Economic Development Is A Team Effort By STEVE McCLURE, Director, DCCA

In my first column as Director of the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA), I would like to issue a word of thanks to the municipal leaders of Illinois. Over the past 10 years, DCCA has grown into one of the nation's premier economic development agencies. Much of our success can be attributed to the spirit of partnership we enjoy with the local governments of our State. But, as we enter the 1990s, we must, more than ever, strengthen that partnership to prepare Illinois for the challenges of the future.

"Economic development" has not always been a primary function of state or local governments. A rapidly changing global economy has led to stiff competition between states, nations and communities seeking jobs for their people. We have been forced to become economic developers — forced to initiate bold programs to attract new jobs and retain the ones already here.

Illinois, in particular, has risen to the challenge. With the support of Governor Thompson and the General Assembly, DCCA has aggressively implemented new tools — tools that have helped turn around the Illinois economy. Unemployment has rebounded from 11.4 percent in 1984 to 6.0 percent in 1989. Over the past three years, Illinois has gained 18,000 manufacturing jobs — a feat that places our state among the top three in the nation in location of both new and expanded manufacturing plants.

I'm proud of DCCA and its accomplishments. During my six years with the Department — holding positions ranging from Legislative Liaison, Manager of the Division of Governmental Relations, Assistant to the Director for Policy Development, Assistant Director and now Director — I have played an active role in DCCA's maturation. As Director, I welcome the new challenge of refocusing DCCA's mission to meet the needs of the future.

From research, five priorities have emerged as key components of Illinois' strategy for the 1990s. Export development, international tourism attraction, technology and modernization, targeted industry development and rural community development all hold promise for Illinois in the 1990s. Woven throughout these priorities are DCCA's traditional goals — business retention, job training and entrepreneurship.

A close look at these priorities will show why they are so important to Illinois' future development. Export development is, quite simply, a must for Illinois. We live in a global economy. Increasing our share of foreign markets brings new income into Illinois and creates employment opportunities for our workers. We must increase the number of small- to medium-sized companies entering the export field.

Intertwined with export development is international tourism attraction. As the world's standard of living increases, more and more people are expressing interest in visiting America. But we must invite these tourists to Illinois. DCCA has already started sending the invitations through a $1.5 million international tour-

February 1990 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 19

ism advertising effort and reciprocal tourism agreements.

Technology development and modernization is also a logical priority for Illinois. Businesses, caught in today's competitive economy, have been forced to cut corners to keep costs low, while, at the same time, meeting higher quality standards. But the competition continues, and its a competition we cannot afford to lose. As businesses exhaust the corners to be cut, government must be prepared to help them find new ways to improve productivity and cut costs. With our help, we can ensure these businesses and their jobs will be there for the next generation of Illinois workers.

We cannot ask businesses to streamline, however, without streamlining our own operations, as well. We must focus our limited resources where they can do the most good; in other words, we must target those industries most compatible with Illinois' resources. The Corridors of Opportunity will continue to play a vital role in this effort, bringing Illinois communities together to work toward common, regional goals.

Illinois has made great strides since the early 1980s. Our per capita standard of living is high. Unfortunately, many of our rural areas do not share this prosperity. DCCA, working with Rural Partners and others from the public and private sectors, is determined to bring new opportunities to rural Illinois.

Over the coming weeks, I plan to travel throughout Illinois, meeting with community leaders to discuss these priorities and ways they can best meet the needs of our state. Your input is vital, and as a new Director, I welcome the opportunity to work with you toward a common goal — a bright Illinois future. •

Page 20 / Illinois Municipal Review / February 1990