(20 ILCS 605/605-615) (was 20 ILCS 605/46.19e)
    Sec. 605-615. Assistance with exports. The Department shall have the following duties and responsibilities in regard to the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois:
        (1) To establish or cosponsor mentoring conferences,
    
utilizing experienced manufacturing exporters, to explain and provide information to prospective export manufacturers and businesses concerning the process of exporting to both domestic and international opportunities.
        (2) To provide technical assistance to prospective
    
export manufacturers and businesses seeking to establish domestic and international export opportunities.
        (3) To coordinate with the Department's Small
    
Business Development Centers to link buyers with prospective export manufacturers and businesses.
        (4) To promote, both domestically and abroad,
    
products made in Illinois in order to inform consumers and buyers of their high quality standards and craftsmanship.
        (5) To provide technical assistance toward
    
establishment of export trade corporations in the private sector.
        (6) To develop an electronic database to compile
    
information on international trade and investment activities in Illinois companies.
        (7) To collect and distribute to foreign commercial
    
libraries directories, catalogs, brochures, and other information of value to foreign businesses considering doing business in this State.
        (8) To establish an export finance awareness program
    
to provide information to banking organizations about methods used by banks to provide financing for businesses engaged in exporting and about other State and federal programs to promote and expedite export financing.
        (9) To undertake a survey of Illinois' businesses to
    
identify exportable products and the businesses interested in exporting.
(Source: P.A. 102-1071, eff. 6-10-22.)