An Illinois economic development group is wooing Canadian investors as it seeks to attract businesses from outside the U.S. to the state.

Intersect Illinois chose Canada as the first country to target as part of the Be in Illinois campaign, the group announced in a news release. The group is highlighting Illinois as a global business destination, with the right elements to help Canadian businesses accelerate growth.

“Illinois and Canada have tremendous ties and a strong history of partnership,” said Intersect Illinois Chairman John Atkinson. “Lion Electric, Merkur, BMO Financial, McCain Foods and more than 500 other Canadian-owned businesses call Illinois home and employ over 50,000 workers.”

Separated only by Lake Michigan, Canada and Illinois have a long-connected history of cross-border trade and investment in industries, and the state is home to both of Canada’s transcontinental railroads, CN and CPKC.

“Canadian businesses have found a like-minded, supportive place for growth in Illinois and we want to showcase to their counterparts the success that Canadian companies can have here,” said Atkinson.

The campaign will target Canadian business decision-makers in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba, with a blend of advertising and seasonal pushes in key markets. Many Canadian commercial real estate companies have been active in Illinois, particularly in Chicago, in recent decades.