More than 1,200 industrial companies contribute to the strength of the Chicago Southland's economy. Among the well-recognized corporate names that call the Chicago Southland home are Owens-Corning, Turtle Wax, Best Foods, Bliss and Laughlin, Clark Oil, Mobil, LTV, Ford, Clorox, and Signode.

Products made in the Chicago Southland are as varied as the area's 71 communities: auto parts, railroad freight cars, satellite dishes, steel tubing and pipe, college textbooks, air and hydraulic cylinders, specialty coatings and pigment dispersions, and many, many others. The annual production of crops and livestock from the Chicago Southland's vast farmlands also makes a significant contribution to the region's economy.

Economic incentives such as low interest loans, Enterprise Zones, and Tax Increment Financing districts are used by many Chicago Southland communities to attract new business and industry, to encourage expansion of existing firms, and to stimulate revitalization of commercial districts.\ Chicago Southland's five exposition centers have a collective 250,000-square feet of floor space. Each center is well-suited for trade shows and conventions. In addition, the area's colleges and universities have facilities for business meetings and special activities. They also offer custom-tailored training courses and programs designed to meet local employment needs.

The Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce provides a variety of special services to business and industry. Through the Chicago Southland Management Institute (CSMI) the Chamber conducts a continuing series of workshops, seminars, and special events. CSMI is a cooperative venture involving the Chamber, Governors State University, Prairie State College, and South Suburban College.

The more than 35 banks and savings institutions in Chicago Southland encourage business growth and provide a sound economic foundation.

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