ECONOMIC ELEVATION
Business development is another pillar of a thriving economy. From jobs to innovation, companies large and small are essential to the state’s economic power. Through our partnerships and people to fill critical workforce needs, we're leveraging our resources to ensure businesses succeed.
Alignment with PepsiCo's commitments
PepsiCo and the University of Illinois System both use their size and scale to influence and improve diversity, equity and inclusion tenets in their organizations and the world. State tour conversations centered on this while also spotlighting:
- The primed and ready talent pipeline of graduates from system universities.
- The existing University of Illinois Extension Illini Science Policy Program partnership.
- Other ways the powerhouse organizations can work together for the public good.
What's next: Exploring agriculture and transportation partnerships, connections to Discovery Partners Institute and Illinois Innovation Network, and more.
Serious shift to electric
Taking the lead – that’s what TCCI does. So true with helping advance electric vehicles in Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker awarded TCCI the first Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois tax incentive package. TCCI is transitioning its Decatur facility to produce electric vehicle compressors.
What’s next: Already a strong UIUC supporter, TCCI looks to strengthen ties with University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), especially around building computer and data science skills. TCCI and the U of I System could partner on international relations opportunities.
Port of possibility
The port city of Cairo is shaping its future, and the University of Illinois System and other state leaders are proud partners. Supporting the people of Cairo with the infrastructure it needs is key. Efforts to bring in fresh produce and guidance to combat food insecurity and bolster health are already in the action. What's next: Cairo’s community-run grocery store cooperative will open soon. Healthy food close to helps residents and keeps spending local. Illinois Extension, Illinois Innovation Network and a host of engaged stakeholders are determining the next big push. Healthcare access and economic revitalization will be vital.
Cleaner energy for a better world
Argonne National Laboratory shared stunning examples of their work to help address the world’s biggest challenges. Through collaborations with the U of I System and other partners, Argonne researchers aim for clean energy advancements and other ways to protect the environment. Think hydrogen production for cleaner fuel, next-generation supercomputing and ultrabright x-rays for pivotal discoveries.
What’s next: A member of the Illinois Innovation Network Education and Workforce Development Committee, Argonne is partnering with the U of I System and may others on a largescale Department of Energy initiative around hydrogen fuel. Upon burning, hydrogen doesn’t produce the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Another opportunity? Joint faculty appointments for research power.
Employer of choice
An innovator for more than 50 years, Mount Vernon’s Continental Tire shares its expertise to support economic growth in southern Illinois. Attracting employees from a 65-mile radius, Continental Tire is the largest Illinois employer south of Peoria. This year’s stop developed out of last year’s visit to Continental Automotive, proving impact goes far beyond the tour. What’s next: Opportunities abound – a UIUC visit, job fair participation, an Illinois Innovation Network connection, plus analytics, R&D and sustainability partnerships.
Tomorrow's workforce
At Research Park at UIUC, Synchrony Financial puts student interns to work. Real work. On global challenges. These future leaders jump into projects and fuel Synchrony’s employment pipelines. Interns don’t have to be tech gurus, but drive and curiosity ensure them great experiences. Plus, they bring to the table their generation’s commitment to including and amplifying diverse voices. What’s next: Discovery Partners Institute serves as a great next step in expanding the Synchrony and U of I System partnership.
Sustainable food supply
Like the U of I System, the Maschhoffs live and breathe both sustainability and Illinois tradition. Owners and operators of the largest family-owned swine production facility in the country, they help to feed 15 million people a year with the earth’s wellbeing top of mind. Talk about putting generations of expertise and solid partnerships to work every day.
What’s next: Exploring even more connections with UIUC’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. That could mean more faculty involvement, certificate opportunities and research partnerships. Plus, growing synergy with UIS and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to support students and communities.
The University of Illinois System is the flagship higher education system in the state of Illinois.