FREEPORT – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the awarding of more than $1.7 million in Opportunity Returns support for Trim-Rite, a supplier of top-quality pork products for more than 60 years, that will allow the company to build a new, state-of-the-art processing plant in Stephenson County that will create at least 100 new jobs and potentially employ up to 800 people. Construction of the new facility, which will use the latest in air filtration processes and robotics technology, will begin shortly. The investment package comes as a part of Opportunity Returns, the Governor’s comprehensive economic development strategy to create jobs and spur growth in the Rock River Valley region and throughout the state. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Jack Lavin joined with other local and company representatives for the official announcement today in Freeport.
“We’re happy to welcome Trim-Rite to Stephenson County, and the goods jobs it will bring to the community. By being pro-active and targeting our resources at the local level, we’re building an extremely competitive business environment where companies, both large and small, can put more people to work and grow our economy,” Gov. Blagojevich said.
DCEO is administering the business investment package that includes Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) corporate income tax credits over ten years based on job creation; a Community Development Assistance Program grant to Stephenson County to make needed infrastructure improvements; Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) job training funds that will help enhance the skills of its workforce; and additional financial benefits, such as sales tax exemptions and tax credits for job creation, resulting from the company’s location within an Enterprise Zone.
“I'm standing today in the state of Illinois instead of Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana or Missouri because Gov. Rod Blagojevich delivered on his promises for the citizens of Illinois. The Governor has figuratively and literally brought home the bacon. I pledge to the people of Illinois that our new pork processing plant will be technologically advanced and aesthetically pleasing. The high quality of locally raised livestock will allow us to produce a superior product that will compete globally. Like our plant in Carpentersville, this new facility will be a marvel that people from all over the world will come to tour. My partner and I, along with all the future employees at this facility, would like to thank Gov. Blagojevich and his economic development staff for working tirelessly to make this a reality,” James Jendruczek, President and Managing partner of Trim-Rite said.
“We are thrilled to see a vibrant new business venture launched in Stephenson County. For years, the economic potential of this area has been so much more promising than the economic reality. With the opening of Trim-Rite’s new processing facility, and the economic activity it will trigger, that potential should go a long way toward being realized. This is a great example of why Gov. Blagojevich’s regional approach to economic development is so effective,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.
“Trim-Rite’s decision to build in our community is wonderful news, and a good sign of things to come. The plant will bring jobs to our community and provide an economic benefit for all of us. I thank Trim-Rite for making an investment in our community, and I look forward to working with the company to grow their business and our economy,” Freeport Area Economic Development Foundation Chairman Doug Cross said.
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.