Bill Text: IL HR0944 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Commends Lifeway Foods, Inc. for its outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions to the State of Illinois and celebrates its dedication to excellence, innovation, and community enrichment. Expresses concerns regarding the potential acquisition of Lifeway Foods, Inc. by Danone North America PBC and urges all stakeholders to carefully consider the potential adverse effects on the Illinois economy and workforce. Reaffirms a commitment to supporting Illinois-based businesses like Lifeway Foods, Inc., especially founded by immigrants drawn to the freedom of our shores and nurtured in Illinois' economic climate, whose continued success and presence are essential to the State's economic health and prosperity.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Failed) 2025-01-07 - Session Sine Die [HR0944 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-HR0944-Introduced.html

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HR0944 LRB103 43284 MST 76572 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Illinois-based businesses play a critical role in
driving economic growth, innovation, and community vitality
within the State; and
WHEREAS, Lifeway Foods, Inc., headquartered in Morton
Grove, has established itself as a leading producer of
probiotic and cultured dairy products, exemplifying excellence
in business operations and community engagement; and
WHEREAS, Lifeway Foods, Inc. was founded in 1986 by
Michael Smolyansky, who immigrated to the United States from
the former Soviet Union with the vision of introducing the
health benefits of kefir to the American market; and
WHEREAS, Lifeway Foods, Inc., under the leadership of
Julie Smolyansky, has continued to expand and excel, achieving
significant milestones as a publicly traded company and as an
industry leader in innovative, health-focused food and
beverage solutions; and
WHEREAS, Lifeway Foods, Inc. has consistently prioritized
excellence, sustainability, and corporate responsibility by
delivering high-quality products; and

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WHEREAS, Lifeway Foods, Inc. has significantly expanded
its global footprint, exporting its products to numerous
countries, including Mexico, the Caribbean, South Africa and,
as a co-packer, Ireland for further distribution in France,
thus showcasing Illinois as a leader in health-focused food
manufacturing on the international stage; and
WHEREAS, Lifeway Foods, Inc. entered into a groundbreaking
distribution agreement in the United Arab Emirates in November
of 2024, bringing its kefir and farmer cheese products to
supermarkets and hypermarkets in Dubai and across the
Emirates, further cementing its global presence; and
WHEREAS, Exports are vital to the Illinois economy,
driving job creation, enhancing global trade relationships,
and reinforcing the State's position as an economic leader;
and
WHEREAS, Lifeway Foods, Inc. has demonstrated exceptional
financial success, achieving record annual net sales of $160.1
million in 2023, representing a 13.1% year-over-year increase,
and reporting a net income of $11.4 million, a substantial
rise from $0.9 million in 2022; and
WHEREAS, Lifeway Foods, Inc. employs approximately 288
individuals, with a significant portion of its workforce based

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in Illinois, thereby strengthening the local economy and
providing valuable employment opportunities for residents; and
WHEREAS, Lifeway Foods, Inc. has received widespread
recognition for its contributions to health and wellness, with
its products becoming a staple in households across Illinois
and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Lifeway Foods, Inc., along with other innovative
food manufacturers, are essential to the economy of Illinois,
driving advancements in the food and beverage sector,
fostering sustainability, and contributing to the State's
global competitiveness; and
WHEREAS, Lifeway Foods, Inc. has recently been the target
of an unsolicited acquisition proposal from Danone North
America PBC, which seeks to acquire the remaining shares of
Lifeway that it does not already own; and
WHEREAS, Such an acquisition could result in significant
operational changes, including potential relocation or
restructuring, which might negatively impact the State's
workforce and corporate leadership currently provided by
Lifeway Foods, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Maintaining Lifeway Food's independence and

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Illinois-based operations is crucial for preserving the jobs,
innovation, and economic benefits the company delivers to the
State; and
WHEREAS, Supporting local businesses and preventing the
loss of corporate headquarters to out-of-state entities, which
usually diminish economic activity and employment
opportunities within Illinois, is vital; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we commend Lifeway Foods, Inc. for its outstanding
achievements and invaluable contributions to the State of
Illinois, and we celebrate its dedication to excellence,
innovation, and community enrichment; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we express our concerns regarding the
potential acquisition of Lifeway Foods, Inc. by Danone North
America PBC and urge all stakeholders to carefully consider
the potential adverse effects on the Illinois economy and
workforce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we reaffirm our commitment to supporting
Illinois-based businesses like Lifeway Foods, Inc., especially
those founded by immigrants drawn to the freedom of our shores
and nurtured in Illinois' economic climate, whose continued

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success and presence are essential to the State's economic
health and prosperity; and be it further