Business View Magazine | March 2020

377 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE MARCH 2020 stop, go to a station at O’Hare, and transfer to the Blue Line “L” train into downtown Chicago. That takes about an hour, as well, from Hoffman Estates into the city. So we have public transit in Hoffman Estates that can take you downtown relatively easily, quickly, and cheaply. The station opened in August 2018 and ridership is steadily growing, in line with the transit company’s projections.” Hoffman Estates has also been very active in the sustainability arena, winning many awards for its sustainable practices and projects, such as LED lighting in the arena and public buildings, and several municipal buildings were designed to LEED silver or gold standards. The Village just adopted its second five-year sustainability plan, which has taken a broadened approach to the subject – focusing on good, sustainable practices from a business, facility, and operational standpoint, combined with environmental and green initiatives. To acknowledge best practices in that regard, the Hoffman Estates V I LLAGE OF HOFFMAN ESTATES , I LL INOI S Green Business Recognition program assists local businesses to achieve their energy and environmental goals, recognizes businesses for their “green” efforts, and educates the community about opportunities and benefits of improving economic sustainability. Hoffman Estates is also helping local businesses grow. To support small to mid-size businesses within Hoffman Estates, the Village has teamed up with four neighboring communities on a business accelerator program called Next Level Northwest. This charitable non-profit public/private partnership works to educate and develop local Stage 2 business leaders to encourage business growth and expansion. Hoffman Estates has also partnered with neighboring communities to bolster the manufacturing workforce pipeline in the region through the Golden Corridor Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (GCAMP). GCAMP strives to change the perception of I-90 bisects Hoffman Estates which provides a great opportunity for the office and manufacturing sector to thrive with companies like Claire’s Accessories, Siemens, TRUMPF, and DMG Mori located within the Huntington90 park to have access to a great workforce and excellent transportation network. Additional land is available within the area for development.