(a) The Department, in its discretion, may establish a program of grants to be matched by economic development entities in the State to finance and promote local economic development. The Department is authorized to make grants, subject to appropriations by the General Assembly for this purpose, to nonprofit organizations and units of local government whose primary objectives are to promote Illinois communities as sites for industrial and business location and expansion. The goal of the program is to enhance the marketing of Illinois by enabling regions and communities to market themselves and thereby attract new business and industry to the State and enhance the environment of growth for existing business and industry. (b) The applicant's proposed project must have a definable impact on business and industrial attraction, recruitment, or retention. Items eligible for funding consideration include, but are not limited to, specific, time-limited research studies related to industrial and business recruitment or retention, advertising and public relation expenses related to the applicant's proposed project, and production of printed materials and brochures, slide presentations and videotapes, and internet home pages for distribution to those involved in expansion or relocation activities. (c) In determining the recipients of the grants, consideration shall be given to the following factors: (1) Does the project demonstrate collaboration between more than one municipality, county, and region? (2) Does the project demonstrate substantial potential for economic return from an area outside the applicant's region and provide research measurement? (3) Does the project show creativity and good design qualities and appropriately target a specific market? (4) Does the project support the Department's economic development out-of-state marketing efforts? (5) Is the project a demonstrable part of a long-range marketing or strategic plan? (6) Are the projected costs for the project well-researched and reasonable? (d) State grant dollars shall be evenly matched by the applicant. (e) (Blank). (f) The grants made under this Section shall be in addition to any other grant programs currently in place and administered by the Department. (g) The Department shall adopt rules to implement this program. between more than one municipality, county, and region? potential for economic return from an area outside the applicant's region and provide research measurement? qualities and appropriately target a specific market? economic development out-of-state marketing efforts? long-range marketing or strategic plan? well-researched and reasonable?
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