Preckwinkle Launches Commit to Cook Campaign at 2012 Auto Show

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle was joined by Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin and representatives of the Chicago Auto Show today to launch the “Commit to Cook” campaign encouraging residents to support Cook County businesses while engaging the business community to spur economic development. President Preckwinkle laid out an ambitious goal for the “Commit to Cook” campaign: 2,500 new jobs in 2012. “Commit to Cook” will highlight key economic development programs used to attract businesses and consumers to Cook County while centralizing the resources at the County’s disposal to provide incentives for businesses and create jobs. The President kicked off the campaign at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show by encouraging County residents to purchase new cars in Cook County. “The Auto Show is an ideal venue to highlight what the automotive industry is doing in Cook County while promoting the steps all of us can take to continue to strengthen our local economy,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Commit to Cook is focused on encouraging the residents of Cook County to support our local businesses, while at the same time asking our neighbors to come to Cook County and take advantage of all we have to offer. 2,500 new jobs are going to help strengthen communities throughout Cook County.” The 2,500 new jobs will be facilitated in part by providing tax incentives for businesses, implementing vital capital projects and by working closely with the business community throughout the region. President Preckwinkle noted that “Commit to Cook” will require collaboration from local governments across Cook County and she reinforced her commitment to engage municipal leaders as they work together to bring businesses to their communities and help existing businesses expand. Preckwinkle pointed to the roll back the Stroger sales tax that has made it easier for consumers to buy goods and services in Cook County, as part of her ongoing efforts to make Cook County more competitive in the region. Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin praised President Preckwinkle’s efforts and pledged to bring the “Commit to Cook” campaign to Orland Park. “Orland Park has a significant amount of car dealerships that make up an important part of our local economy,” Mayor McLaughlin said. “President Preckwinkle’s efforts to highlight the best of Cook County are an important step in creating jobs and bringing businesses back to our neighborhoods. 2,500 new jobs in Cook County will be a significant boost to communities like the one I represent. I applaud the President’s efforts and look forward to working closely with her administration to help spur economic growth.” In addition to the goal of 2,500 new jobs, Preckwinkle also announced a new website aimed at helping local businesses take advantage of the County’s economic development toolkit. Specifically, the website will include information on tax incentives, zoning restrictions, collaborative grant opportunities and workforce development activities. The goal is to give businesses that are interested in starting, moving or expanding in Cook County the resources they need in one, centralized location. In addition to promoting the County’s economic development toolkit, in the coming weeks CommitToCook.com will offer a new hotline so that business owners can speak directly with an economic development official and engage directly with County government. Currently, residents can find access to information on purchasing their new car in Cook County at: CookCountyNewCarDealers.com