Earlier this month representatives from the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois (EDC) were invited by State Senate President John J. Cullerton to discuss economic development needs and how to make Illinois more attractive to businesses.

EDC COO Vickie Clark and The Heartland Partnership CEO Jim McConoughey represented our region while several other downstate economic development entities including Will, Macoupin and Coles counties, Havana, a Western Illinois partnership and several state staffers were also in attendance.

Clark says this was a great opportunity to share economic development ideas with this group and show the state what needs to be done to make Illinois more competitive with other states when it comes to attracting and retaining businesses. "We are missing opportunities because we aren't competitive enough."

McConoughey firmly believes Illinois is losing business to other states like Texas and Ohio because they have more attractive economic incentives, more innovative programs and are generally more supportive of new businesses. "We need the state on board to help us close deals. Illinois needs to properly fund the current economic development tools we have and needs to be more innovative in order to compete on a national level."

The EDC presented a comprehensive plan and recommendations for the state to consider. Both McConoughey and Clark say discussing best practices from other states and showing examples of how Illinois can improve its Economic Development efforts is a step in the right direction.

President Cullerton said he will take that information and compile proposals and recommendations that will be given to the democratic caucus in preparation of the upcoming legislative session.