Pritzker celebrates expansion of French cheese maker in GOP leader’s district

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is celebrating the expansion of a French cheese-making facility in Illinois House Republican Leader Tony McCombie’s district.

Pritzker announced that Savencia Cheese USA would add a new production line at its facility in the Stephenson County village of Lena, creating 50 new jobs while retaining 125 existing positions.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Pritzker recalled that former Republican Gov. Jim Thompson was proactive in building economic development opportunities in Illinois.

“Our renewed vigor in many ways, following his lead, has made Illinois a state that is truly open for business now,” Pritzker said.

McCombie, R-Savanna, and whose district includes Lena, said creating more jobs is a plus but criticized Pritzker’s policies.

“Job growth is always positive, and we can and should be doing more to make it a trend in our state,” McCombie said in a statement to The Center Square.

McCombie said Illinois needs positive, pro-growth policies that stimulate local economies and instill confidence in the state’s future.

“Instead, under Governor Pritzker we have had more government regulation, more taxes and more mismanagement that continue to hinder significant progress,” McCombie stated.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards joined Pritzker at Friday’s announcement.

Richards said the expansion of the Savencia facility was supported by state tax credits.

“This is one of the most important tools in our economic development toolbox. The EDGE program helps us compete for investments, just like the one we’re celebrating today,” Richards said.

Richards said companies in the EDGE program committed to invest $2.6 billion in Illinois communities.

Charlotte Montel, Consul General of France, thanked Pritzker and the state of Illinois.

“It’s the second time we meet in a joint press conference. It’s always very good news because it means we have good French announcements,” Montel said.

The announcement of 50 new jobs happened a day after preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that the state’s year-over-year unemployment rate has gone up.

The statewide unemployment rate last month was 4.8%, up from 4.4% in December 2024. The national unemployment rate was 4.4% in December.