The Illinois Impact Awards, presented by AT&T, will recognize Hyundai Translead, Rivian, the IQMP ecosystem, and others for transformative investment and local impact
The Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) today announced the full slate of honorees for the inaugural Illinois Impact Awards, presented by AT&T, to be held October 1, 2026, at the Obama Presidential Center. The Illinois Impact Awards celebrate the companies, projects, and partnerships driving investment, innovation, and economic growth across Illinois.
“Illinois is experiencing extraordinary economic momentum, but behind every investment, expansion and new job are people who made it possible,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. “We created the Illinois Impact Awards to those people: the innovators taking bold ideas forward, the companies investing in our communities, and the partners working together to build Illinois’ future. Their impact reaches far beyond any single project. Collectively, they are shaping what comes next for our state.”
“The Illinois Impact Awards celebrate the very best of Team Illinois— the people and organizations working together to attract investment, drive innovation, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen communities across our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From advanced manufacturing to clean energy to quantum and other emerging technologies, our honorees reflect the hard work and bold vision that is driving our state’s historic economic progress. I’m honored to recognize their leadership and look forward to building on our efforts to make Illinois the best place to live, work, and do business.”
“Across our great state—from Mattoon to Mount Vernon and Rockford to Decatur to Chicago—Illinois is seeing historic momentum,” said Illinois EDC Chairman John Atkinson. “The Illinois Impact Awards give us an exciting platform to elevate and bring together the people and organizations contributing to a stronger Illinois.
Statewide Awards
Innovator of the Year — Rivian
Rivian will receive the Innovator of the Year Award for its innovation and long-term commitment to Illinois. The electric vehicle manufacturer expanded its Normal operations to support production of its R2 vehicle, including a $1.5 billion investment announced in 2024 expected to create more than 550 new full-time jobs. Rivian is also developing a 1.2 million-square-foot, nearly $120 million supplier park in Normal to strengthen the company’s supply chain and attract additional suppliers to Illinois.
“On behalf of everyone at Rivian, I am honored to accept this award from our partners at Illinois EDC,” said RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian. “From the moment we started producing our first vehicles, Governor Pritzker, his team, and the state of Illinois have been indispensable partners, supporting the launch of our first R1 vehicles, our commercial vans, and the multiple expansions that now support the production of R2, our midsize SUV.”
Governor’s Award for Large Development of the Year — Hyundai Translead
Hyundai Translead will receive the Governor’s Award for Development of the Year for the impact it will make by investing more than $450 million in two manufacturing facilities, bringing new activity to former Caterpillar and Lion Electric sites and creating 2,500 jobs.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Illinois Impact Award. While Hyundai Translead is proud of its investment in Illinois, this recognition belongs equally to the state and local leaders, economic development organizations, educational institutions, community partners, and team members whose trust and collaboration made this project possible,” said Sean Kenney, CEO of Hyundai Translead. “We are humbled to accept this award on behalf of all those who helped bring Hyundai Translead to Illinois, and remain fully committed to strengthening manufacturing, creating opportunities, and contributing to the long-term prosperity of the communities we are privileged to serve.”
Team Illinois Partner of the Year — IQMP, Related Midwest, Clayco, and PsiQuantum
The Team Illinois Partner of the Year Award will recognize the collaborative efforts behind the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, a first-of-its-kind, university-led innovation campus focused on the development of quantum and microelectronics. The partnership includes IQMP, anchor tenant PsiQuantum, developer Related Midwest, and contractor Clayco with co-developer CRG and project designer and architect LJC. Supported by the State of Illinois, Cook County, the City of Chicago, ComEd, the Chicago Quantum Exchange, Chicago State University, Northwestern University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Chicago, P33, and other partners, the IQMP ecosystem is establishing Illinois as a global destination for quantum innovation.
“We’re deeply grateful to Illinois EDC for this recognition, but this award really belongs to the entire community of partners, researchers, tenants and collaborators who are helping to bring the IQMP to life,” said Harley Johnson, CEO of the IQMP. “What we’re building on the former U.S. Steel site is enabled by that collective effort, reflecting what’s possible when an ecosystem comes together around a shared vision— that is, to unlock quantum’s potential and solve some of the world’s most consequential challenges.”
“PsiQuantum is proud to be the anchor tenant at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park,” said Victor Peng, CEO of PsiQuantum. “Together with the strong support and leadership of partners like the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, Related Midwest, and Clayco, we are creating the jobs of the future, supporting area businesses, partnering closely alongside the local community, and ultimately bringing this technology to life in Illinois.”
“Related Midwest is proud to transform the 440-acre vacant site to Quantum Shore Chicago, a vibrant hub for innovation and research that will provide residents with the opportunity to build a career in their own backyard,” said Related Midwest President Curt Bailey. “We are deeply honored to partner with Illinois EDC to bring the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park to life at Quantum Shore and create thousands of jobs, invest in local students to bring programs to youth, create new housing, expand and preserve 100 acres of parkland, and power the next generation of American innovation.”
“Projects like the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park show what’s possible when public and private partners commit to a shared vision, and we congratulate our friends at Rivian on earning the Innovator of the Year Award,” said Bob Clark, Executive Chairman and Founder of Clayco. “IQMP is bringing one of the world’s most important emerging technologies to Chicago, and we’re honored to be building it, creating construction and small business opportunities today, and long-term jobs and scientific advancement for years to come. The impact of this project will extend far beyond the campus itself and help strengthen Illinois’ place as a global center for innovation.”
Governor’s Awards for Local Impact
Four companies will receive Governor’s Awards for Local Impact, recognizing businesses whose investment, growth, and long-term presence are strengthening communities and regional economies across Illinois.
Northern Illinois — Rockford Brake Manufacturing
With support from Illinois’ EDGE for Startups tax credit, a group of former Gunite Corporation employees acquired the company’s idled 619,000-square-foot Rockford facility and reopened it as Rockford Brake Manufacturing, restoring production and creating 150 jobs in Northern Illinois.
“Rockford Brake is thrilled to receive the Governor’s Award for Local Impact – Northern Illinois. Rockford Brake’s success is due to the people we have been able to bring into the organization. The strong generational foundation of manufacturing talent in Northern Illinois has meant we have been able to ramp up production with skilled team members to support the rapid growth of the company. The investment Illinois continues to make in manufacturing provides the platform for companies like ours to compete and win,” said Paul Wright, CEO of Rockford Brake.
Central Illinois — ADM
ADM, which employs more than 4,000 people at its North American headquarters and manufacturing complex in Decatur, announced in June that it is investing more than $103 million to modernize its Decatur operations, supporting the creation of 50 new jobs and the retention of more than 1,000 existing ones.
“Decatur and Central Illinois have been at the heart of ADM for generations, and we’re proud of the role our colleagues and operations there have played in the growth of both our company and the community. We’re honored to receive this recognition and pleased to be part of Central Illinois’ long tradition of agriculture, manufacturing and innovation,” said Christopher M. Cuddy, ADM Senior Vice President, President of Carbohydrate Solutions, and President of North America.
Central Illinois: Rural King
Rural King recently broke ground on a $75 million customer support campus in Mattoon, the same community where the farm and home retailer got its start. The expansion will create 100 new jobs and preserve more than 700 positions in Central Illinois. The campus has a planned phased growth plan with the ability to up to 3,000 future Rural King associates.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from the State of Illinois. Rural King was founded in Mattoon 66 years ago, and this state and our local communities have played a big part in who we are today. Our 10,000 associates across the country make our continued growth possible, and I’m extremely thankful for all they do to serve their customers each day. As we continue to grow, it’s important that we continue investing right here at home—in our people and our community. We’re proud of where we came from, excited about where we’re going, and grateful for the people who continue to grow with and support us,” said Alex Melvin, Owner and Chairman of Rural King Farm & Home Store.
Southern Illinois: Continental Tire
Tires have been manufactured in Southern Illinois for more than 50 years, and Continental’s Mount Vernon facility has grown into the largest tire plant in the United States. The company is investing $76 million in a new automated finished-goods warehouse spanning more than six football fields.
“This award is especially meaningful because it recognizes not only Continental’s continued investment in the Mount Vernon facility, but also the people who make that investment successful. Our employees have built a culture of excellence that continues to drive growth and innovation. With a talented workforce and strong manufacturing foundation, Southern Illinois remains a great place for companies like Continental to invest and succeed. We are grateful for this recognition and excited about the future,” said Nik Pearce, Plant Manager of Continental Tire’s Mount Vernon facility.
Celebrating Illinois Economic Growth
Held at the start of Manufacturing Month, the Illinois Impact Awards reflect the breadth of Illinois’ economy—from its longstanding strengths in manufacturing and agriculture to emerging industries and future-focused growth.
The event will bring together business, civic, and government leaders to celebrate businesses investing and growing in Illinois, communities building on their economic strengths, and public- and private-sector partners working together to create new opportunities in all regions of the state.
“Creating jobs and supporting economic growth in every corner of Illinois has been a top priority during my time in Congress. I’m pleased that the Illinois Impact Awards will recognize our State’s best in economic growth over the past year,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.
“Illinois is home to world-class businesses, innovative entrepreneurs and hardworking people who are driving our economy forward every day,” said U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. “Investing in the partnerships that fuel innovation, create good-paying jobs and strengthen communities across our state is essential to building an economy that works for every Illinoisan. That’s why today we celebrate the leaders who are making Illinois stronger and creating new opportunities, while encouraging more entrepreneurs and businesses to come build their future here. I’m grateful to the Illinois Economic Development Corporation for recognizing the leaders who are helping shape Illinois for generations to come.”
“Illinois’ economic success is built on the people, businesses, and partnerships that invest in our communities every day,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “The Illinois Impact Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the innovators, employers, and leaders helping create good-paying jobs, expand opportunity, and strengthen our economy across every region of our state. I’m proud to recognize those whose work is making Illinois an even better place to live, work, and do business.”
Sponsors
The inaugural Illinois Impact Awards are presented by AT&T and made possible through the support of companies and organizations across Illinois’ business and civic community. Additional sponsors include Related Midwest, Clayco, and PsiQuantum, along with:
- Leader’s Circle: Constellation, GCM Grosvenor, Huntington Bank, Illinois REALTORS, and Loop Capital
- Exhibition Sponsors: ADM, LCI, Northwestern University, and United Airlines
- Platinum Sponsors: Ameren Illinois, Cabrera Capital, EY, JLL, Nicor Gas, Northern Trust Corporation, Peoples Gas, Pat and Shirley Ryan Foundation, Southern Illinois University, and University of Illinois
- Gold Sponsors: 8 Hospitality, Advocate Health Care, Busey Bank, Chicago Federation of Labor, Clarity Partners, First Women’s Bank, Mickelson and Company, OSF HealthCare, SNtial Technologies, SPAAN Tech, Taft Law, and Wynndalco
Attendees will have the opportunity to experience exhibitions celebrating Illinois, its industries, and the advantages that make the state a leading destination for business and investment.
Media Information
The Illinois Impact Awards event is closed to press. Media interested in interviews with Illinois EDC leadership or award honorees should contact Illinois EDC to coordinate potential availability.
Learn more here.
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