As we begin our 115th year as the voice for manufacturers in Illinois, consider the impact IMA members have had on Illinois' history. From a small group of manufacturers who formed the IMA in Chicago in 1893, to the large, influential group we are today, things have changed, yet stayed the same. We're still the voice for Illinois manufacturers, and we still work diligently to ensure that Illinois remains a business-friendly environment. This has been a huge challenge in 2007, considering the antics of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. IMA members responded enthusiastically to our call for help to meet the challenges at the Capitol. As a result of IMA members' contributions of both time and money, we were able to air radio spots on more than 50 Illinois radio stations. The message expressed our deep concern and disappointment with the leadership of Governor Blagojevich. Some people considered this media blitz unnecessary and wondered why we did this. We did so because we could not stand idly by while the Governor attempted to destroy the economic viability of doing business in Illinois. On top of the already increased costs of energy and commodities, additional taxes are the last thing Illinois manufacturers need. As a result, the governor was thwarted in his attempt to impose excessive business taxes on IMA members. In Governor Blagojevich's five years in office, there has been dysfunction, infighting, distrust, endless legislative sessions and self-serving leadership that have resulted in nothing positive for Illinois taxpayers. He did little or nothing to entice Honda or Toyota to locate facilities in Illinois, resulting in Indiana and Mississippi gaining those facilities and the jobs that accompany them. Illinois has lost more than 59,000 manufacturing jobs (59,300 as of October, 2007) since this governor's tenure in office. Manufacturers face numerous challenges every day. Globalization and fierce competition require us to produce quality goods more efficiently and at lower prices. Increases in fixed costs for payrolls, providing healthcare and other benefits for workers, and keeping up with today's constantly changing technology contribute to deteriorating profit margins. Absolutely no assistance is forthcoming from this administration. It is our mission to change this bias. We are proud of goods that are "made in Illinois." We will continue to take pride in our products and fight to maintain the excellent reputation of products "made in Illinois." Manufacturers should not be forced to endure belittling attacks from this governor. The Governor's own father worked in a steel mill, yet he makes no effort to ensure that Illinois remains a world-class manufacturing destination. Illinois deserves better. Manufacturers deserve better. Consider IMA's founding members. They include Amsted Industries, Inc., Brunswick Corporation, Commonwealth Edison Company, Deere & Company, the Dial Corporation, Peoples Energy Services and the Tablet & Ticket Company. (You can read more about this influential group beginning on page 13.) From humble beginnings in 1893, to the influential group the IMA is today, our founding members are still the backbone of the association. These members, and all of you, will continue to oppose this Governor's efforts to raise taxes, create social programs with no means to pay for them, and force jobs and businesses to locate anywhere but Illinois. And we will succeed. After 115 years as the voice of Illinois manufacturers, the IMA continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Stay involved with our efforts, and we will be successful in the future — representing the best interests of Illinois manufacturers.

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