2008 Press Release: Des Plaines Joins With ComEd Responding To Area Business Needs

For immediate release
June 17, 2008

The City of Des Plaines and ComEd recently announced a partnership designed to retain jobs and investments in the community through the ComEd Business Visitation Program. The award-winning ComEd program helps ensure existing businesses in Northern Illinois remain economically viable.

The program examines issues such as workforce quality, recruiting, expansion plans, competitive challenges and overall satisfaction with the community as a place to do business. With ComEd’s help, representatives from Des Plaines will conduct face-to-face visits with area businesses to explore these issues.

"Our commitment to the businesses of Des Plaines is stronger than ever, and this partnership with ComEd will keep our finger on the pulse of the local business community," said Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia. "Existing businesses are one of the most important assets of our community because these firms are the ones making payroll and capital investments right now."

"The ComEd Business Visitation Program is a tool to ensure that we can proactively address any challenges area businesses face as early as possible," Arredia added.

Based on the visits with local businesses, ComEd will conduct a detailed analysis using a software program called Synchronist, an advanced business information system that identifies key trends and issues affecting local manufacturing firms. Using this analysis, Des Plaines officials will work with ComEd to proactively address the likelihood that such issues would have a negative impact on the business or economic climate.

"ComEd wants to help our communities grow and prosper. Part of that is helping our customers conserve energy, save money and protect the environment," said Ed Sitar, economic development manager for ComEd. "That’s also why we provide specialized programs to work with groups engaged in economic development, such as Des Plaines, to improve the vitality of the communities we serve."

ComEd makes its award-winning Business Visitation Program available to Northern Illinois communities and economic development organizations in need of business retention assistance at no charge. Since its 1999 origin, ComEd’s Business Visitation Program has partnered with 40 economic development organizations and conducted 2,000 visits with area companies in 80 different communities, representing more than 185,000 jobs. ComEd won awards in 2005, 2006, and 2007 for its economic development efforts in the City of Chicago, Grundy County, and the Oak Brook area. The program was expanded in 2004 to include the ability to visit and interview non-manufacturing companies in the convention, tourism, retail, and service sectors.

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