Subscribe to our email list
Share this:
Home Advocacy Membership Events Resources Connections
Chamber@Work | Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2015

Illinois’ Middle Market: Strong Performance, Low Confidence and Key Challenges
Mid-sized firms are an integral part of Illinois’ economy. Through the State of the Middle Market in Illinois study, released last week by The National Center for the Middle Market with the support of the Chicagoland Chamber and GE Capital, we gathered valuable information about our region’s mid-market community focused on key indicators of past and future revenue, economic confidence, and significant business challenges.
Among the key middle market findings:
  • More than half (51 percent) reported employment gains over the past year
  • Middle-market business leaders in the state predict employment growth of 3.5 percent (national average is at 3.2 percent)
  • 69 percent of middle market companies reported increases in revenue in the past year
  • 65 percent of firms currently have open positions
  • One in four survey respondents are concerned about attracting, training, and retaining talent
The survey results demonstrate that while revenue growth is robust, it is slower than the national average. More firms are hiring in Illinois and anticipate growing more aggressively than their national counterparts, though in general companies lack confidence in their state and local economies. Business leaders are concerned about government actions and many are struggling to find qualified candidates to fill jobs.
The Chamber’s Middle Market Forum is helping us build programs and initiatives around the needs of Illinois mid-market businesses and we are urging lawmakers to use this study as a guide as they weigh important policy decisions that will impact businesses and our economy.

Sincerely,
 
Theresa E. Mintle
President & CEO
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Board Approves Updated 2015 Legislative Principles
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted on April 29 to approve updated legislative principles for 2015. These principles are part of an agenda to advance economic growth and to improve the business climate of the Chicagoland region for diverse businesses of all sizes and industries.
In 2015, the Chamber is supporting balanced fiscal, employer and tax policies; efforts to encourage growth as a transportation hub; regulations that reward environmentally effective investments; strong workforce development programs; a transparent government regulatory system; international trade and investment in trade missions; technological innovation and e-commerce; and pension and immigration reform.
Click here to view the Chamber’s updated 2015 Legislative Principles.

Up Next: Upcoming Events 

Business After Business: Chicago Yacht Club
Network with local Chambers and sail around Belmont Harbor on an early summer evening.
The Chicago Forum on Global Cities
Join the Chicago Council on Global Affairs for a multidisciplinary discussion on the future of global cities.
111th Annual Meeting of Membership
Bruce Rauner, Governor of Illinois, will serve as keynote speaker for the event.
Go International - B2B Mentoring Event
Get the tools and guidance you need to successfully do business internationally.
After Hours Networking at Hubbard Inn
Network, enjoy food and drink, and support the Chamber's Political Action Committee.

Please Welcome Our Newest Members

Questions about Chamber membership? Contact Membership Resources Manager Lisa Sims at lsims@chicagolandchamber.org or 312.494.6731.
New to the Chamber? Make sure to connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, our LinkedIn Company Page, and our LinkedIn Group.
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
410 North Michigan Avenue | Suite 900 | Chicago, IL 60611
312.494.6700 | ChicagolandChamber.org
twitter facebook flickr linkedin google+ youtube




powered by emma