World Business Chicago

Ready to scale your business? This week’s Business Pulse newsletter spotlights local digital innovators and an upcoming (free) workshop happening on Wednesday, November 13, that will help fuel your business' growth! Register today; you don't want to miss the following, transformative workshops: ⏩ AI Automation with MJ Ventures ⏩ E-commerce Growth insights by 37 Oaks ⏩ Google Analytics guidance from CJ Harris at Google ⏩ FinTech solutions led by Treadwell Consulting Group Unlock your business's potential—check out this week’s edition! If you'd like to connect with us to learn more, contact program lead, Zoë Saphir, Senior Manager, Community Impact. #ChicagoSmallBusiness #TechTools

As reported in today's Politico-IL, we're thrilled to announce Tamar Newberger the new Chair of Chicago Sister Cities International!    Tamar brings a wealth of experience as an accomplished computer scientist and dedicated advocate for global connections. Her leadership will further elevate CSCI’s mission of building impactful international partnerships for Chicago.   We also extend our gratitude to Jose Luis Prado for his remarkable five years of service.    Join us in welcoming Tamar as she leads the way to strengthen Chicago's global influence!

Join us at World Business Chicago's Tech Symposium presented by Verizon for an engaging panel on Digital Transformation for Small Businesses 11.13.24! We're excited to introduce this year's expert panelists: ✨ Jason Treadwell, Founder, Treadwell Consulting Group ✨ LaShon A., Director of Small Business EEC, Center for Changing Lives ✨ Feroze Hanif, Founder & CEO, ThinkNChange ✨ Qiana Allen, Co-Owner, Munchiez This dynamic discussion will cover crucial topics, including: ✴️ Social Media Best Practices & the Viral Recipe ✴️ AI to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement ✴️Cybersecurity strategies to safeguard data and build trust affordably ✴️FinTech solutions to optimize cash flow, simplify payments, and open funding avenues ✴️ E-Commerce strategies Attendees will gain actionable insights on embracing digital transformation to drive business growth, efficiency, and security. With real-world applications and expert guidance, this is an invaluable opportunity to equip your business for success in today's digital economy. 🗓️ Date: November 13, 2024 📍 Location: Polsky Exchange North 🕘 Time: 9 AM - 1:30 PM CT Register today to secure your spot! https://lnkd.in/gnk3HENA #TechSymposium #Chicago #Freeevent #smallbusiness LaForce Baker Steven E. Shaw Jalen Boney, MSED Carla Agostinelli

Introducing the 2024 Chicago International Gala: Honoring 25 years of connecting Chicago to the World! Your awardees: 🏆 Michael Moskow, recipient of The Dusable Chicago Legacy Award 🏆 PsiQuantum, recipient of the Rocky Wirtz Corporate Achievement Award 🏆 Chicago Sky WNBA and Chicago Stars (formerly Chicago Red Stars), who, on behalf of Laura Ricketts and Nadia Rawlinson, will receive the World Business Chicago Innovation Award 🏆 John W. Rogers, Jr., recipient of the Global Citizen Award 🏆 J Christoph Lichtenfeld, co-chair of the Hamburg Committee, your Chicago Sister Cities International Volunteer of the Year! Tomorrow, esteemed delegates from our global network of Chicago Sister Cities, World Business Chicago board members and top business executives will convene at the Field Museum to celebrate the awardees and honor the ever-growing importance of global diplomacy. Thank you to our sponsors, board members, and our 25th Anniversary Committee: Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendivil, Consul General of Mexico & Dean of the Chicago Consular Corps Martin Cabrera Jr.., CEO, Cabrera Capital Markets Wendell Dallas, President & CEO, Nicor Gas Opella Ernest, M.D., President, HCSC Markets John Greene, Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President, Discover Financial Services Brett Hart, President, United Airlines Carmen M. Hernandez, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Clayco John M. Holmes, Chairman, President & CEO, AAR . Travis Hunter, CPA, MBA, Chicago Office Managing Partner, KPMG US Greg Klamrzynski, Chief Executive Partner, Chapman and Cutler LLP Tamar Newberger, Chair of the Board, HIAS Pin Ni, President, Wanxiang America Real Estate Group Michael D. O’Halleran, Senior Advisor, Ryan Specialty Quintin Primo III and Michael Reschke Jr., Capri Investment Group / The Prime Group, Inc James Reynolds, Chairman and CEO, Loop Capital Markets LLC Tom Ricketts, Executive Chairman, Chicago Cubs Patrick G. Ryan, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation Eric Sedler, Managing Partner, Avōq Smita N. Shah, President & CEO, SPAAN Tech, Inc. Charles Smith, CEO, CS Insurance Strategies Inc., a division of MMA Jennifer Steans, President & CEO, Financial Investments Corporation Wade Thomson, Jenner & Block Danny Wirtz, Chairman, Wirtz Corporation Matthew Zimmer, Managing Director, Global Head of Investment Banking, William Blair

Hannah Loftus has been promoted to Vice President of Research at World Business Chicago! Hannah shared that she’s excited about the opportunities to delve deeper into emerging industries, connect with stakeholders across the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, and enhance WBC’s resources with innovative new tools. Her experience at WBC has been invaluable to her growth, and she’s eager to lead the team in this fast-paced and evolving field. Hannah and team are dedicated to producing original content, analysis, and insights into Chicagoland's economic landscape. Most recently, the team published the latest Economic Dashboard—review it here: https://lnkd.in/gMqQfuJi Congratulations, Hannah! We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish in your new role.

Let's face it - in today's digital landscape, data isn't just numbers. It's your business's secret weapon! Learn how to decode customer behavior and turn insights into action in CJ Harris's 📈 Grow with Google Workshop! At the Tech Symposium (11/13), we help you understand exactly how your customers engage with your business online. Join the workshop and learn to: ⭐ Master the Basics of Google Analytics ⭐ Leverage the synergy between Analytics and other Google tools ⭐ Set Clear Goals and Track Progress ⭐ Integrate Analytics with Other Google Tools 🗓️ November 13, 2024 ⏰ 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM CT 📍 Polsky Exchange North Don't let valuable customer data go to waste! Your competitors are already using analytics to grow - isn't it time you did too? Register now: https://lnkd.in/g6QcdFqv Questions? Email me: [email protected] #SmallBusiness #DigitalMarketing #GoogleAnalytics #BusinessGrowth #ChicagoBusiness #DataDriven #BusinessWorkshop #TechSymposium

We’re thrilled to share the news that WGN-TV News’ Mike Lowe—recently named “Journalist of the Year” by the Chicago Journalists Association and truly one of the best in the biz—just won an Emmy for his captivating story on Chicago’s Quantum Ecosystem! This Emmy-winning news story was inspired by World Business Chicago's Chicago Business Bulletin: Chicagoland Quantum Ecosystem, which details Chicago's competitive edge in the quantum industry. The report explored key advantages, including our region's diverse industrial base, world-class academic and research institutions, significant private and public investments, and strong intellectual property production; and the strong public and private support and investments. From addressing complex global challenges to sparking innovation—the future of quantum computing is happening right here in Chicago! “We are the chosen location for the United States government to put a significant amount of its dollars toward quantum development right here in Illinois," said IL Governor JB Pritzker. Congratulations to Mike Lowe and the WGN-TV News team on this award and achievement! To read the subject research report, visit: https://bit.ly/44qvSSC Thanks to the Chicago Quantum Exchange for its partnership on this report, too.

There's a reason our city has the most political conventions in U.S. history - Chicago has always been a city where big decisions are made, and today, we all have the chance to make our voices heard - Let’s keep the tradition going! #ElectionDay #Chicagovotes

Current and aspiring food innovators! We're extending a special opportunity for you to attend an upcoming Partnership Forum: Strengthening Illinois’ Bio Processing & Precision Fermentation Eco-System! The precision fermentation industry is projected to reach $200 billion by 2040, with the potential to generate one million jobs globally by 2030. This is just one of the key biotech focuses of the iFAB Tech Hub - Illinois' premiere federally funded Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing lab. With the code: 'comp4guest1114', you can attend this event for FREE, meet the people behind iFAB, and learn firsthand how to become a part of Illinois' ever-expanding biotech ecosystem. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gRV4k3Rx Thank you to our partners: Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and iFAB Tech Hub

Happy National Candy Day from Chicago—the sweet capital of America! For over a century, Chicago has been home to some of the world's most beloved candy brands. From Lemonheads and Tootsie Pops to Skittles and Oreos, iconic treats are crafted right here. Our city’s candy legacy isn’t just history; it’s innovation in action, with major R&D hubs from Mars, Ferrero, and more. With over 10,000 jobs fueling this industry, Chicago remains the ultimate destination for candy production and food innovation. Consider Ferrara’s viral Nerds Gummy Clusters, driving over $500M in revenue this year, as one example of Chicago’s candy innovation. (Link to WSJ story below.) From Mars R&D hub on Goose Island to Ferrero’s innovation center in the historic Marshall Field building—the city and region’s food, candy, and snack manufacturers continue to lead in innovation, flavor, and popularity. You're welcome to make this post your excuse—or reason—to pick up your favorite Chicago-made candy, today! #NationalCandyDay To learn more, read: 🍬 WBC's Business Pulse, Chicagoland is Candyland: https://bit.ly/3NTxL4A 🍭 New York Times story about Ferrara's Nerds Gummy Clusters: https://bit.ly/4fvjs1R 🎃 Chicago: Where America's Favorite Halloween Candy & Snacks are Made: https://bit.ly/3UCJAj4