That includes making sure employers can find the skilled workers they need and helping to ensure that communities are situated to attract those employees, said Erin Guthrie, who has served since January as acting director of the department that works to support and strengthen the state's business climate. She is expected to remain in the role and receive the title officially.

"(Gov. J.B. Pritzker) and I are energized to reboot Illinois in the sense that we think there is already so much here to talk about," said Guthrie. "We want to keep Illinois competitive when it comes to jobs and businesses and getting them to live here." 

Her stop in Decatur on Tuesday included a tour of Richland Community College, where she was joined by the Rev. Courtney Carson, director of essential skills and community relations at the college; state Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill; and Richland President Cristobal Valdez. It was part of a three-day listening tour to talk with local businesses and community leaders around the state to understand their needs. Other recent stops have included Quincy and Carbondale. 

"Manufacturers, for example, have told us they have many jobs but that they are becoming more advanced so they need employees that meet those demands," Guthrie said. "Something we can do here in Decatur is to work with programs like Richland in designing curriculum based on what the companies are demanding." 

The college last year received a $1.5 million state grant from DCEO, announced at a news conference with Manar. Richland leaders said the money would allow them to fast-track technical training to grow the area's workforce and add to the skills of those who are already a part of it. 

Another helpful measure, Guthrie said, is Senate Bill 1591, which creates a tax credit for education expenses incurred by an employer on behalf of a qualifying apprentice. The legislation passed both chambers of the General Assembly and is awaiting Pritzker's signature. 

Guthrie also noted the Decatur City Council's neighborhood revitalization plan, for which city leaders are developing next steps after more than a year in the planning stages. She said collaborating across different departments on community development programs similar to Decatur's is another way the state can help.

"How do we create these communities people want to live in?" she said. "Does it have to do with housing, parks or activities? My vision is that we create a place that businesses and people are clamoring to move to."