Dear Members,

As always, Fall in Chicago is been busy with delegations, events and an overall heavy workload before the holidays are upon us.

Highlights include a delegation of Scottish companies visiting Chicago to learn about the market and establish initial connections. The companies’ industries include spirits, technology, and food products. 

Ecuador is open for investment in several economic sectors.  Mr. Andres Montalvo, Charge d’affaires  of Ecuador in the U.S., visited Chicago to share the country’s projects and its commitment to strengthening economic partnerships with the U.S. and Chicago.

As part of the PLMA show at McCormick Place, a group of companies from South Africa’s Western Cape hosted a roundtable. I was honored to share the Chamber’s mission, activities and goals. Western Cape’s trade and investment promotion office helps companies export and import. The Western Cape is mainly an agricultural and wine-producing region, with manufacturing and service industries following as the three main economic pillars.  

If you would like to export, import, or establish connections with partners in other countries, please contact me. The mission of the Chamber’s International Department is to bring you opportunities and help ease the challenges of doing business internationally.  Companies all over the world want to connect with Chicago’s business community, and we are here to help. 

Sincerely,

Blanca Berthier

Director of International Programs

Member Insights

Reducing Risk in Cross-Border Transactions | Grant Thornton

Tax Transparency – The New Global Reporting Standard | BDO

Why What Happens to the Euro Matters to the World Economy | Aon

Global Capital Confidence Barometer | EY

Asia Pacific Economic Outlook Q4 2017 | Deloitte

Europe Tax Development Updates | KPMG

January 25th | 5:00 – 7:30 PM | Plante Moran 

If you are looking to do business internationally, our Winter CITCA reception is an ideal opportunity to make targeted connections and expand your reach within Chicago's global community. Chamber members are invited to join Chicago International Trade Commissioners’ Association for a night of networking and cocktails.

January 23rd | 8:30- 11:30 AM | Barnes & Thornburg, LLP

New immigration regulations and increased compliance demands across the globe will impact the workforce of organizations with a presence in multiple countries. The changing immigration regime involving stringent scrutiny of work visa eligibility in the U.S. has an operational impact on companies doing business abroad. The environment requires companies to manage their global mobility needs and keep abreast of policy shifts and protectionist regimes. Key topics of discussion will focus on helping you understand the work visa requirements, business impact and outlook for immigration compliance for the foreseeable future. Registration coming soon!

Partnerships

The Chicagoland Chamber joined partner Consulate General of Ireland for the grand opening of CoreFX Ingredient's new innovation center in Chicago. CoreFX is a U.S.-based food ingredient company with strong Irish ties, specializing in the manufacture of custom dry dairy, cheese and lipid ingredient solutions.