Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is in Spain on an unannouced trip with hopes of attracting investments in the state.
The governor is in Madrid, hoping to persuade investors to look into manufacturing, construction, and alternative energy in Illinois, his spokeswoman, Brooke Anderson, told the Chicago Tribune.
"The governor is on an economic trade trip to promote Illinois as a trading partner and a world class location for business investment and expansion," she said. "While in Madrid, the governor will meet with Spanish businesses, representative commercial associations, and high level representatives of Spain's government.
Quinn is scheduled to return to Illinois Sunday and is paying for his own travel, though the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment is covering expenses for two aides accompanying the governor, the Tribune reported.
The governor has previously made similar trips to Belgium, Brazil, and China.
Firms with Spanish owners employ more than 1,200 people in Illinois, the governor's office told the Tribune.
