Council will Help Illinois Reach Ambitious Goal of Doubling Exports by 2014
SPRINGFIELD – February 1, 2012. As part of his State of the State address today, Governor Pat Quinn announced the formation a new council that will help Illinois reach his ambitious goal of doubling the number of state exports by the end of 2014. The Governor’s Export Advisory Council will work with the Governor and other state officials and agencies to provide recommendations aimed at improving Illinois’ standing in the international marketplace.
“Illinois is home to world-class goods and services, and we should utilize all of our assets in order to market them around the world ,” said Governor Quinn. “Expanding trade opportunities in growth markets like China, Australia, Brazil and India puts Illinois products in the international marketplace and creates jobs here at home.”
The council, which is headed by Navistar chairman and CEO Daniel C. Ustian, will work to increase exports by providing recommendations on state policies and programs with the goal of fully leveraging Illinois’ competitive strengths in the international marketplace. The council will also advise the Governor on trade advocacy positions at the federal level, and council members will serve as international ambassadors for Illinois. Members will work to promote Illinois firms and the inherent advantages Illinois can offer countries seeking trade opportunities.
“The key for Illinois manufacturers and other businesses is to foster a strong environment for growth, and Governor Quinn shares my passion for creating those opportunities by developing a strong trade policy,” said Ustian. “We have great companies and Illinois is rich in assets and talented workers. With business leaders and the Governor’s administration working together, we can gain a competitive edge in the global economy.”
The Governor’s aggressive focus on harnessing and promoting the strength of Illinois companies abroad will have a significant impact on job creation at home. Devising and successfully implementing strategies to meet the 2014 target will result in the addition or retention of nearly 230,000 jobs in Illinois.
The Governor’s Export Advisory Council will be made up of CEOs and other prominent leaders from the private and public sectors whose work in the international marketplace has uniquely positioned them to provide insight into Illinois' ability to significantly expand exports. For a complete list of members, please see the attachment.
The council will meet several times a year and will work with the Illinois Departments of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Agriculture. After identifying challenges to expand exports, the council will recommend policies and programs that will help Illinois better compete at a global level. Itwill also work with their peers in the private sector and Illinois companies to promote Illinois as a great state to do business.
For more information about Governor Quinn’s State of the State address, please visit www.illinois.gov, and for more information about why Illinois is a great place to do business, please visit www.illinoisbiz.biz.