Congressman, Business Leaders Discuss Tax Reform Benefits and Workforce Development Priorities for Securing Illinois’ Economic Prosperity
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and Flavorchem Corporation hosted Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) for a facility tour and business leader roundtable on Monday to discuss the real-world impact of tax reform and other ways Congress can better serve the interests of Illinois manufacturers, workers and their families.
During the visit, Flavorchem announced a previously-undisclosed $4 million investment in new equipment helped made possible due to the historic tax reform law enacted last year. Roskam was able to view the upgraded spray dryer and air pollution control device while touring the facility.
“Manufacturers are truly grateful for the leadership of Rep. Roskam,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Thanks to his support of bold tax reform last year, manufacturers across Illinois and across America have been 
empowered to invest in our people and our communities—just as Flavorchem has been able to invest in new equipment that will support jobs and business in Downers Grove. Last year, manufacturers made a promise: if lawmakers stood with us and passed tax reform, we would grow manufacturing here in the United States, buying new equipment and creating new opportunities for working men andwomen. Rep. Roskam and his colleagues delivered, and now, we’re keeping our promise—and there’s even more good news on the way.”
During the roundtable, company leaders thanked Roskam for his leadership on tax reform, and credited the law for making it easier to purchase new equipment.
“Rep. Roskam’s leadership on tax reform supported our long-term, community-focused strategic plan of making a $4 million expansion of our production, and enabled us to keep our strong commitment to meeting the highest standards of quality, safety and supply chain contingency,” said Ken Malinowski, President of Flavorchem Corporation.
The discussion also focused on the importance of building on the momentum of tax reform to ensure manufacturers can continue to invest in their businesses and workers.
“Manufacturing is an integral part of the American economy and the 6th District is home to many of our state’s manufacturing companies. Local manufacturers like Flavorchem employ nearly 600,000 people in Illinois, and their new facility in Downers Grove will provide quality jobs to many of my constituents,” said Roskam. “I’m pleased to have Flavorchem as part of the 6th District and look forward to their great success.”
“Chamber630 is pleased to partner with the National Association of Manufacturers to highlight a premier Downers Grove business such as FlavorChem to Congressman Roskam. The impact of responsible tax reform has already shown an increase in private investment with a stronger workforce. We at Chamber630 congratulate Flavorchem on their expansion of their facilities and support their strong long-term, community-focused strategic plan for manufacturing in the Downers Grove area. Our mission is to provide and protect economic opportunities for businesses; tax reform was a priority and we are seeing results locally,” said Laura Crawford, President of Chamber630.
Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports 571,800 jobs in Illinois alone, according to the NAM. Today’s event focused on the increasing optimism among local manufacturers and the ways local business leaders are already taking advantage of the historic reforms.
