Department Of Commerce And
Economic Opportunity
www.illinoisbiz.biz
620 East Adams Street
Springfield, IL 62701
217.782.7500
agricultural and industrial research institutions,
Illinois will provide an exciting setting for the BIO
2010 International Convention.
• Promote energy efficiency. DCEO will provide
programs designed to facilitate major new energy
efficiency provisions. The agency will continue to
look for ways to expand the use of alternative
energy sources such as wind and solar and
through recycling programs.
• Continue to build an entrepreneurial culture.
DCEO will continue to provide the resources to
help Illinois’ small businesses and entrepreneurs
succeed, including continued support for IEN.
Entrepreneurship Centers are the hallmark of the
IEN. Regional offices specialize in assisting
companies with high growth potential, and
accelerate entrepreneurial ventures by helping
businesses connect with resources and funding,
patents and products, and money and markets.
The centers also provide customized marketing
strategies that drive product growth.
PROGRAMS
Tourism
DCEO’s Bureau of Tourism offers programs and
services designed to market Illinois as a tourism
destination in order to increase domestic and
international visitation to the state. The bureau
manages statewide tourism industry efforts that result
in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-
life benefits for Illinois citizens. This bureau is the
state's chief tourism promoter, working to position
Illinois as the top location for visitors throughout the
country. Tourism is a major industry in this state,
contributing over $5.2 billion in tax revenue to state,
local and federal governments, and supporting over
300,000 jobs. Through targeted marketing efforts
and partnerships with local and regional tourism
bureaus and travel professionals, DCEO helps to
keep the Illinois travel industry strong and growing.
Films
The Illinois Film Office helps to bring Hollywood to
the heartland by working with the Illinois film
production industry to promote and facilitate film
production in Illinois. The Illinois Film Office seeks to
increase economic growth by increasing the number
of productions filmed in Illinois, promoting the state
as a center for film, television, commercials, cable
and multimedia production. Film office staff target
their efforts toward decision-makers involved in the
production of feature films, television series, special
movies, commercials, corporate and industrial films,
documentaries, music videos, and still photography.
Staff also provides valuable technical assistance to
film and television production companies by scouting
locations, finding production and backup services,
and working with local governments, community
groups and individuals. Fostering cooperation
among these different groups is crucial to increasing
Illinois’ share of the film industry's investment in the
state.
Technology and Industrial Competitiveness
DCEO's Bureau of Technology and Industrial
Competitiveness offers programs and services to
help position Illinois businesses and workers for
continued success by supporting the
commercialization of new technologies, providing
access to modernizing technologies and business
practices, developing workforce skills, and promoting
safe and healthy workplaces. These programs and
services ensure that, as technologies change, the
skills of Illinois workers remain on the cutting edge.
In addition, the bureau works to ensure that Illinois
companies benefit from technological advancements,
adopting new technologies to improve productivity
and competitiveness. Bureau programs also
encourage young people to pursue careers in
technology-related fields, help people in underserved
areas access technologies that can assist them in
advancing their careers, and provide training and
assistance to Illinois companies to promote the
operation of safe, healthy workplace environments.
The bureau also promotes the recruitment, training
and employment of targeted populations in the
building and construction trades.
Business Development
DCEO's Bureau of Business Development
administers a wide range of programs and services
designed to help new and existing Illinois businesses
thrive and create jobs. The bureau offers assistance
for business retention, expansion, relocation, job
training and access to capital in support of economic
growth including retaining existing jobs, creating new
jobs and making productive investments in Illinois
communities. The expert business assistance staff is
committed to forging partnerships with the private
sector in an effort to build upon Illinois' reputation as
a world-class center of commerce. Business
Development program offerings include: technical
assistance in starting a new business; development
of the homeland security industry in Illinois; tax credit
programs, and infrastructure assistance that helps
large businesses locate or expand in Illinois.
10 - 11
