SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the expansion of the Whiteside-Carroll County Enterprise Zone to support economic growth in Northwest Illinois. The expansion will extend benefits to Prophetstown-based Sterling Multi-Products who plans to invest $850,000 in the construction of a new warehouse and raw materials storage facility. The project is expected to result in the retention of 65 jobs, and the creation of three jobs.
Enterprise Zones offer a number of state and local tax incentives to businesses that make investments to create or retain jobs in any of the 97 certified zones located in communities throughout the state. The program is designed to stimulate economic growth and neighborhood revitalization in those areas of the state.
“By extending enterprise zone benefits to Sterling Multi-Products we are helping to support economic growth and maintaining dozens of jobs in this region. This is just another way we are building on our commitment to promote economic development throughout every part of the state,” said Gov. Blagojevich.
Sterling Multi Products is a leader in contract manufacturing and engineering of fabricated metal products. Their products and services include Multi Mixers, spinner heads, disposable medical instruments, sauce guns and the contract manufacturing of metal products.
“Sterling has had a long-standing presence in this community. We want to do what we can to support the company’s continued success. Their success means more jobs for the people of this region and the potential for future development,” said Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon).
“Sterling Multi-Products understands that Northwest Illinois is a great place to do business. Part of what makes Illinois great is the overall commitment to help businesses get the resources they need to successfully compete globally. We understand that by supporting these companies now, they will continue to invest in our communities in the future,” Rep. Jerry Mitchell (R-Rock Falls) said.
“Providing companies with the right resources, including incentive benefits like location in an enterprise zone, and assistance through the state’s workforce development programs, are some of the ways we’re working to make Illinois even more attractive to businesses. We understand that when a company is successful, then workers are successful and our communities will prosper which will help drive the overall economy,” said Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin.
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.