Comptroller Munger Shares Perspective on Solving Illinois’ Financial Crisis with DuPage County Business Leaders

More than 750 Business Leaders Attend 7th Annual DuPage County Regional Outlook Event

 

On May 3, 2016, Comptroller Leslie Munger shared solution-focused principles to address Illinois’ budget impasse before an audience of more than 750 of the region’s top business and civic leaders during the seventh annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook event at the Drury Lane Conference Center. The annual event, hosted by Choose DuPage Economic Development Alliance, Mesirow Financial and Ice Miller, brings together local business owners and executives, government and education leaders and other members of DuPage County’s business community to learn insights about the current regional and national economic landscape, as well as to discuss best practices and growing potential in today’s economy. 

 

During her keynote address, Comptroller Munger encouraged three principals the State and Illinois businesses must pursue to help navigate the current financial crisis: innovation, fostering an environment for economic growth and tackling the problems causing Illinois’ financial troubles, rather than the symptoms. “We can return Illinois to prosperity by encouraging our businesses to invest and grow, putting people back to work and expanding our tax base so we can balance the budget and fund our state’s critical priorities,” said Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger. “Choose DuPage has helped foster a dynamic business climate in DuPage County, and I look forward to working with them as we move Illinois forward.”

As a prelude to Comptroller Munger’s remarks, Brian Belski, Chief Investment Strategist and leader of the Investment Strategy Group at BMO Capital Markets, shared his view on the national economy delivering a 2016 market outlook. His presentation advised the crowd to remain cautiously optimistic as the economy’s long-term picture remains bright. Following the keynote presentation, business journalist Lisa Leiter hosted a panel discussion on innovation and opportunity in DuPage County with Michael Vivoda, Senior VP & President, West Region, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare; Ray Ziganto, President, Bi-Link and Sean Chou, CEO, Catalytic. The panel’s remarks echoed the theme of the overall event which positioned DuPage County as a smart choice for business success.

“The current DuPage economic picture is positive,” said DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin, who kicked off the event by highlighting recent economic development wins

within DuPage County. “Our unemployment rate remains stable and significantly lower than the rest of the state and the region at 5.3%. Through our economic development arm, Choose DuPage, we welcomed 107 new projects to our county creating 3,700 DuPage jobs.” Throughout the event, speakers highlighted DuPage County’s low unemployment, skilled workforce, high quality of life and growing industry sectors including manufacturing, business services, healthcare, retail and technology. The event confirmed DuPage County’s thriving business climate and reinforced the spirit of innovation and opportunities throughout the business community.

 

About Choose DuPage Economic Development Alliance

 

Choose DuPage is the regional economic development organization for DuPage County, Illinois. A public/private partnership, Choose DuPage is dedicated to advancing DuPage County as a premier global business location. Geographically desirable, with a highly skilled labor force, DuPage County offers a diverse economy, friendly business climate, and substantial transportation network. Choose DuPage leverages these benefits to retain and attract business, support local economic development efforts, and address policy issues critical to the needs of business.

 

About Ice Miller LLP

 

Founded in 1910, Ice Miller LLP is an Am Law 200 Firm with a nationally recognized reputation in many of its practice areas. Ice Miller offers a broad array of capabilities in virtually all areas of legal practice including: corporate, patents and trademarks, bankruptcy, lobbying, labor and employment, litigation, employee benefits, environment, tax, trusts and estates, real estate, municipal finance and government law. With offices in Bloomington, Ill.; Chicago; Cleveland; Columbus; DuPage County, Ill.; Indianapolis; New York and Washington, D.C., the Firm has more than 300 lawyers and 40 paraprofessionals.

 

About Mesirow Financial

 

Mesirow Financial is an independent, employee-owned firm founded in 1937. As specialists in investment, risk management and advisory services, we are committed to helping our institutional, corporate and individual clients achieve their objectives. Our professionals are inspired by an entrepreneurial desire to develop tailored solutions that deliver measurable results.  Authentic communication, consistent accessibility and an unwavering commitment to achieve define the Mesirow approach.