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| Chicagoland Chamber Hosts Secretary Pritzker and Congressman Quigley for a Roundtable Discussion on Trade
Today, the Chicagoland Chamber hosted an invitation-only roundtable discussion on the President’s trade agenda with U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker and Congressman Mike Quigley. The discussion provided an opportunity for Chamber members to share thoughts on how the President’s trade agenda is critical to maintaining Chicago’s economic growth and leadership as an export hub.
The President’s trade agenda allows Chicago businesses to access fast-growing international markets, and affords the United States the ability to set the standards for global trade. In addition, the international trade agreements being negotiated maintain and create new jobs and expand business growth.
“The President’s trade agenda is focused on enhancing American competitiveness and setting the conditions for the U.S. economy, our businesses and our workforce to thrive in the 21st century,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker.
In Congressman Quigley’s district alone, exports support more than 100,000 jobs. “Imagine how many more high-quality jobs we can create by breaking down the barriers that prevent Chicago-made goods and services from entering new markets,” said Rep. Quigley.
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| Chamber members represented included: AT&T, The Boeing Company, Coca-Cola, Garrett Brands, J.P. Morgan Chase, Microsoft, PNC Bank, UPS, and Walmart.
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City of Chicago Update:
City Council met on Wednesday, July 29. The Council approved new board members to the Chicago Infrastructure Trust, a public-private partnership for investing in infrastructure projects. Leslie Darling, currently First Deputy Corporation Counsel, was approved to serve as the Executive Director and City Treasurer Kurt Summers is the new Board Chair.
Chicago Infrastructure Trust Board members are Alderman Matt O’Shea (19th Ward), Debra Cafaro (CEO of Ventas), Carl Lingenfelter (Chief Administration Officer at Northern Trust Hedge Fund Services), Kym Hubbard (Global Head of Investments for EY Global), Miguel Zarate (Managing Partner for Marquette Associates), and Jorge Ramirez (President of the Chicago Federation of Labor).
Also in City Council, Alderman Cardenas (12), Chairman of the Committee on Health and Environmental Protection, introduced an ordinance reviving the soda tax. The tax would apply at a penny per ounce for all soda, energy drinks and other sugary beverages.
Chicago’s plastic bag ban took effect on August 1. The ban prevents retailers occupying stores that are more than 10,000 square feet from offering plastic bags to customers. By August 2016 the ban will be expanded to smaller chain stores and franchises. Small, non-franchise stores and restaurants are exempt. The plastic bag ordinance passed in April 2014. The Chamber opposed the ordinance out of concern that it would create a burden for businesses and customers, resulting in higher costs for consumers.
On July 31, the City released the Annual Financial Analysis for 2015. The analysis shows the City faces a $426 million deficit with a $233 million operating shortfall, $93 million increase in pension payments, and $100 million in debt repayments.
The next City Council Meeting is Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.
The Mayor will introduce the city budget for 2016 to City Council on September 16, 2015.
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Chicagoland Chamber in the News:
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Upcoming Public Policy Events:
Special Policy Meeting with Carole Brown CFO, City of Chicago and Alex Holt Budget Director, City of Chicago
When: Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Where: Chamber Board Room, 410 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 900
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Special Policy Meeting with Dorval Carter, President of the CTA, and Ginger Evans, Aviation Commissioner, City of Chicago
When: Thursday, August 13, 2015
Where: Chamber Board Room, 410 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 900
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
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We want to hear from you about any issues that may be of importance to you and your business. Please contact me directly with any questions or concerns at mreever@chicagolandchamber.org or 312-806-1508.
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| Sincerely,
Michael L. Reever, Esq.
Vice President, Government Relations
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
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| Public Policy Committee
Mark Segal, Chair, STI Advisors LLC | Susan Sher, Vice-Chair, University of Chicago Hospital | Adrian Guerrero, Union Pacific Railroad | Ray Drake, UPS | James Kane, Kane & Co. | Anil Anuja, CCJM | Manny Sanchez, Sanchez Hoffman Daniels | Ira Azulay, Immigration Attorneys, LLP | Robin L. Brown, Ingredion Incorporated | Pat Cermak, Wight & Company | Harry Seigle, The Elgin Company | Rick Bodnum, CME Group
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Public Policy Division
Michael Reever, Vice President, Government Relations
312.494.6736
Elise Houren, Director, Government Relations
312.494.6727
Chamber Policy Consultant
Joan Parker
Joan A. Parker Government Affairs
312.909.1313
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Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
410 North Michigan Avenue | Suite 900 | Chicago, IL 60611
312.494.6700 | ChicagolandChamber.org |
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