The head of Caterpillar is serving on a new business council announced during Governor Pat Quinn’s State of the State address.  Doug Oberhelman is one of 18 private and public sector leaders on the Export Advisory Council.  Quinn says the council will help meet the state’s goal to double exports by 2014:

“More exports to more foreign markets means more jobs for more Illinois workers,” Quinn says.

“Our exports have jumped 30-percent this year, almost double the national average.”

Quinn praised Caterpillar’s record-breaking increase in sales and revenue last year.  The company posted a 41-percent increase from 2010.  Oberhelman says he will provide candid feedback to help the state boost exports and overall business growth.  Quinn says the council will meet with the state Departments of Commerce and Agriculture to find ways to expand products shipped outside of Illinois.  He says the council will then recommend programs and policies to meet that goal.  Others on the council include the CEO of Navistar and Motorola Solutions.