Governor Quinn Announces Leading Scrap Metal Recycling Company Will Move to Illinois; Relocation to Create Around 40 Jobs, Support 198 Construction Jobs
CHICAGO - January 21, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn announced today that one of the Midwest's leading scrap metal recyclers, Becker Iron & Metal, Inc., will relocate its headquarters from St. Louis, Missouri to Venice, Illinois. The company's move will help create at least 42 permanent Illinois jobs and support another 198 construction jobs as part of an overall $4 million investment in Madison County.
"We are continuing to take the necessary steps to increase our competitiveness in the global economy, which is why more businesses are choosing to move to Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "We are stabilizing our fiscal climate, investing in state-of-the-art transportation infrastructure and supporting emerging green technologies - and it's giving us an edge over competing states."
The $4 million construction project will be partially financed by a $928,400 grant administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation's Freight Rail Program. The grant will help finance construction activities, including new rail track, radiation detection and lighting.
Becker Iron & Metal is a fourth-generation, family-owned company that has served the scrap metal industry for more than a century. The new state-of-the art facility in Venice will accommodate the shipment of more than 500 railcars of scrap metal per year. Becker is currently preparing final engineering plans for the site, and occupancy on the new facility is expected in June 2011.
"This agreement exemplifies a great partnership between the private and public sectors to stimulate the regional economy," Becker Iron & Metal President Mike Becker said. "We look forward to our continued partnership with the state of Illinois."
"The cooperation among state and company officials was critical in this success story," Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. "Most importantly, however, this move again proves that Illinois' robust transportation network is one of many advantages our state offers businesses."
"This is a great example of how our collective efforts are helping to bring greater economic development and creating jobs in all areas of the state," said Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Warren Ribley. "I would like to congratulate Becker on their expansion and look forward to their continued growth in Illinois."
Becker Iron & Metal is the second company this week to relocate to Illinois. Governor Quinn announced yesterday that steel producer Evraz Inc. will relocate its North American headquarters to Chicago. The Governor also announced major agreements between Chinese government officials and a dozen Illinois soybean producers to sell their products to China.
###
Governor Quinn Announces Agreement toBoost Trade Between Illinois and China; Continues State's Efforts to Remain at Forefront of Global Marketplace
CHICAGO - January 21, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced an agreement to strengthen Illinois' trade with China. Under the agreement, the Beijing International Brand Management Center (BIBMC) will set up "American Goods Distribution Centers" in Beijing and Shanghai to promote Illinois products and services in China, and an "American Goods Purchase Center" in Chicago to encourage Chinese investment in Illinois.
"Today's agreement will boost small- and mid-sized businesses throughout Illinois, while ensuring that our state remains a leader in the global marketplace," said Governor Quinn. "This partnership will provide Illinois businesses with the tools they need to enter the Chinese market and continue to grow our economy."
Under the agreement, the state will recommend Illinois products to the BIBMC - particularly in the agricultural, auto parts and construction machinery sectors - and will assist with the establishment of the American Goods Purchase Center in Chicago. Through the distribution centers, BIBMC will provide intellectual property rights protection, Chinese distribution development, channel construction, marketing and other comprehensive services to Illinois companies in China.
"By setting up two American Goods Centers in the Chaoyang District of Beijing and the Changning District of Shanghai, the International Brand Management Center will provide a 'one-stop-shop' to promote Illinois products and services to be sold in the Chinese market. The centers will also be an important platform to promote Chinese investment to Illinois," said Mr. Tan Li, Vice Director, China Association of International Trade, Beijing International Brand Management Center.
"Establishment of these distribution centers in Beijing and Shanghai is a strategic decision that will help put the state in an extremely competitive position as we continue our efforts to market Illinois globally," said Warren Ribley, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "These centers give us an opportunity to further investment and trade in China and around the world."
China is Illinois' third largest export destination, and Illinois is among the top five states in agricultural exports to China. Illinois agriculture exports to China have increased each year since 2007, from $149 million to $552 million in 2009. Illinois' overall exports to China in 2009 reached $2.47 billion. In the first nine months of 2010, Illinois' exports to China reached $2.33 billion, representing a 37.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2009. More than 30 Chinese companies have invested in Illinois, employing thousands of Illinois residents.
###
Governor Quinn Welcomes Chinese Delegation, Announces Global Business Agreements; Chinese Businesses Sign Agreements to Purchase Illinois Soy Products
CHICAGO - January 20, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today welcomed a delegation of Chinese government and business leaders to Illinois and announced that more than a dozen Illinois providers of soy products have entered into sales agreements with buyers from 24 Chinese companies.
"We are doing everything we can to ensure that Illinois remains a leader in the global marketplace. We are the transportation hub of the Midwest; we have the best farmland in the world; and we are committed to growing green technologies," said Governor Quinn. "These important agreements with China will further grow our economy, and we will continue to show the world why Illinois is a premier place to do business."
China is Illinois' third-largest export destination, and Illinois is among the top five states for agricultural export to China. Farmers and companies with operations in Illinois, including ADM, Bunge, Cargill, CHS, Columbia Grain Trading and Louis Drefyus, participated in the agreements with Chinese firms.
Governor Quinn was joined at today's event by China's Vice Minister of Commerce Wang Chao, Danny Murphy, Chairman of American Soybean Association Trade Policy and International Affairs Committee and Treasurer of U.S. Soybean Export Council, entrepreneurs from China and the representatives of the Illinois Soybean Association.
"The Chinese government highly values and supports the Sino-U.S. business cooperation that aims at a win-win result, and it is the mission of the Chinese delegation to encourage more Chinese purchase from and Chinese investment in the United States," said Vice Minister Wang.
Agriculture export to China from Illinois has increased each year since 2007, from $149 million to $552 million in 2009. Illinois' overall export to China in 2009 reached $2.47 billion. More than 30 Chinese companies have invested in Illinois, employing thousands of Illinois citizens.
"The Illinois Soybean Association is very pleased to have Governor Quinn be part of this signing ceremony with China, our number one customer of Illinois soybeans," said Ron Moore, Illinois Soybean Association chairman. This is a testament to how the Governor recognizes the value and importance of Illinois soybean production, which ranks second in the U.S. with 466 million bushels harvested in 2010."
###
Governor Quinn Makes Three Appointments to University of Illinois Board of Trustee: All Three Appointees are Alumni of State's Flagship University
CHICAGO - January 19, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today made three appointments to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Patricia Brown Holmes and Ricardo Estrada will join the board as new appointees, while Karen Hasara will continue to serve following her September 2009 appointment.
"Students from all over the world come to Illinois because they know that they will receive the highest quality of education from the University of Illinois," said Governor Quinn. "I am confident that today's appointees will help ensure the continued integrity and quality of our state's flagship university."
All three appointees are alumni of the University of Illinois. Holmes, a partner at Schiff Hardin LLP, has been named one of Illinois' "Top 50 Women Lawyers" by Illinois Super Lawyers. She received both her bachelor of science and juris doctorate degrees from the University of Illinois. Estrada currently serves as the first deputy commissioner in the Department of Family and Support Services for the City of Chicago. He received his master of business administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Governor Quinn also reappointed Karen Hasara to the university's board. Hasara, a current trustee for the Springfield Mass Transit District, served as mayor of the city of Springfield from 1995-2003. She received both her bachelor of science and master of arts degrees from the University of Illinois at Springfield.
The primary governing body of the university, the board is responsible for maintaining and overseeing the use of funds appropriated by the General Assembly. It exercises jurisdiction over all matters except those which it has delegated to the president of the university or other officers or agencies.
The University of Illinois Board of Trustees consists of 13 members, including the Governor as an ex officio member. Nine are appointed by the Governor and serve six year terms. Three student trustees, one from each University of Illinois institution, are elected by referenda on their respective campuses for one-year terms. One of these student trustees is designated by the Governor to have an official vote.
