Illinois ranked as the best state for road safety

A recent report from the National Safety Council ranks Illinois as the top state in the nation for road safety. The State of Safety report focuses on eight categories, including: distracted driving impaired driving, seat belt usage, child passengers, older drivers, speeding, teen drivers and vulnerable road users.

Illinois’ top grade on road safety would not have been possible without the work and commitment of Senate President John Cullerton, who has championed traffic safety legislation over the past 30 years.

The Senate President began working to improve road safety early in his career when he sponsored the Child Passenger Protection Act in 1983. This law required children under age 4 to use child safety seats in cars. This legislation was later updated in 2003 to extend protections to children under the age of 8 with the addition of a booster seat requirement. To learn more about child passenger safety laws, click here.

Soon after that, the Senate President sponsored legislation to require front-seat passengers in cars to wear seat belts. At the time, just over 15 percent of passengers used seat belts. Now, that number has climbed to 94 percent. The Senate President expanded this legislation in 2011, when he sponsored a bill to require passengers in the back seat of vehicles to wear seat belts as well.

To combat the rising number of teen deaths and car accidents, in 2007, the Senate President helped implement graduated licenses for teens. Under this legislation, teens progress through a series of tiered driving restrictions as they gain more experience.

While serving as the Senate President, legislation to curb distracted driving was implemented. In the time it takes to look at a text message, a car traveling at 55 miles per hour will cover the length of a football field. Since 2014, driving while using a phone is a ticketable offense. Drivers are still able to use hands-free features on their phones and one-touch dialing.

These important pieces of legislation have saved countless lives and contributed to Illinois’ recognition for having the safest roads in the U.S.

Artist of the Month - Blaire Cloyd

• Artist of the month

Blaire Cloyd is a Springfield-based painter who leads paint parties for adults and children at local businesses in Springfield and the surrounding area.

ILI: How long have you been an artist or when did you start? Was there a single incident or moment when you realized this was your passion and if so, tell us about it?

BC: I truly believe that I was born with Art in my soul. Since I was young, I have always had a creative eye and absolutely loved producing work. I consider myself lucky because I had a critical support system. My parents, siblings, friends, and teachers were constantly encouraging my creativity by encouraging me to enter contests, take classes, etc. I came to know that Art was my passion in high school, when I became more aware that there is, and always will be, a future doing this; whether it be a career or even a side-hobby. Art always advances, and that fascinated me. This led me to Illinois College, where I studied Studio Art/Education. I have zero regrets about studying Art as a major. I learned and grew drastically in knowledge and as a studio artist. Art leads to many things, and for me it led to happiness, which is why I continue to produce today.

ILI: Illinois has been factored into your work in the past. What does being able to live and work in Illinois mean to you?

BC: There is a certain comfort someone feels about the place they were born and raised. The best way for me to describe my feelings about my home state is the compare them to being in a long-term relationship. There are highs and lows, but ultimately, you love your partner through thick and thin. And, you always come back because they are your rock; where you feel the most comfortable. Without them, you wouldn't be where you are today and there's an appreciation that comes from that.

ILI: What opportunities does Illinois present to local Illinois artists?

BC: I currently do adult/child paint parties in Springfield, and I have had tons of support from local businesses allowing me to come in, teach a class, and enjoy the food and drinks. To name a few: Burger Bar, Always After Five, Trail's End Saloon in Curran, Mario's in Chatham, Driftwood, and Rivertown Coffee and Wine Corner in Beardstown. Without the support of these local businesses, I wouldn't be able to do what I do.

ILI: What do you like about Illinois?

BC: Illinois is my "home sweet home." My family, friends, and my art knowledge all stem from here. This place fueled my artistic fire. 

ILI: What is your favorite medium to work in?

BC: I am a sucker for acrylic paint. I love instant gratification, and working with acrylic gives me that. It dries quickly, and is very easy to work with. The water-based nature helps the paint go farther than just what's in the tube. It's also fairly inexpensive, so I am able to create more for less.

ILI: Where can people view or purchase your work?

BC: I have a Facebook page called Paint Party by Blaire. I do everything from paint parties to canvas paintings, pallet paintings, and face painting. Basically, if you want something created, I'll get it done.

ILI: What artist inspires you and why?

BC: Banksy. I have been obsessed with this artist since college. The mystery behind this person is absolutely fascinating. Research Banksy and you'll understand why. (It's worth it.) "Balloon Girl" is my favorite piece. She's even tattooed on my arm.

Best city for bike riding

 Whether you cycle for exercise, sport or travel the thrill of bike riding is worldwide. Cycling is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Illinois. On Aug. 20, the windy city is having the Chicago Cinder Classic. Based off of the 1979 dramedy “Breaking Away” and the Little 500 race in Indiana, a well-known cinder track relay race at Indiana

University, this race seeks to encourage biking in the city  Teams of four are required to raise a minimum of $1,250 to participate. Also each team must ride 100 laps, or 25 miles and make at least three bike exchanges between teammates. The race will be held in Winnemac Park in the city’s Ravenswood neighborhood, and there are four categories: open, elite men’s, elite women’s and masters, which is open to men and women of all skill levels ages 35 and up.

The event proceeds go to the ActiveTransportation Alliance’s effort to make a more bike-friendly city. Last year, Chicago was named as the best city for bike riding by Bicycle magazine.The city’s on-street bike trails are made up of over 225 miles of barrier protected bike lanes, buffer-protected bike lanes, shared lanes and neighborhood bike paths.

 

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Chicago industrial property vacancy rate drops to lowest point in 16 years

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced recently that the city’s industrial property vacancy rate has hit its lowest point in 16 years.

Chicago’s industrial property vacancy rate dropping to just 6.6 percent suggests that the local advanced industrial economy is back on the upswing after decades of job loss due to offshoring and automation. The rate of occupancy in industrial buildings is just one indicator of Chicago’s economic health. Mayor Emanuel announced a few other favorable statistics this week, framing Chicago as a desirable location for corporate headquarters and tech-savvy businesses.

Thanks to a strong trend of corporate relocations to Chicago—2017 marked Chicago’s fourth straight year as Site Selection Magazine’s top metro for corporate investment—the downtown commercial real estate market continues to boom. Average downtown office value grew by 20% over the past year, which is the second-largest increase in the world.

Chicago also continues to attract and retain technology talent. “Silicon Prairie,” as it is sometimes called, is a growing site for innovation, rivaling tech incubators in New York and the Bay Area. I Like Illinois has already reported that investments in Chicago’s tech scene pay out at higher rates than investments in any other technology hub in the United States. To this point, Emanuel also mentioned that Chicago was named the sixth best city in the world for technological innovators in a survey of industry insiders.

These numbers tell a powerful story about Chicago. With desirable real estate and a strong technology sector, the city is developing an economy that will support a large and diverse workforce for many years to come.