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

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

January 30, 2026/
Spread the love

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

‘Family Month’ backer cites biology, declining birth rates in defense of resolution

‘Family Month’ backer cites biology, declining birth rates in defense of resolution

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Family Institute Executive Director David Smith is praising a proposal from U.S. Rep. Mary Miller...
Aldermen say lawmakers failed to address illegal cannabis sales near schools

Aldermen say lawmakers failed to address illegal cannabis sales near schools

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the Chicago City Council’s public safety committee moved forward with an ordinance that would increase penalties...
Illinois Quick Hits: Oak Park woman charged with child care fraud

Illinois Quick Hits: Oak Park woman charged with child care fraud

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Oak Park woman is charged with defrauding the state of Illinois out of more than $30,000...
Florida attorney general appeals Chicago judge’s ‘lawless’ transgender ruling

Florida attorney general appeals Chicago judge’s ‘lawless’ transgender ruling

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Saying a Chicago federal judge overstepped his constitutional authority, Florida's state attorney general has asked a federal appeals court to quickly reverse...
Congressman calls out Chicago schools' academic woes

Congressman calls out Chicago schools’ academic woes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Public Schools Superintendent Macquline King testified before Congress that math and reading proficiency rates for CPS...
Everyday Economics: A stable labor market is not enough

Everyday Economics: A stable labor market is not enough

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square The May jobs report offered a measure of reassurance: the labor market is stable. Employers are still adding jobs, layoffs remain contained, and the economy...
Fishermen advocate begins campaign against offshore wind, ‘industrializing’ of the ocean

Fishermen advocate begins campaign against offshore wind, ‘industrializing’ of the ocean

By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square (The Center Square ) – The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association began a campaign to bring attention to what it says is a radical climate...
Sorensen drug-pricing bill draws criticism from former FDA official

Sorensen drug-pricing bill draws criticism from former FDA official

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Illinois, is backing legislation he says would lower prescription drug costs by...
Supporters, critics clash over future of taxpayer funding for Rx Kids

Supporters, critics clash over future of taxpayer funding for Rx Kids

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Michigan lawmakers remain divided over the future of the state's Rx Kids program as House Republicans continue scrutinizing the initiative. The first-in-the-nation cash assistance program,...
U.S. Senate race headlines Maine primaries as voters head to polls Tuesday

U.S. Senate race headlines Maine primaries as voters head to polls Tuesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Voters in Maine will head to the polls Tuesday in high profile primary races that could help determine control of Congress. The races have garnered...
Bessent backs 3% deficit goal despite 5% budget forecasts

Bessent backs 3% deficit goal despite 5% budget forecasts

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledged in two congressional hearings this week to cut the federal deficit to 3% of GDP, a target the government's...
Bessent backs 3% deficit goal despite 5% budget forecasts

Bessent backs 3% deficit goal despite 5% budget forecasts

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledged in two congressional hearings this week to cut the federal deficit to 3% of GDP, a target the government's...
Constables hope to find missing children in immigration search effort

Constables hope to find missing children in immigration search effort

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square After months of Congress stalling on funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and administrative changes, Pennsylvania state constables who’ve signed agreements to support federal...
Constables hope to find missing children in immigration search effort

Constables hope to find missing children in immigration search effort

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square After months of Congress stalling on funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and administrative changes, Pennsylvania state constables who’ve signed agreements to support federal...
Lawmaker blasts reports of ‘equitable assessments’ at medical school

Lawmaker blasts reports of ‘equitable assessments’ at medical school

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State Rep. Bill Hauter, a Republican physician and graduate of the University of Illinois College...