On July 18, Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced the state is awarding approximately $7 million in Opportunity Returns support for Schneider National, a premier provider of transportation, logistics and intermodal services. The funds are enabling Schneider to invest in a new, state-of the-art Operating Center (company-owned truck stop) at the Gateway Commerce Center in Edwardsville, Ill., and to create at least 440 new jobs over the next two years. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Jack Lavin celebrated the official grand opening of the facility today with company, state and local officials in Edwardsville.
"Schneider National is one of the largest transportation and logistics companies in the world and will be a tremendous asset to Southwest Illinois. The decision to locate its new Operating Center in Madison County means more than 440 new jobs. It also means a strengthened and invigorated transportation and logistics industry that will help us attract more companies and continue expanding our economy over the near and long term. By investing in companies that are investing in Illinois, and not raising taxes, we are encouraging innovation and putting more and more people to work," Gov. Blagojevich said.
Schneider National's new Operating Center will provide company drivers and owner-operators with an array of amenities, including showers, Internet access, and other services, such as equipment maintenance and fuel. Services will be available 24 hours per day and the new Operating Center will also offer office space for training and recruiting. On average, 150 drivers per day will come through the facility.
"We are seeing an increase in demand for transportation services in the region and are pleased with Gov. Blagojevich's support of our efforts to bring new jobs to the area and invigorate the local economy," said Todd Jadin, senior vice president of operations at Schneider National. "With the largest customer base in the industry, Schneider expects that new and experienced drivers will join our team and benefit from leading-edge technology, superior training and rewarding career options. We're proud to add Edwardsville to our network of Operating Centers nationwide."
"Attracting a quality company like Schneider National to the region, along with the more than 400 new jobs it will bring, is a huge victory for our local economy. Major projects like this one demonstrate that Gov. Blagojevich's constant work on the frontlines to make Illinois an extremely competitive place to do business is paying real dividends," State Senator William Haine (D-Alton) said.
"We are very pleased to welcome Schneider National to Southwest Illinois and are thrilled it is going to be bringing more than 400 new jobs. I will continue supporting legislative initiatives that will attract more companies and jobs to keep growing our regional economy," State Representative Daniel Beiser (D-Alton) said.
"Gov. Blagojevich and I understand that the transportation and logistics sector is a vital cog of our local economy. By attracting Schneider National and its new Operating Center to Madison County, we are not only bringing quality jobs to the area, but fortifying a key industry and strengthening the economic foundation of this region," State Representative Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville) said.
The business investment package comes from the Illinois DCEO which will provide Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) corporate income tax credits over 10 years based on job creation; a Large Business Development Program grant for infrastructure improvements; Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP) job training funds that will help enhance the skills of its workforce; as well as additional financial benefits, such as sales tax exemptions and tax credits for job creation, resulting from the company's location within an Enterprise Zone.
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