The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce has nominated more than 80 Chamber members to Chicago Anchors for a Strong Economy (CASE), an initiative designed to expand economic opportunities by connecting neighborhood businesses to “anchor” institutions across the city.

CASE will provide intensive business skills training to better prepare local business owners and job seekers to compete for contractsat large, established institutions, including the City of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois Institute of Technology, Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Illinois at Chicago and Commonwealth Edison.

“Chicago is home to a competitive procurement supply chain, but this process needs to remain accessible to local businesses that are at the heart of our region’s success,” said Theresa E. Mintle, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. “We need to forge a clear path between our neighborhood employers and the large institutions that offer millions of dollars in contracts each year. The Chicagoland Chamber will continue to work with our civic partners to strengthen our small businesses and create jobs throughout our city and region.”

About the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

The primary role of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is to make Chicagoland the most business-friendly region in America by enhancing our members’ success through advocacy, member benefits and services, andactionable information. Serving as “The Voice of Business” since 1904, the Chambers leads public policy and business growth initiatives and creates meaningful events and programs to inform, engage and connect our members to each other and the community.

About Chicago Anchors for a Strong Economy

CASE is facilitated by World Business Chicago, a not-for-profit economic development organization led by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and administered by Next Street, a consulting firm that specializes in providing advice, training, and capital to small businesses across the country. The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is a strategic partner in the CASE initiative.