service member.

"These sketches are a moving tribute to those Illinoisans who gave their 'last full measure of devotion' to protecting our freedoms," Governor Quinn said.

The "Portrait of a Soldier" exhibit can be seen at the Chicago Public Library Archer Heights Branch and at Kaskaskia College in Centralia September 11 to 24. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will officially open the "Portrait of a Soldier" exhibit and honor military families at 6 p.m. tonight at Kaskaskia College.

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