Morton pairs global industry with a close-knit local business community. Located at the intersection of Interstates 74 and 155 in Tazewell County, the village is home to world-scale operations, homegrown manufacturers and hundreds of small businesses, all supported by the Morton Chamber of Commerce.
Overview of Morton’s Business and Industrial Landscape
Industry and agriculture have anchored Morton’s economy since the 1800s. Caterpillar came to Morton in the 1950s and helped draw Interstate 74 to its current route; today its Worldwide Parts and Distribution Center in Morton is the company’s largest such facility in the world. The Nestlé/Libby’s plant in the center of the village packs about 85% of the world’s canned pumpkin, earning Morton the title “Pumpkin Capital of the World.”
The Morton Chamber of Commerce has served the community since 1955. Its mission is to enhance business and build community, and it connects more than 400 member businesses through events, promotion, advocacy and resources for businesses at every stage.
Key Features of Morton’s Business Environment
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
- Direct access to Interstates 74 and 155.
- 10 minutes from Peoria, 30 minutes from Bloomington-Normal, 50 minutes from Springfield, and about three hours from Chicago and St. Louis.
- Peoria International Airport is 12 miles away; Central Illinois Regional Airport and an Amtrak station are in Bloomington-Normal.
Homegrown Industry
- Caterpillar’s Morton center handles more than 375,000 part numbers and ships orders worldwide.
- Morton Buildings, Morton Industries and Matcor all have deep roots in the community.
- Local retailers, restaurants, service firms and family-owned businesses make up much of the Chamber’s membership.
Business Support and Incentives
- The Village of Morton offers incentives through the Morton Enterprise Zone, plus grants, development incentives and site selection assistance.
- The Morton Economic Development Council provides resources, site selection assistance and development support for new and existing businesses.
- The Chamber’s Business Development Resources connect members with the Illinois Small Business Development Center, SCORE, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center.
Local Highlights
- Caterpillar Worldwide Parts and Distribution Center: Caterpillar’s largest parts distribution facility in the world.
- Nestlé/Libby’s Morton Plant: The heart of Morton’s pumpkin heritage and the reason for its Pumpkin Capital title.
- Homegrown Manufacturers: Morton Buildings, Morton Industries and Matcor.
- Small Businesses and Startups: Chamber members that drive local commerce, jobs and community involvement.
Morton Chamber of Commerce Programs
- Member Directory: A searchable directory of trusted local businesses the Chamber recommends.
- Business After Hours: A monthly networking event hosted by a different member business each month.
- Ribbon Cuttings & Open Houses: Public celebrations of new businesses, expansions, renovations and milestones.
- Lunch & Learns: Pop-up sessions led by Chamber members.
- Signature Events: The Annual Meet Up, Community Forecast Breakfast, Project Pumpkin Golf Outing and the Morton Pumpkin Festival.
- Advocacy: The Chamber serves as a voice for the business community and hosts Meet the Candidates, connecting voters with candidates for the Village, school, park district and library boards.
- Member Benefits: Chamber Checks, member coupons, a community job board, sponsorship and advertising opportunities, and a 20-seat board room and small meeting room available to reserve.
Why Morton Excels in Business and Industry
- Geographic Advantage: Interstate access and a location minutes from Peoria.
- World-Class Employers: Caterpillar and Nestlé/Libby’s operate major facilities in the village.
- Homegrown Roots: Manufacturers that started in Morton still call it home.
- Supportive Chamber Network: More than 400 members connected through events, promotion and advocacy.
- Quality of Life: Strong schools, parks and community events that help employers recruit and retain workers.
A Chamber-Driven Future for Morton Business
Morton combines global industry with the energy of local entrepreneurs. The Morton Chamber of Commerce connects, promotes and grows its members, from startups finding their footing to established companies expanding their impact.
For companies seeking a central Illinois location, a strong workforce and a business community that shows up for one another, Morton delivers.