Boone County and the Automotive Industry

50+ Years of Automotive History

Starting with Chrysler's Belvidere Facility, built in 1965, Boone County, Illinois continues to provide national and global companies a favorable environment to build and grow their businesses, well into the future.

Over the years, the county has seen the original Chrysler Plant, now Stellantis, grow to nearly 5 million square feet of floor space, where they currently produce the Jeep® Cherokee. Automotive suppliers also find Boone County an accommodating location to do business.

Being centrally located in Northern Illinois, the county offers direct and easy access to rail, road and air. This allows for east of transport to send and receive necessary shipments, keeping production running smoothly and on-time.


A Business-Friendly Environment

We understand it takes more than a site to grow a business. It takes collaboration, incentives, funds assistance, and access to a skilled workforce, to name a few. Boone County and Illinois offer what your business needs for growth opportunities.

Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois (REV)

In 2021, Illinois passed the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois (REV) tax credit program. REV offers competitive incentives to expand in or relocate to Illinois for companies that manufacture Electric Vehicles (EV) or EV parts, as well as EV charging stations.

LEARN MORE ABOUT REV 

MICRO Act Illinois

Named the Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO) Act, the measure is included in the state's newly enacted FY2023 budget and provides various tax incentives for high-tech manufacturers of semiconductors, microchips and their component parts.

READ ABOUT MICRO ACT

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Belvidere-Boone County Enterprise Zone & Opportunity Zone

Properties located within the Belvidere-Boone County Enterprise Zone may be eligible for sales tax exemptions on building materials, property tax abatements, discounts on building permits, and more. 

Boone County, Illinois has a designated Opportunity Zone which offers investors a way to reinvest capital gains into distressed communities in exchange for a graduated series of incentives tied to long-term holdings.

BELVIDERE-BOONE COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE

ENTERPRISE ZONE AND OPPORTUNITY ZONE MAP*

*Yellow overlay indicates Enterprise Zone. Red overlay indicates Opportunity Zone.

Foreign Trade Zone

Companies in Boone County and across Northern Illinois can apply to become a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) or subzone through FTZ Rockford and the Greater Rockford Airport Authority. If approved, your business may see benefits to cash flow, supply-chain timelines and inventory control. 

LEARN ABOUT FTZ #176

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Workforce

The area attracts a workforce of more than 780,000 within a 45-minute drive. In addition, Rock Valley College recently opened its Advanced Technology Center, in the heart of Boone County, providing the tools and education needed to enhance locally-trained, skilled workers.


Sites & Buildings

When you're ready to make the move, Boone County has sites and buildings to meet your company's ever-growing need for space. With existing industrial buildings and site ready for development, you're sure to find the perfect spot to relocate or expand your business. 


We're Here for You

Growth Dimensions is the economic development arm for Belvidere and Boone County, Illinois. Our knowledgeable team can assist you in the process of finding the perfect location, providing access to incentives and capital, and connecting you with local decision makers. 

Contact us at 815-547-4252 or by email at info@growthdimensions.org. Or, simply fill out and submit the contact form on this page. A member of our team will follow-up to provide more information and answer questions.