The United States, Mexico, and Canada are close to reaching an agreement to rebalance and modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) into a 21st century, high-standard trade deal. The goal is for the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to better serve the interests of American workers and businesses and support mutually beneficial trade leading toContinue reading
Indulge me a bit more as I continue my discussion from the last issue of The Current on the great Energy/Climate/Sustainability initiatives in which our Chamber Members are leading the way.Last week, BP announced a $25M investment in Illinois at their R&D hub in… Naperville! They will be piloting an enhanced recycling technology that enables currently un-recyclable plasticContinue reading
A recent high point for me was being appointed to serve on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Task Force on Climate Actions. The Goals of this initiative are to: Gain an understanding of the implications and issues associated with carbon pricing and other potential climate actions Learn how carbon pricing policies outside of the U.S.Continue reading
In a surprise Memorial Day Illinois House of Representatives debate and vote, the Graduated Income Tax legislation SJRCA 1 passed. Now, voters get to decide in November if they want to change Illinois Constitutional amendment to allow income tax to be graduated based on the income. The companion bill (SB 687) provides language that would set the specificContinue reading
Reading a recent U. S. Chamber article about the impact of local businesses on the big comeback of Detroit, host city of the national Democratic Debate last week, I was reminded once again how business success means major wins for their local communities. From General Motors compost collection program to cultivate urban gardens throughout theContinue reading
NACC recently joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s effort to urge Congress to pass the U.S. -Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This coalition letter sent this week to members of the U.S. Congress was signed by more than 600 organizations nationwide. NACC joined in their efforts because we believe the passage of USMCA will significantly impact ourContinue reading
Infrastructure is defined as the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society. Not only roads, bridges and airports, it encompasses electric grids, water treatment facilities, mass transit systems and more. A $45 billion infrastructure plan was signed into law at the close of the IL legislative session withContinue reading
Community and economic development in lock step has resulted in Naperville being ranked nationally as a top place to live, work, play and raise families. The Illinois Department of Revenue recently released statistics showing Naperville continuing to be ranked top in retail sales in the Chicago Metropolitan suburbs. In addition, they have been in aContinue reading
Chambers of commerce weigh-in on legislation at the local, state and federal level has historically been toward the conservative side of the aisle. However, as political parties have polarized in recent years, especially at the federal level, chambers are working more in concert with both sides to find common ground to advocate for a strongContinue reading
The clock is ticking with only a few days left in the 101st IL General Assembly session. Here are some key bills we are watching: Graduated Income Tax–SJRCA 1 would allow an amendment to our state’s constitutional to allow a graduated income tax in the state. (SB 687) provides language that would set the rates forContinue reading
