The Chicago Chapter of The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) hosted its Speaker Series Luncheon at Allegra Banquets in Schiller Park, Illinois, on Feb. 27.
Peter Billmeyer, SIOR, President of SIOR Chicago Chapter and Co-Founder/CEO of Bespoke Commercial Real Estate, welcomed Dan Seals, CEO of nonprofit Intersect Illinois to lead about discussion about how to communicate the very real benefits of Illinois to companies considering relocating in or out of the state.
Key takeaways include:
· Illinois is generally misunderstood and undervalued— real education and conversation about its benefits is needed to lure businesses away from other states and regions
· Illinois’ diverse economy creates the space for collaboration across sectors, and makes it an attractive target for venture capital investment (ranking in the top five states in 2022)
· The transportation infrastructure (highway, ports, rail, air) in Illinois is unmatched, and it’s the only state where all Class One railroads meet
· Illinois is supported by one of the most power energy grids in the country and is also the #6 wind-producing state
· The state is a breeding ground for life sciences and manufacturing innovation which projects like mHUB and CZ Biohub Chicago propelling it to the forefront of technological advancement
More than 60 SIOR members and guests attended the luncheon.