Illinois is being recognized for its commitment to attracting businesses to the state and providing an environment where firms can thrive. CNBC’s latest Top States for Business rankings saw Illinois advance to the 15th best state in the United States for business.

CNBC scores all 50 states in the country based on 10 categories of competitiveness, such as cost of living, infrastructure and access to capital. States are then scored in each category and categories are weighted based on how often they are used in economic development marketing.

An Illinois-based candy manufacturer is bringing a sweet deal to the city of DeKalb. The Ferrara Candy Company today marked the opening of the company’s latest facility in the state of Illinois.

Ferrara’s new distribution center expands upon the Chicago-based company’s investments in Illinois and reflects the company’s long history in the state. The new complex in the Chicago West Business Park will occupy 1.6 million square feet, create an estimated 500 local jobs and constitutes a $100 million investment in the DeKalb area.

A new report shows that Illinois remains one of the best states for big-name companies to set up shop.

The 2021 ranking of Fortune 500 companies includes 38 companies with their headquarters located in Illinois. With 38 of the nation’s top companies calling Illinois home, the state has more Fortune 500 companies that any other state in the Midwest. This number is the highest number of Fortune 500 companies in Illinois since 2001.

Several of Illinois’ companies that rank in this top tier include State Farm Insurance, Boeing, Kraft Heinz, and McDonalds. Illinois’ highest ranked company is Walgreens Boots Alliance which is ranked 16th. Companies are ranked based on revenue brought in over the last year.

The full 2021 report of Illinois based Fortune 500 companies can be found on the Fortune website.

This year’s winner of the second annual “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois” competition has been announced! Following eight weeks of competition, the Self-Regulating Traffic Signal Heater manufactured by Termico Technologies in Elk Grove Village has been declared the winner of the “Makers Madness” contest.

The Self-Regulating Traffic Signal Heater uses conductive particles to heat traffic signals so they remain visible and free of ice and snow so motorists can safely navigate roadways in winter weather. Because many communities have upgraded to more efficient LED traffic signals, which do not give off as much heat as incandescent bulbs, new technology was needed to ensure that traffic signal lights remained visible during icy and snowy conditions.

Today is National Love Your Pet Day, and it’s a perfect time to give an animal a second chance. Second Chance for Pets is a non-profit organization specializing in giving cats and dogs a second opportunity at life. They are based out of DeWitt County in central Illinois.