* 8/25/25 - Crains - Intersect Illinois undertakes a rebranding (as Illinois Economic Development Corporation) as it markets the state's economy...........................................
Buzz Sawyer
August 25, 2025
Intersect Illinois undertakes a rebranding as it markets the state's economy
Intersect Illinois, the state’s public-private effort to recruit business, is changing its name but not its mission.
The organization, which has 56 corporate members, now calls itself the Illinois Economic Development Corp. What the name lacks in pizzazz, it makes up for with pragmatism. To outsiders, who are the group’s primary audience, Intersect Illinois doesn’t say much about what the entity does.
“Illinois EDC embodies our sharper strategy and bold vision to make Illinois a premier destination for business and innovation,” Chairman John Atkinson said in a written statement.
Intersect Illinois was launched nearly a decade ago by Gov. Bruce Rauner with an eye toward privatizing the state's economic-development function, following the lead of Texas, Indiana and other states. The organization languished until JB Pritzker integrated it with the governor’s office and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Development to bring new business to the state and get existing companies to add jobs.
Pritzker appointed Atkinson, who began overhauling and expanding the group’s membership, focusing more C-suite executives who could help recruit leaders of companies considering Illinois. Christy George, who led the team that hosted the Democratic National Convention last summer, was hired as CEO.
The group has notched some big wins, such as the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, as well as EV battery maker Gotion.
“The rebranding of this vital statewide economic development organization focuses on making the organization’s identity simpler, more powerful and easier to stand out,” says Michael Fassnacht, who co-chaired Intersect Illinois’ marketing and communications committee.
John Pletz is a senior reporter covering technology, aviation and cannabis for Crain’s Chicago Business.
He joined Crain's in 2007 and previously covered technology for the American-Statesman in Austin, Texas.