Illinois is a state that embodies innovation, craft, surprise and creativity, so it is no surprise that 2.16 million international travelers visited the state in 2023. This boosted the Illinois economy by nearly $2.7 billion, a 47% increase from the previous year.

In 2023, Illinois welcomed visitors from Canada, Mexico, India, the UK, Germany and many other countries. This vast increase in international tourism shows a growing global appeal of Illinois. 

Illinois is full of attractions. The state boasts beautiful state parks including Matthiessen, Garden of the Gods and Starved Rock, attractions such as  Henson Robinson Zoo, Grady’s Park and Sea Lion Aquatic Park, and museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, The Schweikher House and Curiosity Museum.

When it comes to leading in clean energy, Illinois has countless examples of new and exciting companies dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint – including Rivian in Normal and Lion Electric in Channahon.

The transition to electric vehicles has been a long process in the making. Illinois has been dedicated toward the evolution of electric vehicles through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to oversee the phase-out of fossil fuel-fired electrical generation units since late 2021.

Illinois has been named the number one leader for workforce development in the Midwest region for the second year in a row!

The Site Selection magazine ranking annually recognizes states that performed well given their employment climate, listing Illinois first for the state’s dedication toward creating high quality jobs.

Illinois' workforce development has consistently evolved in equity and innovation, including apprenticeship programs at every level and has over 400 registered apprenticeship programs for more than 20,000 active apprentices.

Under these apprenticeships, Illinois has focused seven key elements to ensure that every applicant receives high quality development with a focus on their career path including: diversity, quality and safety, supplemental education, being a paid job, industry led, able to earn credentials, and structured on-the-job learning/mentorship. With these categories in mind, Illinois has covered the essential bases for every apprenticeship to be a success story.

Workforce development programs have grown expeditiously in Illinois, focusing on access to certification programs, custom training programs, apprenticeships and sponsored college degrees.

One such program that has provided countless providers to work with is the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which has increased access to good-paying jobs in the trades since 2021.

Under this program, support services are also available based on the participant’s needs including mental health counseling, housing assistance, childcare, transportation assistance, and math and reading tutoring to ensure every Illinoisan is given an equal opportunity to develop and focus on their career path.

For a complete list of Pre-Apprenticeship Program Providers visit the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity website.

Chicago has been known as the candy capital of the world for over 100 years. In addition to local confectionaries, like Margie’s Candies pictured here, many name-brand candies that you know and love got their start here.

Lemonheads were invented by the Ferrara Pan Candy Company in the 1960s. Salvatore Ferrera immigrated to Chicago at the turn of the 20th century to set up a confectionary shop. Still in operation today, the Ferrera Candy Company’s headquarters are in Chicago and a candy store in Forest Park sells the sour treats.

Mars Inc. — which makes Snickers and M&Ms — operates multiple facilities in Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods. The company relocated from Minneapolis to Chicago in 1929 and opened a plant that still exists today. Forrest Mars Sr., the son of the founder of Mars Company, introduced one of the company’s most popular candies in 1930 – the Snickers bar, named after the Mars family’s favorite horse. The company later invented M&Ms and started production for them in 1941.

The name Wrigley is synonymous with Chicago for many people thanks to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. What also may come to mind is Wrigley Gum, which is made in Chicago. The company was founded in 1891 by William Wrigley, Jr. In addition to gum, the company also sells mints and candies.

Tootsie Rolls are also made in Chicago. Leo Hirschfield founded the company, Tootsie Roll Industries, and began production on the candy in 1907.

The next time you unwrap a Snickers or a Tootsie Roll, or pop a Lemonhead or M&M in your mouth, think about how they’re made right here in Illinois!

National Farmer’s Day serves to honor the hard-working farmers that dedicate their lives to supplying food across the nation. Farmers are responsible for the plowing, sowing, growing and harvesting of crops while maintaining the sustainability of the land and securing the safety of consumers.

In Illinois, farmland accounts for 75% of the total land area equaling 27 million acres. Farms in Illinois are the leading producers of soybeans, corn and swine. Illinois farms also produce other grains, livestock, fruits and vegetables including pumpkins.

In the spirit of the fall season, Illinois is the top pumpkin producing state and has been for many years. The pumpkins grown in Illinois are shipped across the country and are used for all our favorite fall activities such as carving, painting, baking and more. Thanks to Illinois farmers, families can enjoy the best parts of the fall season.

Thank a farmer today!