GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH ANNOUNCES OPPORTUNITY RETURNS IS SPURRING MAJOR EXPANSION FOR DECATUR COMPANY

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod Blagojevich today announced that Omnicare of Decatur is receiving Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) corporate income tax credits based on creating and retaining more than 100 jobs as it expands its operations in Central Illinois. This important project is a part of his Opportunity Returns program for the Central region – the Governor’s pro-active, comprehensive plan to promote economic growth and create more jobs throughout the region.

“The goal of Opportunity Returns is simple: if we are going to build a stronger economy, we need to keep jobs in Illinois and create new ones,” said Governor Blagojevich. “When a good company like Omnicare is willing to invest in our state, we need to invest in it. This expansion is another example of how, one company at a time and one job at a time, we can get people working again and get our economy back on track.”

Omnicare, operating locally as Enloe Drugs, will receive more than $640,000 in tax credits over ten years, which are expected to help retain 100 jobs and create six new jobs as a result of the company’s major capital investment to lease a new facility in Decatur. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) EDGE tax credits are available to companies that make capital investments that will result in job creation and/or retention.

Enloe Drugs, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Omnicare, Inc, a publicly traded company headquartered in Kentucky. Enloe has operated in Decatur since the 1930s, first as a retail drug store, then later refocusing as an institutional pharmacy. Enloe now services the daily medicinal needs of more than 35,000 nursing home residents, making it the largest single provider of these services in Illinois. Enloe operates pharmacies in Decatur, Peoria and South Elgin, as well as two in Iowa. The Decatur location serves not only as a local pharmacy, but also as the company’s corporate office.

“We are thrilled that Enloe has chosen to expand its operation here in Decatur and that Opportunity Returns is assisting it in this important expansion. Governor Blagojevich’s grassroots commitment to economic growth at the local level is already making a real difference in our region and will continue to do so in the future,”State Rep. Robert Flider (D-Decatur) said.

"Enloe's decision to remain in Decatur and expand operations is a validation of how we can forge partnerships that will help our local economy continue to grow. Governor Blagojevich understands this, and his support is a clear indication of the state's commitment to creating and retaining good jobs," Economic Development Corp. of Decatur and Macon County President Craig Coil said.

“Opportunity Returns is helping Illinois attract and keep good companies and jobs in Decatur and throughout the Central region,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said. “When you consider the benefits – 100 jobs retained, six created – our investment in Omnicare will pay tremendous dividends for our economy.”

The Opportunity Returns regional economic development plan is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – finding areas with common economic strengths and needs, and developing a plan with specific actions for each region. This grassroots effort is a product of significant outreach over several months with business, civic and labor leaders, and elected officials. Opportunity Returns contains tangible actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to business.