Email sent to Sears employees

An email sent to employees by Sears Holdings CEO and President Lou D'Ambrosio following an Illinois Senate vote for tax breaks for the Hoffman Estates-based retailer. Date: Dec. 13, 2011To: All Sears Holdings AssociatesFrom: Lou D'Ambrosio, CEO and PresidentRe: Update on Our Corporate HeadquartersI made a commitment during our recent Town Hall to communicate as soon as new developments arose concerning our corporate headquarters. Today, I am pleased to report that the Illinois General Assembly passed the legislation designed to keep Sears Holdings in the state of Illinois.While the legislation still needs to be signed by Gov. Pat Quinn, he has been a strong supporter of ours throughout this process and I believe he will do so. When he does, it is our intention to cease the review of alternative locations and remain in Illinois where we have been located for nearly 125 years.I'd like to thank those of you who answered my call to action and previously reached out to your legislators asking for their support. Your involvement was an important part of our success. That effort helped support the work being done by our biggest champions over the last several months #8212; our local lawmakers, Sens. Dan Kotowski and Matt Murphy and Rep. Fred Crespo. They understand the impact Sears has on the state, the local economy and the repercussions if Sears left Illinois. I would encourage you to reach out to them and thank them for their efforts on our behalf.I am also appreciative of the efforts of Gov. Quinn, Senate President John Cullerton, House Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno and House Minority Leader Tom Cross #8212; as well as House Revenue Chairman John Bradley, Minority Spokesperson David Harris and Senate Revenue Chairwoman Toi Hutchinson for making our company and future in the state a priority.Now that this matter is nearing its conclusion, let's move forward with an unmatched focus on our customers and Members and restoring our company to greatness. Lou