Graduates serving as leaders of economic development and commerce committees

Since 2017, Illinois Sen. Dale Fowler (BILLD class of 2018) has been working with community leaders to create an inland port terminal in southern Illinois, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

Last month, the state announced $40 million for the development of the Alexander Cairo Port, with $4 million immediately awarded to fund final engineering, permitting and site preparation. In addition to the state funding, the project is expected to attract at least an equal amount in private investment.

“This project will have such an impact on our region, creating jobs, boosting our economy and creating opportunities in an area that has been overlooked and underestimated for far too long,” says Fowler, who serves as the Republican spokesperson on the Illinois Senate Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

“[It] will generate jobs, create opportunities and attract businesses,” adds Fowler. When completed, the port is expected to bring 500 jobs and more than $100 million in economic activity to the region and will position the area
to be a national hub for shipping and logistics.

A number of other BILLD graduates have leadership roles on economic development and commerce-related committees in their respective states.

COMMITTEE CHAIRS
• Illinois Rep. Sonya Harper, class of 2017
• Michigan Sen. Ken Horn, class of 2007
• Minnesota Rep. Laurie Halverson, class of 2015
• Nebraska Sen. Matt Williams, class of 2015
• North Dakota Rep. Scott Louser, class of 2013
• Ohio Rep. Gayle Manning, class of 2011
• Ohio Sen. Rob McColley, class of 2015
• Wisconsin Rep. Adam Neylon, class of 2014

COMMITTEE VICE CHAIRS
• Indiana Rep. Doug Miller, class of 2018
• North Dakota Rep. Mike Lefor, class of 2015
• Wisconsin Sen. Patrick Testin, class of 2018

RANKING MINORITY MEMBERS
• Iowa Sen. Todd Taylor, class of 1998
• Michigan Rep. Sara Cambensy, class of 2018