Major Companies Leave Illinois Ahead of Democrat Convention

Morton Salt has announced its relocation from Chicago to Overland Park, Kansas, joining a trend of major companies leaving the city for more business-friendly environments.

Originally established in Chicago nearly 180 years ago, Morton Salt has faced challenges, including a significant workforce reduction in 2021.

Observers attribute this exodus to Illinois’s unfavorable business climate and rising crime rates.

Today, Texas widened its lead as the #1 state in America for Fortune 500 company headquarters.

We are proud that Catapillar now calls Texas home.

We are a perfect fit for this international brand. https://t.co/qrK06SnWrR

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) June 14, 2022

“Morton Salt moving its headquarters from Chicago to Kansas makes sense,” one X user wrote.

“Not only has Morton Salt been mined and refined in Kansas for more than 125 years, but Chicago has a terrible economic climate due to democrat policies. Plus, less crime in Kansas!”

Other notable companies that have recently left Chicago include Boeing, which moved to Arlington, Virginia, Caterpillar, relocating to Texas, and Citadel, transferring to Miami, all citing similar reasons of a better business environment and safety concerns.

These moves coincide with the upcoming Democratic National Convention, prompting businesses in Chicago to prepare for potential protests.

“The region makes strategic sense for our global headquarters given its proximity to our customers and stakeholders, and its access to world-class engineering and technical talent,” Boeing President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Calhoun said.

“Moving their headquarters to Chicago and away from their roots in the Pacific Northwest was a tragic mistake,” former House of Representatives Transportation Committee Chair Peter DeFazio said. “Moving their headquarters again, this time to be closer to the federal regulators and policymakers in Washington, D.C. is another step in the wrong direction. Boeing’s problem isn’t a lack of access to government, but rather its ongoing production problems and the failures of management and the board that led to the fatal crashes of the 737 Max.”

“We believe Charlotte presents a unique opportunity for TTX that provides for strategic partnerships to strengthen our business,” TTX president and CEO Thomas F. Wells stated. “Our company is positioned to provide strong rail and freight car management services from the Charlotte metro area – as such, we are excited to partner with local innovators, business leaders, and academic institutions to drive value for the North American rail industry and the local economy. We also look forward to welcoming new local talent to join our existing workforce to continue to drive our long-term success.”

“Designated as the number one state in the nation to do business for the second year in a row, our quality of life, infrastructure and talented, well-educated workforce lets companies know they will find success in North Carolina,” Gov. Roy Cooper added. “Charlotte’s stellar reputation as a place to do business makes TTX’s decision to move its headquarters to the Queen City no surprise.”

“Bringing our talented corporate team members and businesses together under one roof unlocks greater opportunities to share perspectives and ideas, while also enabling us to act quickly to solve problems and provide the innovative products solutions that our customers deserve and value,” Tyson Foods CEO Donnie King said.