Appearing before a sold-out audience at The Hideout, Governor J.B. Pritzker highlighted the importance of small businesses and high-quality jobs in a wide-ranging conversation with talk show star Pat Whalen.

During the light-hearted and fun interview, Governor Pritzker talked about the major role played by manufacturing in supporting Illinois’ economy as well as his work to attract new and emerging industries to Illinois.

One of several recent successes he mentioned is the electric vehicle maker, Rivan. Based in Illinois, the company has seen its workforce grow during the pandemic from 400 to over 4,000.

Governor Pritzker has worked hard to promote Illinois as an ideal place for companies to manufacture and assemble their vehicles. He pointed out that all seven major railroads run across the state.

He knows that high-quality infrastructure is essential to sustainable economic development.  Indeed, one of his proudest accomplishments as Governor is passing legislation that invested $45 billion in improving Illinois’ roads and bridges.

Along with infrastructure, Governor Pritzker spoke about the urgent need to support working families. Shortly after becoming Governor, he raised the minimum wage in Illinois from $8.25 to $15.

Near the end of the show, Katie Tuten, co-owner of the Hideout, thanked Governor Pritzker for the Business Interruption Grants that helped small businesses in the North Branch survive the worst of the pandemic.

North Branch Works would like to congratulate the Hideout for an amazing show that included Good Evening with Pat Whalen, Sherman “Dilla” Thomas, and Isaiah Collier and the Chosen Few.

We’d like to thank Governor Pritzker for visiting our service area and for his support of small businesses, manufacturing, and high-quality jobs.

We look forward to working with you to ensure the North Branch remains a great place to work and do business.