Conference Sponsor Profile: The Illinois Department of Commerce & Community Affairs

Less than two years into his first term, Illinois Governor George Ryan has made tech-based economic development a leading priority. The cornerstone of the state's new commitment to science and technology is the $1.9 billion five-year Illinois VentureTech initiative, which was profiled in the February 18, 2000 edition of the SSTI Weekly Digest (see http://www.ssti.org/Digest/2000/021800.htm)

Under the leadership of Director Pam McDonough, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Community Affairs (DCCA) is playing a crucial role in carrying out the Governor's S&T agenda. Several DCCA tech initiatives have been launched or expanded over the past 18 months:

• The Technology Challenge Grant Program provides matching funds for science and technology projects, partnerships between universities and industry, high-tech commercialization projects, transfer projects, and infrastructure improvements.
• Illinois Technology Enterprise Centers (ITEC) Program provides operational support for regional centers to serve technology entrepreneurs, innovators and small business and provide investments to or on behalf of young or growing companies in cooperation with private sector investments. The first ITEC was launched this past spring summer at Northwestern University.
• The Technology and Practices Demonstration Program provides grants for the development of innovative ideas in recycling and waste reduction. Projects involving new methods and techniques may be supported from proof-of-concept through initial commercialization. The program also targets recycling of non-conventional materials.
• The Alternative Energy Research and Development Demonstration Program supports research and development of new technologies to reduce the cost of producing alternative fuels. Promoting a stronger relationship between manufacturing and rural development, the program also supports projects designed to foster the usage of ethanol.
• Support for research and technology parks, including the Chicago Technology Park and the Northwestern University Research Park.
• Through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Illinois (MEPI), DCCA provides access for manufacturers to information and technology expertise so that they can modernize their operations and become more efficient. 
• The Industrial Training Program assists Illinois companies to train new workers and retrain/upgrade the skills of their existing workforce in using new technologies, etc.

DCCA will have an exhibit and staff representatives available to answer questions at SSTI's annual conference. Until then, more information on DCCA's technology programs can be found on its website: http://www.commerce.state.il.us/technology/