Chicago, IL – The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce PAC announced today their endorsement of Rahm Emanuel for Mayor of Chicago.
“During his first term, Mayor Emanuel displayed a strong pro-business agenda, creating a thriving environment for new and existing businesses, bringing corporate headquarters to the city, and investing in the growth and development of Chicago’s blossoming technology sector,” said Paul La Schiazza, chairman of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and president of AT&T Illinois. “While there are some areas where we have differences, specifically the minimum wage increase, there is no doubt Rahm Emanuel has a vision for Chicago that business supports.”
The city of Chicago has made considerable strides as a result of Mayor Emanuel’s leadership and his Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs. Some of his accomplishments include:
• Delivering business license reform
• Rolling back the city’s head tax
• Driving municipal labor union pension reform
• Investing in incubators like 1871, Matter, and the UI Labs Digital Manufacturing Hub
• Improving our education system through full-day kindergarten, STEM education, and the Colleges to Careers program to prepare our students for the workforce
• Investing in critical infrastructure including the CTA and our water and sewer system
“Mayor Emanuel stands out for his commitment to job growth and economic development, as Chicago brought in an increased number of new or expanded corporate facilities, international companies, jobs and investment during his first term” said Mark Segal, chair of the Chicagoland Chamber Public Policy committee and principal of STI Advisors. “We hope to continue working with Mayor Emanuel to generate employment opportunities, invest in our neighborhoods, improve our education systems, and cultivate an environment favorable to growth.”
In addition to endorsing Mayor Emanuel in the upcoming municipal elections on February 24, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce PAC announced the support of five candidates in the city’s aldermanic races. In recognition of their consistent pro-business agenda and votes in Chicago’s City Council, The Chamber PAC is supporting: Mary O’Connor (41), Matt O’Shea (19), Brendan Reilly (42), Michele Smith (43), and Tom Tunney (44).
“The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce PAC recognizes these candidates as the best pro-business candidates for their ward and to represent the people of Chicago in City Council,” said Karen Melchert, chairman of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce PAC, “We are pleased to support candidates who recognize the integral part a healthy business environment plays in the vitality of Chicago.”
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce PAC continue to look towards these candidates to help make Chicagoland the most business friendly region in America.
About the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to making Chicagoland the most business-friendly region in America by enhancing members’ success through robust programs in advocacy, member benefits and services. Serving as “The Voice of Business” since 1904, the Chamber leads public policy and business growth initiatives and hosts educational and networking events to inform, engage, and connect members to each other and the community. Visit ChicagolandChamber.org.