| More than 1,200 industrial
companies contribute to the strength of the Chicago Southland's economy. Among
the well-recognized corporate names that call the Chicago Southland home are
Owens-Corning, Turtle Wax, Best Foods, Bliss and Laughlin, Clark Oil, Mobil,
LTV, Ford, Clorox, and Signode.
Products made in the Chicago Southland are as varied as the
area's 71 communities: auto parts, railroad freight cars, satellite dishes,
steel tubing and pipe, college textbooks, air and hydraulic cylinders,
specialty coatings and pigment dispersions, and many, many others. The annual
production of crops and livestock from the Chicago Southland's vast farmlands
also makes a significant contribution to the region's economy.
Economic incentives such as low interest loans, Enterprise Zones,
and Tax Increment Financing districts are used by many Chicago Southland
communities to attract new business
and industry, to encourage expansion of existing firms, and to stimulate
revitalization of commercial districts.
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Chicago Southland's five
exposition centers have a collective 250,000-square feet of floor space. Each
center is well-suited for trade shows and conventions. In addition, the area's
colleges and universities have facilities for business meetings and special
activities. They also offer custom-tailored training courses and programs
designed to meet local employment needs.
The Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce provides a variety of special
services to business and industry. Through the Chicago Southland Management
Institute (CSMI) the
Chamber conducts a continuing series of workshops, seminars, and special
events. CSMI is a cooperative venture involving the Chamber, Governors State
University, Prairie State College, and South Suburban College.The
more than 35 banks and savings institutions in Chicago Southland encourage
business growth and provide a sound economic foundation.
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