The 2002 Economic Census ranks states by their top industries. Per capita, Illinois is first in "construction and mining (except oil well) machinery and equipment merchant wholesalers," which may seem a little boring.  But we are second in “beer, wine, and distilled alcoholic beverage merchant wholesalers”, third in “nonchocolate confectionery manufacturing” and fourth in “Mayonnaise, dressing, and other prepared sauce manufacturing”.  Mmmm, red licorice and jelly beans with a side of  French dressing please!  Should I pair that with a red or white wine?  (We suspect either is fine as long as you are of age and refrain from jumping on a bulldozer afterwards.)

Rounding out our top five is “office machinery and equipment rental and leasing.”  

To see industries in which Illinois ranks first in terms of total sales or receipts, or to check out other information from the 2002 Economic Census, visit Top Ranking Industries Organized by State.  (And yes, per capita,  Wisconsin is still number one in cheese.)