Decatur, Illinois – Decatur, Illinois was named to Global Trade Magazine’s 2018 annual pick for the top 100 cities for global trade, earning special recognition in the “Cities to Watch” category. Their editors “choose these cities based on many factors: what they’ve done, what’s planned, and how global trade has responded to them… from the country’s largest to some tiny cities, all deserve to a look from anyone interested in doing business in the United States.”
In addition to being named in the Top 100 Cities for Global Trade, Decatur was also highlighted as one of the “Cities to Watch.” According to the magazine, “These are cities that deserve attention for their economic climate and the efforts that the leadership and the great citizens are putting in to make their cities great places in which to live and do business.” Other cities included in the list are Madison, Wisconsin; Birmingham, Alabama; Irvine, California; and Baltimore, Maryland.
“The recognition by Global Trade Magazine comes at a great time for the community,” said Ryan McCrady, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur-Macon County. “Our local economic indicators such as total employment and wages earned continue to show strong improvements over recent years. Combine that with Decatur’s global business presence down to local education opportunities and recreation enhancements, we should be a top city to watch. We’re making positive strides on several significant fronts.”
Decatur consistently ranks at the top in the state of Illinois for export container origination according to the U.S. Customs declarations. Container movement into the Decatur region has increased in recent years thanks to the addition of the ADM Intermodal Ramp and its third-party capabilities. Business development efforts by the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur-Macon County and initiatives such as the Midwest Inland Port have brought renewed attention to the region, and additional recognition for industry and quality of life have helped shape the recent upturn in the local economy.

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About the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County
The Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County is a nonprofit public-private partnership responsible for non-retail business attraction, expansion and retention efforts in Decatur & Macon County. Composed of a combination of leading private sector employers, labor, educational institutions and a variety of governmental bodies, the EDC is uniquely positioned to address the needs of Macon County’s existing business and employer base along with prospective businesses looking to locate in and around the Decatur, Illinois area. The EDC works with local, state and federal partners to provide economic, technical and training assistance to businesses in the Macon County area.
For more information, contact:
Ryan McCrady, President
Economic Development Corporation of Decatur-Macon County
Ph: 217-422-9520