As summer approaches, the Chamber’s international events and initiatives are heating up with the weather. Last week, we co-hosted a delegation of officials and business leaders from Mexico City for four days of learning about Chicago’s business community, tech scene and economic development strategy. This was a tremendous opportunity to facilitate connections between local and Mexican companies and begin to position Chicago as the central hub for entrepreneurs and tech companies throughout North America.

Following the Mexico City delegation’s visit, the Chamber’s own Greg Stevens spoke with WBEZ on Friday of last week about what makes Chicago’s tech ecosystem so attractive and uniquely positioned to become the base for international tech firms in the U.S. You can listen to the audio of Stevens’ interview here and check out Chicago Tribune’s coverage the Mexican delegation’s visit here.

On Friday, we hosted a luncheon in honor of H.E. Jalil Abbas Jilani, Ambassador of Pakistan to the U.S. (on right in photo), where almost 50 attendees from a variety of industries discussed business and investment opportunities between Pakistan and Chicago.

Looking forward: Tomorrow, the Chamber is hosting an EU panel focused on how countries hit by the financial crisis plan to create a competitive model for future growth. Next week, the Chamber is co-hosting the China Gateway Cities and City of Chicago Trade and Investment Forum featuring Mr. Zhang Xiangchen, China’s Assistant Minister of Commerce. Stay tuned for more Chamber events later this summer focused on assisting Chamber members and Illinois businesses gain access to global markets and international resources.

Theresa E. Mintle
President & CEO
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

At the Annual Meeting on June 24, we will once again be announcing the winner of The James Tyree Emerging Business Leadership Award.  Created in memory of one of our city’s great business and civic leaders, Jim Tyree, this award will provide a Chicagoland small and emerging business with a $25,000 cash prize as well as in-kind services to help facilitate the continued growth of the company.

Click here for more information or to apply for the award. Please encourage any small business owners you know that fit the criteria to apply before the May 30 deadline.

Throughout 2013, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce fought to protect the interests of the local business community and push for reforms to ensure future growth and success for our region. Our recently released 2013 Public Policy Legislative Report includes a summary of Chamber activities and results as measured against priorities established in the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce 2013 Legislative Agenda.

Public employee pension reform topped the Chamber’s agenda, in addition to supporting a land-based casino in Chicago, hydraulic fracturing in Illinois, and expansion of Medicaid. The Chamber opposed an increase in the minimum wage and mandatory disclosure of corporate tax returns, and weighed in on concealed carry of firearms. Most notable, the Chamber took aggressive action against burdensome and illegal taxes by successfully suing Cook County.

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