The Latest Breaking News from World Business Chicago

Johnson urged to ‘find solutions that work for the airlines’ to salvage O’Hare expansion

Days after announcing his departure from the job growth agency known as World Business Chicago, Michael Fassnacht urged City Hall and the two major carriers to work out their differences on a massive project that started at $8.7 billion but has ballooned to $12.1 billion.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 6, 2023

Michael Fassnacht to resign as head of World Business Chicago

The veteran advertising executive is expected to remain in his post through at least February to ensure a transition to his successor.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 5, 2023

Chicago Food Stop, other pop-ups give downtown a jolt of neighborhood vibrancy

The pop-ups are examples of the creative forces put in play since the pandemic, as well as a mechanism that will ensure the vitality of Michigan Avenue.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 18, 2023

Chicago business relocation pitch targets ‘Don’t Say Gay’ legislation with full-page ads in Florida, Texas and Arizona

In the war for the hearts, minds and corporate relocations of businesses, Chicago has fired another shot across the bow at three Sun Belt rivals over recent legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community, such as the Florida education law critics have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay.”

Chicago Tribune · Apr 7, 2022

$1 million Google grant supports job training on South and West sides

The money will help a collective of 16 organizations “shrink the wealth gap in Chicago.”

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 30, 2022

Illinois launches economic development campaign to find the next Rivian and draw business beyond Chicago

Intersect Illinois, the state’s public-private economic development arm, has launched a new $1 million digital marketing campaign, “Be In Illinois,” aimed at luring companies to locate beyond the city limits of Chicago.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 28, 2022

Lightfoot unveils campaign to welcome air travelers

Neither the mayor nor World Business Chicago CEO Michael Fassnacht mentioned the much-ridiculed “Chicago Not in Chicago” campaign, but they didn’t have to. It was the elephant in Terminal 2.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 21, 2022

Chicago suspends “Sister City” relationship with Moscow

On Tuesday, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced she directed World Business Chicago to suspend Chicago’s sister city relationship with the Russian capital.

Chicago Sun-Times · Mar 2, 2022

Chicago suspends Moscow’s Sister City status over Russian invasion of Ukraine

CHICAGO — After nearly three dozen aldermen called for Chicago’s Sister Cities relationship with Moscow to be suspended while the Russian war on Ukraine is ongoing, Mayor Lori Lightfoot directed World Business Chicago to do just that.

Chicago Tribune · Mar 1, 2022