In a significant shift, Morton Salt, the largest salt producer in North America, has announced the relocation of its headquarters from Chicago to Overland Park, Kansas.

The company’s departure is part of a growing exodus of businesses from Chicago ahead of the Democratic National Convention, highlighting concerns about the city’s business environment that is causing more and more enterprises to drop out of the area, as Breitbart reports.

Morton Salt's choice to move to Overland Park is not entirely surprising. The company has a long history in Kansas, where its salt has been mined and refined for over 125 years.

This move also aligns with a broader trend among companies seeking safer, more business-friendly environments. Illinois, which ranks 33rd in the U.S. for business friendliness according to CNBC, has seen several prominent companies relocate in recent years.

Other Major Companies Have Already Left

The departure of Morton Salt follows a series of high-profile exits from Illinois. In May 2022, Boeing moved its global headquarters from Chicago to Arlington, Virginia.

Boeing’s President and CEO, Dave Calhoun, stated that the move made strategic sense due to Arlington’s proximity to key customers and stakeholders, as well as access to world-class engineering talent. However, some critics argued that Boeing’s frequent relocations reflect deeper management issues within the company.

Just a month later, in June 2022, Caterpillar announced its decision to move its headquarters from Illinois to Irving, Texas. Jim Umpleby, CEO of Caterpillar, emphasized that the move was in the company’s best strategic interest. Texas Governor Greg Abbott hailed the relocation, describing Texas as a perfect fit for Caterpillar’s international brand.

Crime And Economic Concerns Drive Relocations

In September 2022, Citadel, a leading global financial institution, moved its headquarters to Miami, Florida. Ken Griffin, CEO of Citadel, cited safety concerns as a significant factor in the decision, mentioning incidents where his colleagues were victims of violent crime in Chicago. The city’s crime rates and economic challenges have been ongoing concerns for many businesses operating in the area.

Another major exit occurred in July 2023 when TTX, a provider of rail and freight car management services, relocated its headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Thomas F. Wells, President and CEO of TTX, highlighted the opportunities in Charlotte’s vibrant business environment, emphasizing the company’s eagerness to partner with local innovators and welcome new talent. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper praised the decision, pointing to Charlotte’s strong reputation as a business-friendly city.

Illinois’ Declining Appeal to Businesses

Tyson Foods also scaled back its presence in Illinois, moving corporate jobs to its headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, in 2022.

Donnie King, CEO of Tyson Foods, noted that bringing the company’s corporate team members together under one roof would enhance collaboration and innovation. This move further underscores the trend of businesses leaving Illinois in search of more favorable conditions.

The exodus of these companies raises questions about the future of Illinois as a hub for major corporations. The state’s business environment, characterized by high taxes, regulatory challenges, and concerns about public safety, has made it increasingly difficult for companies to justify maintaining their headquarters there.

As a result, many have chosen to relocate to states with more favorable conditions for business growth and employee safety.

Democratic Convention Amplifies Concerns

The upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago has only added to the concerns of businesses in the city. With the event set to begin on Monday morning, many businesses have taken precautions by boarding up windows in anticipation of potential protests. The convention is expected to draw significant attention, and the possibility of unrest has further heightened anxiety among local businesses.

While the convention is a significant political event, the departure of major corporations from Illinois casts a shadow over Chicago’s status as a business-friendly city. The city’s challenges, from economic struggles to safety concerns, have prompted companies to seek out more stable environments where they can thrive.

Corporate Exodus Reflects Broader Issues

The relocation of Morton Salt and other major companies is indicative of broader issues facing Illinois. As businesses continue to leave the state, the question remains whether Illinois can reverse this trend and restore its reputation as a favorable location for corporate headquarters. The exodus not only impacts the state’s economy but also raises concerns about the long-term viability of Chicago as a major business center.

In conclusion, the decision by Morton Salt to move its headquarters to Kansas, along with the departure of other major companies from Illinois, underscores the significant challenges facing the state. As the Democratic National Convention approaches, the spotlight on Chicago will only intensify, bringing these issues to the forefront of national attention.

The future of Illinois as a business hub remains uncertain, with many questioning whether the state can address the concerns that have driven so many companies to seek greener pastures elsewhere.