Business Leaders for Transportation Hosts Forum with U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk

One of a series of forums Business Leaders for Transportation is hosting to bring together members of the Illinois congressional delegation and their area business leaders to identify transportation investment priorities, rally around key changes to the federal funding distribution formula, and make the case for a new state package to succeed Illinois FIRST.

October 28, 2003

Whether it’s moving supplies, products, employees, or some combination, the business community has unique perspective on the region’s transportation needs. Recognizing the important role businesses have to play in shaping federal transportation policy, Business Leaders for Transportation is hosting a series of forums that bring together members of the Illinois congressional delegation and their area business leaders to identify transportation investment priorities, rally around key changes to the federal funding distribution formula, and make the case for a new state package to succeed Illinois FIRST.

Today’s breakfast at Northern Illinois University in Hoffman Estates featured U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Wilmette). The event was co-sponsored by the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, CenterPoint Properties, Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association, Motorola, NIU Hoffman Estates, Prairie Stone TMA, Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce, SBC, Sears Roebuck and Co., and Transportation for Illinois Coalition.

“As the crossroads of America, the entire nation depends on northeastern Illinois to keep people and products moving. I will fight to make sure that the transportation bill reflects the important role our state plays in our nation's transportation infrastructure,” said Rep. Kirk. “That means ensuring that Illinois receives at least as much as it sends to Washington.”

The facts about northeastern Illinois transportation network are startling. The region has the second largest transit network and third largest interstate network in the nation, is the third busiest intermodal freight hub in the world, and is the fifth most congested in the country -- leaving local commuters to waste an average of 61 hours a year just sitting in traffic. Businesses, which represent individual and commercial transportation users, have a particular interest in how Illinois fares under TEA-3, the next federal bill.

Kathy Gilmer, director of outreach services for NIU, moderated the panel. “Businesses should play a crucial role in the development of transportation policies,” Gilmer said. “It is important for the business community to let our leaders and policy makers know how improved transportation systems will help our companies prosper.”

Phil Pagano, executive director of Metra, outlined plans for the STAR (Suburban Transit Access Route) Line, emphasizing the critical void it will fill for residents, workers and visitors in the region. “The STAR Line will connect the suburbs to other Metra lines without taking passengers downtown, making it the first commuter rail line designed specifically to service suburb-to-suburb commutes,” Pagano said. “Accommodating this kind of demand for public transit is an essential piece of growing our regional economy. Congress must protect transit funding in TEA-3, with the STAR Line as one of the priority projects.”

Sears Roebuck and Co. knows firsthand how important transit and other transportation services are for business – particularly when it comes to serving employees. Jim Terrell, Sears’ director of asset utilization, said “Sears most important resource is its employees. It is in our best corporate interest to provide them with transportation services that makes it easy and efficient for them to get to and from work.”

Stan Pepper, principal of Pepper Research and Consulting Services and co-chair of the Transportation Committee of the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC), outlined Business Leaders for Transportation’s recommendations for TEA-3. “Business Leaders for Transportation feels strongly that the federal government needs to return to a needs-based funding formula, and provide the necessary resources for a better connected, intermodal system for northeastern Illinois. An informed and active business community is key to ensuring that Illinois’ transportation needs are met.” MPC co-leads Business Leaders for Transportation with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and Chicago Metropolis 2020.

This fall, Business Leaders for Transportation is hosting a series of the forums around the region, including one on Nov. 17 with Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston) and Dec. 1 with Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Chicago). Future events are slated for DuPage and Lake counties.

Business Leaders for Transportation, a coalition of nearly 150 members representing more than 12,000 regional employers, provides a collective voice for Chicago-area businesses on surface transportation issues. Of central importance to the coalition is increased state and federal transportation funding for northeastern Illinois, supported by coordinated planning to achieve the most efficient and desirable return on transportation system investments.