Illinois Led the Midwest in Job Creation in September and Had Second Best Growth in Nation; Unemployment Rate Has Dropped More Than Any Other State in the Last Year

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued a statement regarding the latest economic information released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The information made available today showed that last month Illinois led the Midwest - and was second in the nation - in job creation. It also found that Illinois has seen the nation's largest drop in unemployment over the last year. In September, Illinois' unemployment rate dropped for the seventh consecutive month, from 6.7 to 6.6 percent, the lowest level since June 2008 and down from 11.4 percent at the peak of the recession. In the last two months Illinois employers have created more than 40,000 jobs.

"Today's news shows that the Illinois economy is making a comeback. We are making the tough decisions necessary to drive economic growth and the statistics released today show that Illinois is moving in the right direction.

"Illinois has seen the nation's sharpest decline in unemployment over the last year, and our unemployment rate is at its lowest point in more than six years.

"Last month Illinois had the second best job growth in America. Illinois employers have added more than 300,000 jobs since the recovery began.

"It is clear that Illinois' economy is growing stronger every day, and we have more work to do. Let's keep our shoulder to the wheel."

###

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Oct. 17, 2014 -- Genesis Health System President and CEO Doug Cropper announced today that the health system will enter a new partnership agreement North Carolina-based Compass Group, North America focused on several, primarily hospital-based support services.

Once executed, the agreement is expected to enhance the economic stability of Genesis and secure the continued employment, pay, benefits and seniority of all affected staff. Most importantly, this agreement will help ensure the continued availability of these services to Genesis patients consistent with Genesis' mission, vision and values.

The proposed support services agreement with Compass Group, North America involves four system-wide support service areas: environmental services; facility maintenance services; food and nutrition services; and, patient transportation services. Together, these departments employ nearly 500 Genesis colleagues. According to Mr. Cropper, the decision to enter into an agreement with Compass was driven largely by the growing complexity and higher costs associated with maintaining these services on an "in-house," independent basis.

Specifically, Mr. Cropper noted, "The opportunity to partner with Compass for support services will significantly enhance the quality and cost- effectiveness of these services. The singular „focus? of dedicated support service providers, like Compass, provides „best practice? models in areas such as energy management and reduced waste. Moreover, the purchasing power of Compass will certainly lead to more cost-effective service delivery. Compass also will provide staff and leaders with the highly specialized training available in these support service areas that will enhance quality and customer satisfaction."

Mr. Cropper reported that the impact of the proposed Compass agreement on Genesis employees will be limited. On January 1, 2015, all affected staff will transfer employment from Genesis to Compass Group at their current pay rates and seniority levels. Moreover, the Compass benefit packages are comparable to those offered by Genesis.

"By executing this agreement with Compass Group, I believe we have enhanced the long-term job security of our support services staff,?? Cropper said. "Not only will this agreement preserve jobs; but, it also offers a career-growth path that only a large, highly specialized organization, like Compass, can offer. I believe this action advances the best interests of Genesis, the affected support services staff and, most importantly, our patients who rely on us to ensure the compassionate, quality cost-effective care our mission promises and our patients deserve."

Genesis workers in environmental services; facility maintenance services; food and nutrition services; and, patient transport services were briefed Thursday, Oct. 16 by Genesis and Compass officials on the pending partnership arrangement.

Commenting on the transparency of the process, Compass Group Director of Business Development Chris Kacsits said: "Quite frankly, we?ve never seen a communication process quite so thorough and open as this one. Genesis staff members were updated throughout the negotiations in order to minimize the disruption this new relationship will have on workers. We regard our experience with Genesis as a case study in effective communication and social responsibility. I am not aware of any other Compass partner that has guaranteed the employment, pay and seniority of its workers in such a transaction."

ABOUT COMPASS GROUP

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina; Compass Group North America leads the market in food and support services to both public and private health care and senior living providers with nearly $13 billion in revenues in 2013. It is a subsidiary of UK-based Compass Group, PLC, the world?s largest provider of such services to health care, education, sports and leisure and other industries. Compass is the ninth largest employer employs more than 500,000 associates worldwide and has annual revenues in excess of $28 billion.

Under the "Morrison" brand name, Compass provides a wide variety of food service options designed to meet the unique dietary requirements of patients, staff and visitors as well as senior living residents. The Compass health care industry team includes more than 1,200 registered dietitians, 350 executive chefs and 18,000 professional food service team members.

Compass?s "Crothall" division provides a comprehensive portfolio of support services, including patient transport as well as maintenance and housekeeping. Compass is focused on the needs of its health care clients serving nearly 950 hospitals, senior living communities and integrated healthcare systems in 43 states. Compass brings with it the scale and "buying power? needed to drive costs down and the expertise to ensure quality service. To learn more, visit www.compass-group.com

# # #

New AAR Hangar at Rockford International Airport Will Service Next Generation Aircraft

ROCKFORD - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by company and local officials to break ground on a new maintenance and repair hangar for global aircraft service leader AAR Corporation at Rockford International Airport. The new facility will create up to 500 new jobs over five years. Today's event is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"This new major aerospace facility will expand Rockford International Airport's services and boost Rockford's growing manufacturing base," Governor Quinn said. "We welcome this new AAR facility and the hundreds of jobs it will bring to Illinois. At a time when Illinois is making an economic comeback, we are proud to see our partners staking a future in our state."

The 200,000 square-foot maintenance, repair and overhaul facility is expected to operate 24 hours a day. The facility will expand the airport's current infrastructure to allow for scheduled and unscheduled service, modification, overhaul and all other support services for military and commercial Boeing aircraft. The hangar will be located in the mid-field area of the airport and is slated to open in spring 2016.

The project was made possible by a $15 million state investment to build the new maintenance facility that will service next-generation aircraft. The capital investment is through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). DCEO also will provide the company with a tax credit worth an estimated $7.5 million over 10 years and a $600,000 investment toward training costs for its new employees.

"Rockford is the third-largest multi-modal port system in the world, which makes it a great place for aviation and for AAR to grow its presence and reputation in aircraft MRO," Chairman and CEO of AAR CORP David P. Storch said. "I see great things coming out of this public-private partnership with the state of Illinois.  Rockford is a community of people who are passionate about Rockford and what the city has to offer."

AAR chose Rockford as the site of its new facility for several reasons, including its central location, cost effectiveness, specially-trained workforce, regional supply chain and warehouse and distribution network. The Rockford region is a prominent hub of aerospace activity and aviation manufacturing in the country, boasting more than 200 industry specific companies. Rockford joins AAR's six other locations in Duluth, MN.; Oklahoma City, OK.; Miami, FL.; Lake Charles, LA.; Indianapolis, IN. and Hot Springs, AR. The Rockford airport was chosen following the consideration of several locations in other states.

Rockford is home to a critical mass of tier-one aerospace suppliers including Boeing, Woodward, UTC Aerospace Systems and GE Aviation. The region's rate of manufacturing employment is twice the national average, with more than 80 percent of Illinois' aerospace workforce located in the Rockford area.

"Governor Quinn led a strong public-private partnership that convinced AAR to makes this investment," DCEO Director  Adam Pollet said. "The company's commitment will provide quality jobs to the Rockford region and secure its future as a hub for aviation work."

Today's groundbreaking follows a series of aerospace investments in the region including the construction of a second campus for aerospace technology leader Woodward and the groundbreaking earlier this year of the 40,000 square-foot Rock Valley College Aviation Maintenance Technology Program facility. Graduates of the program are prepared to join the ranks of the more than 6,500 workers currently employed in aerospace companies like AAR, assuming positions as airline or general aviation engine and/or airframe mechanics.

AAR is a global aerospace and defense contractor that employs more than 6,000 people in 17 countries. Based in Wood Dale, IL., AAR supports commercial, government and defense customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Technology Products. AAR's services include inventory management and parts distribution; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; and expeditionary airlift. AAR's products include cargo systems and containers; mobility systems and shelters; advanced aerostructures; and command and control systems. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.

The Illinois unemployment rate hit a new six-year low in August when it fell to 6.7 percent, the lowest rate since before the Governor took office, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. This is the lowest rate since August 2008 and a continuation of an uninterrupted drop in the state jobless rate that began in late 2013. The number of people employed in Illinois remains above six million, continuing a 2014 trend that has seen more people working in this state than at any time since early 2009.

Since taking office and inheriting decades of mismanagement, the Governor has enacted worker's compensation reform and unemployment insurance reform to make Illinois a better place to do business, in addition to major fiscal reforms such as pension reform and Medicaid restructuring that are restoring fiscal stability to Illinois. Governor Quinn is also pushing a new tax cut for businesses that provide job training. By lowering the cost to train workers, this will make it easier for businesses to create new jobs and ensure workers have the skills to drive a 21st century economy.

###

Davenport's Hilltop Campus Village Welcomes Ascentra to the Neighborhood BETTENDORF - Ascentra Credit Union will break ground for a new branch to be built on the corner of Brady and Locust Streets in Davenport on Friday, Oct. 17 at 4:00 p.m. This new branch will replace the nearby branch Ascentra merged in with Scott Schools Credit Union in 2013. It will provide convenient access to members and future members of the credit union in a very visible location. The state of the art facility will have the distinct Ascentra look similar to their new Bettendorf branch. The 3,400 square ft. structure will feature family friendly amenities, will beautify the landscape and enhance pedestrian access to the corner in the Hilltop Campus Village. Ascentra looks forward to opening this office in late spring 2015. Located within walking distance from St. Ambrose University and Palmer College of Chiropractic, this branch will provide much needed access to financial services for students in the heart of our community. "We look forward to working within an area of Davenport that is vibrant and very diverse," Ascentra President and CEO Dale Owen says. "This is a wonderful location for our business, and we have been very pleased to work with the City staff, the City Council, the Design Review Board and the Hilltop Campus Village organization." "Ascentra has seized a terrific opportunity by redeveloping a prominent corner site within the historic Hilltop Campus Village of Davenport," said Joshua A. Schoenemann, Design Project Manager for LaMacchia Group, the construction and design firm for the project. "In addition to convenient vehicular accessibility off Brady and Locust, the enhanced landscaping and pedestrian connection demonstrates the credit union's desire to immerse themselves into the fabric of the community they are serving. I feel the students, residents and visitors of this mixed-use neighborhood will greatly appreciate the effort Ascentra has put into adapting its signature look and feel to fit amongst the unique excitement of the area," Schoenemann added. See a progress of the build on Ascentra's Facebook and Twitter. About us: Founded in 1950, Ascentra Credit Union, is Iowa's premier credit union with more than $340 million in assets and 10 branches serving the communities of Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, Le Claire, Muscatine, Iowa and Moline, Ill. Learn more about Ascentra Credit Union at ascentra.org. Follow Ascentra on Facebook and on Twitter @ascentra. ###