Chemistry industry is vital to economy

As the Obama administration takes form over the next several weeks and begins crafting policy, the nation's new leaders need to have a firm understanding of the crucial role the chemistry industry plays in economy in the Chicago area, Illinois and the country as a whole.

Illinois has nurtured and sustained both President-elect Obama's political career and the chemistry industry. Obama has risen to become the nation's chief executive, while the chemistry industry has transformed into a vital economic engine for the state and beyond.

The business of chemistry directly employs over 49,000 employees in the state, with an average industry wage of $73,284 per worker, according to government data. An additional 281,700 jobs in Illinois are generated indirectly by chemistry industry activity in Illinois and other states. With 726 chemistry facilities, Illinois ranks seventh in the U.S. with more than $32 billion worth of output, including $6.2 billion in exports.

In and around the Chicago area alone, chemistry companies directly employ approximately 40,000 people, while other companies dependent on the products of chemistry - companies that make building materials, textiles and pharmaceuticals - employ thousands of people. The industry's annual payroll in the Chicago area is $3.5 billion.

Chicago is a window on the chemistry industry and what we all have developed and nurtured into a huge economic engine. With annual sales at $664 billion, chemistry products account for 10 percent of the nation's exports and directly touch 96 percent of all U.S. manufactured goods.

Maintaining this engine along with America's global leadership will require President Obama and the new Congress to recognize that our industry is a national asset that should be supported by policies that enhance competitiveness.

Mark Biel

Executive Director

Chemical Industry Council of Illinois

Cal Dooley

President and CEO

American Chemistry Council