Intersect Illinois, the state’s public-private business attraction organization, announced this week that its “Be in Illinois” campaign is expanding north to Canada to spotlight Illinois to new markets.
The Chicago-based economic development organization said in a news release that Canada is the first international country in which Intersect Illinois will launch its digital campaign promoting the state’s business attraction efforts. Be in Illinois highlights the state as the global business destination in the heart of the U.S. and touts how the state’s assets can help Canadian businesses accelerate growth.
The campaign will capitalize on the momentum of Illinois-Canada business success stories including Lion Electric, a Canadian-owned business that recently put down roots in Illinois. According to Intersect Illinois, Lion Electric opened a new facility – the largest all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles plant in the U.S. – in Joliet.
“Illinois and Canada have tremendous ties and a strong history of partnership,” Intersect Illinois chairman John Atkinson said in the release. “Lion Electric, Merkur, BMO Financial, McCain Foods and more than 500 other Canadian-owned businesses call Illinois home and employ over 50,000 workers.”
He added: “Canadian businesses have found a like-minded, supportive place for growth in Illinois and we want to showcase to their counterparts the success that Canadian companies can have here.”
Campaign to expand
The Canadian-focused “Be in Illinois” campaign – a continuation of Intersect Illinois’ marketing efforts – will expand to target Canadian business decision-makers in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba.
Separated only by Lake Michigan, Canada and Illinois have a long-connected history of cross-border trade and investment in industries such as finance, food and beverage, electric vehicles and professional services, the agency said. As the fifth largest economy in the U.S. and home to more than 30 Fortune 500 company headquarters, Illinois provides fertile ground for growth, the release said. Illinois and Canadian businesses align on key industries and business needs such as access to talent, innovation and a robust supply chain.
“We’re seeing that growth-minded Canadian businesses prioritize such things as access to talent, proximity to customers, and a commitment to a sustainable future that align with Illinois’ assets,” Intersect Illinois CEO Dan Seals added. He said the campaign will showcase the “unique opportunities to commercialize in Illinois, especially in specific industries such as life sciences, quantum computing and logistics.”
For more information on Canadian businesses growing in Illinois, visit Intersect Illinois’ website (with translations in French for the Canadian market).
With a focus on bringing new jobs and investment to the state, Intersect Illinois collaborates with industry, academic and government partners throughout the state. To date, Intersect Illinois has helped bring more than 16,900 jobs and $6.2 billion in investment to Illinois.
