Silvia Garcia, acting director of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, gives the keynote speech at the NW Illinois Economic Development annual meeting at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa outside of Galena, Ill., on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021. PHOTO CREDIT: SYSTEM

Participants at the NW Illinois Economic Development annual meeting at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, outside of Galena, Ill. Photos by Stephen Gassman PHOTO CREDIT: Stephen Gassman, Telegraph Herald

Silvia Garcia, acting director of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, gives the keynote speech at the NW Illinois Economic Development annual meeting at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa outside of Galena, Ill., on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021. PHOTO CREDIT: SYSTEM