We value the companies that are located here, and both public and private sectors are committed to helping existing and new businesses achieve success. State and local officials continue to work together to create a supportive environment that encourages business relocation and expansion. That commitment is a big reason why many world-class companies have chosen to locate and expand their operations in the greater Springfield area in recent years.

Three local employers topped the list of retention and expansion in 2007 including AIG American General, H.D. Smith Wholesale Drug Company and M.J. Kellner Foodservice. The Quantum Growth Partnership and Q5 partners were proud to support the retention and expansion of these local employers.

AIG American General broke ground in March 2007 on their new $25 million customer care center at 3051 Hollis Drive, in Springfield. Representatives from the City of Springfield, The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Sangamon County, and the State of Illinois worked together for several months to create a scenario for the new site that was compelling to the firm.

At least 450 jobs will be retained in the greater Springfield marketplace due to AIG's decision to reinvest in the area. These retained jobs will support at least 370 jobs in other industries. Rick Hollar, CEO of American General's Life Profit Center pointed to the excellent productivity and quality of the local labor market as key in their decision to continue their presence in the area.

H. D. Smith Wholesale Drug Company announced in 2007 their intention to construct a $50 million corporate campus in Springfield, Illinois. The proposed expansion will add 600 new jobs to the economy, sustain 572 other positions in other businesses, and create $330.7 million in new wealth over five years.

“Our firm was founded on hope, and our expansion is too. We are very excited about our firm’s future in the greater Springfield area, and we are especially pleased to be a leadership investor in the Quantum Growth Initiative. Because we are relying heavily on the Q5 partners and this program to support the successful ramp-up of our firm’s growth, we are pleased to be first on the list of the Q5’s local expansions” said H. Dale Smith, President and CEO of H.D. Smith Wholesale Drug, Inc.

The Quantum Growth Partnership proudly provided support for this project and Q5 staff worked to secure the economic impact analysis of this project. The Q5 Initiative pledged its support and advocacy for the firm's project as it makes its way through the city and county approval process. Additionally, Q5 will work on the firm's behalf to be sure that their effort to draw a well-qualified workforce is well supported.

M.J. Kellner Foodservice announced in 2007 that the company will invest $8.7 million in a new state-of-the-art facility in Springfield. The new 90,000 square-foot facility will be located in the I-72 Business Park. Upon completion of the facility, M.J. Kellner will employ approximately 100 people in its Springfield facility.

Q5 staff worked closely with the company representatives and staff from the City of Springfield to address a number of issues including extension of the Enterprise Zone, property tax abatement from the New Berlin School district and the extension of International Parkway.

Congratulations to these businesses and the additional expansion projects during 2007. The Quantum Growth Partnership thanks our partners at the City of Springfield, Sangamon County and the State of Illinois for their partnership in retaining and creating jobs.

Together, we are transforming the economy of Sangamon County.