Close to Chicago
with easy access to markets
Transportation Infrastructurethat keeps business moving
99
miles
from Chicago Metro Area
5
interstates
in NW Illinois
5
railroads
Including UP & BNSF
2
barge
Mississippi River Terminals
hard working, blue-collar workforce
A stable labor poolthat knows how to work
542K
Workforce
in NW Illinois
13%
Manufacturing
Jobs in NW Illinois
74%
Homeownership
in Whiteside County
<12%
National
Household Median Income
Lower Cost of Doing Business
a more affordable business environmentthan the Chicago Metro area
LOW
Union
Labor Presence
-7%
Utility
Cost vs. Chicago
-24%
Transportation
Cost vs. Chicago
-18%
Wage
Median Hourly vs. Chicago
Commitment to workforce development and training
A proactive approachto closing the skills gap
19
Trade Schools
or Community Colleges
29
Universities
within 50 miles
5
Development
or retraining progams
1
Forbes
Awarded Vocational School
Small Town Vibe, High Quality of Life
Redevelopment ProjectsBringing Small Towns Back to Life
14,000
Acres
of State Parks & Preserves
125
Miles
of Boating & Fishing
30
Downtowns
to Explore
17
Galleries
to Inspire