"Innovation: Transforming Chicagoland into a Globally Competitive Region"

A Message from the Chairman and Board of Directors

From our early beginnings as the ‘City of Big Shoulders’ to our history as the nation’s transportation and manufacturing center, to our role in today’s high-tech services economy, Chicagoland has always been known for its creative and flexible approach to economic growth. That effort, however, is becoming more challenging with the continued emergence of the global economy, and we need to be increasingly creative to maintain our leadership position; quite simply, we need to be ‘Big Innovators.’ With innovation central to everything we do, we will continue to serve as one of the global centers of commerce known for the quality of its workforce, successful businesses and excellent lifestyle.

Collaborative efforts – including our involvement in the Chicagoland Chamber – are at the heart of our initiatives to become more innovative and improve our competitive position. Consider what our collaboration has helped us achieve:

• Agile. Our plan to modernize O’Hare International Airport is underway, while other planned improvements to our region’s roads, and rail and rapid transit systems are being implemented.
• Entrepreneurial. The Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center remains the cornerstone of our initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship and high-growth businesses, while the Chamber’s workplace initiatives are helping attract and retain world-class talent to the region.
• Quality-focused. Programs are underway to ensure every student receives a quality education and make sure the region has an adequate supply of highly literate, productive workers.
• Competitive. Our collective efforts to create a fair and competitive tax climate, and to demand that government move at the speed of business, are laying the foundation for long-term economic success and job creation.

We want to acknowledge all of our individual member efforts, and the efforts of all the committee chairs, that have contributed to the success of the Chamber’s initiatives. We encourage you to support the Chamber leadership team as they continue working to enhance the business climate of Chicagoland.

For the Board of Directors,
James C. Tyree
Chairman of the Board

Chamber Mission

To make Chicagoland the most business-friendly region in America and enhance our members’ success through aggressive programs of advocacy, member benefits and services, and actionable information.

Contents

1. Education and Workforce Quality
2. Workplace Initiatives
3. Transportation Infrastructure
4. Government Taxation and Regulation
5. Entrepreneurs and High-Growth Businesses
6. Market Development
7. Environment
8. Chamber Foundation
9. 5-Star Accreditation