State of the State via the Illinois Chamber of Commerce

I get tons of mail, letters, magazines and other stuff every day. While I make a good faith effort to read or at least scan everything that resides in my inbox. I sometimes find things that are useful in a broader sense. Here are some things that the President of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Doug Whitley wrote in his most recent e-blast to his members.

PLEASE NOTE: I am bolding the times he refers to the statewide need for
A) transportation and B) education.

• Employment statistics in the first half of 2005 have provided proof that Illinois has finally started to experience the economic recovery that began emerging two years ago in other parts of the nation.
• The most important long-term challenge for our state is creating jobs and nurturing prosperity for Illinois’ citizens. A strong economy goes a long way towards resolving many civic, social and political issues that challenge our communities.
• A fundamental premise to sustained economic growth is recognizing capital investments are neither limited to nor captive of state boundaries. Investors and employers have choices that may not include Illinois unless they have confidence Illinois offers a competitive return on investment.To grow the Illinois economy, policy makers must be attentive to improving key elements that affect the cost of doing business: labor, energy, transportation, taxation, regulation and access to capital.
• Workforce development is critical. One of Illinois’ most appealing economic strengths has long been a work ethic that contributes to higher worker productivity than in other locales.
• A knowledge-based economy requires investment in education and an intellectual environment that welcomes entrepreneurial-spirited individuals. Vibrant economies encourage risk-takers and help new ventures become successful.
• Illinois is home to several high quality research institutions from Argonne Laboratory to the University of Illinois. These institutions are prized engines that can help propel the state’s economy through basic research and commercializing results from their work.
• We truly invest in Illinois if we encourage research and development activities, honor patent filings, praise science prize-winners, and continually focus on graduating a better educated population. The intellectual talent Illinois educates, retains and attracts will be a differentiating factor in our future economic success.
• Another cornerstone of Illinois’ economy is our central location in the nation. Highways, waterways, airways and railroads contribute greatly to our economy. During the last decade warehousing and logistics companies were among the state’s fastest growing employers.
• Businesses located in Illinois are well positioned to serve a huge portion of the North American market place in a timely manner. Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is a gateway to the world’s markets. Whether it is for people or goods, Illinois terminals are conveniently accessible for the exchange of inter-modal transportation services.
• Preeminence in transportation depends on continued investment in infrastructure improvements to assure speedy and efficient mobility of people, commodities, goods and services. Congestion threatens our economy because it is the greatest deterrent to Illinois’ future as a transportation hub.
• Illinois is a great exporter. We export grain, energy, machinery and services. What we must not export is human capital. To grow jobs we need to invest in education and infrastructure, promote industries where we have strategic advantages and establish a pro-business climate that nurtures entrepreneurial businesses so they will invest and grow in Illinois. It is in our common interest to make Illinois the home of successful and profitable employers.

Eleven bullet points and 9 of them mention education and or transportation.