This month, WBC President, Rita Athas took part in a ribbon cutting at the new Whirlpool Corporation flagship brand and product experience center in Chicago’s Reid Murdoch Center. With nearly 30,000 square feet, the “World of Whirlpool Corporation” facility will become a destination for designers, trade customers, sales 
associates, industry influencers and media. The eco-friendly facility in the historic landmark building currently employs 20 Chicagoans and is one of a number of new companies accelerating the economy in Chicago. Here are some examples of other companies that have grown in Chicago over the last few months. If we’ve missed something, please send us an email: wbc@WorldBusinessChicago.com or a tweet: @WorldBizChicago
Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Co. (AGCS), an integrated financial services organization based in Munich, Germany, signed a long-term lease renewal and expansion consolidating its Chicago operations at 225 W. Washington St.
Ashley Ellis, an IT staffing/recruiting firm, announced the opening of a satellite office located in downtown Chicago.
Brewer Investment Group, an independent wealth management firm, announced that it has signed a lease for the entire 25th floor at 303 East Wacker Dr. for its headquarters and recently doubled the number of financial advisors in its network.
CB2, a sister brand of Crate and Barrel, opened its national headquarters in a redeveloped department store building at 240 N. Ashland Ave.
C.R. England, a transportation company, expanded its regional division with the creation of a new service offering short haul transportation, strategically centered in the Chicago area.
CSC announced the opening of seven cloud-enabled data centers in the US, UK, Luxembourg and Australia to serve clients across the globe, one being in Chicago.
Carr Workplaces, a shared-office provider signed an 11-year lease for 25,000 square feet on the 51st floor of the Aon Center.
Cathay Pacific Cargo airlines inaugurated its first ever trans-Atlantic flight from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport to Amsterdam, Netherlands; Dubai, United Arab Emirates and then home to Hong Kong.
Compushare, Inc., a Financial Technology Management solutions provider for financial services organizations, has opened a data center in Chicago.
Coyote Logistics LLC, a third party logistics company, announced it would move its headquarters from Lake Forest to the Green Exchange, an eco-friendly redevelopment of a former manufacturing building at 2545 W. Diversey Pkwy.
Digital Aisle, a next-generation digital shopper-marketing company, announced its relocation/expansion from the suburbs to its new offices at 130 S. Jefferson St.
EnergyConnect Group, Inc., a provider of smart grid demand response services and technologies headquartered in San Jose, CA, announced the opening of a new office at 22 W. Washington St. in Chicago.
The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) opened a new LEED Platinum certified office in the "Old Jeweler's Building," a historic landmark in Chicago.
The French Pastry School at City Colleges of Chicago recently doubled in size, adding 11,000 square feet including a hands-on teaching kitchen, two theater-style kitchens, a research and development center, and administrative offices.
Groupon, Inc., an international group-buying website, offering daily deals on local goods, services and cultural events, plans to hire 250 new employees at its headquarters in Chicago.
The Growth Agents announced the opening of a Chicago office to help companies develop programs to enhance branding, marketing and sales strategies.
John Marshall Law School announced it will begin construction next spring of a new entrance and student commons at its building at 304-308 S. State St., in addition to acquiring a three-story building just west at 19 W. Jackson Blvd.
Juniper Group, Inc., which operates the largest 4G market in the United States, announced an increase of its presence in the Chicago area market.
Liza’s Furniture, a mattress manufacturer/distributor, leased 27,817 square feet to produce reconditioned and new mattresses.
Martinez Seafood and Produce acquired a 23,980-square-foot industrial building at 340 N. Sacramento, where it will complete an extensive build-out into a food-grade, freezer/cooler facility.
Odeon Capital Group LLC, a New York-based independent fixed income broker-dealer with investment banking and research services, announced its expansion to the Midwest market with a Chicago office.
Print Services & Distribution Association (PSDA) has selected SmithBucklin as its full-service management partner, shifting PSDA’s headquarters to Chicago.
Red Foundry, a Chicago-based startup that develops mobile apps without code, announced that it has raised $1.1 million in first round funding.
The Rock Spot leased 92,859 square feet at 4500 S. Tripp, Chicago which it plans to develop into a music rehearsal facility.
Sentry Technology Corporation, a closed-circuit television solution company announced its expansion into the Chicago market.
SMB Operating Partners, a firm specializing in executive transitions, opened a new office in Chicago at 401 N. Michigan Ave.
Sofame Energy, Inc., a joint venture between QED Connect Inc., a New York corporation and Sofame Technologies, Inc., announced its new headquarters to be located in downtown Chicago.
Suncas TV, a strategic cooperation between established Chinese companies Suncast TV, Winalite International and BioPharmGe, formed in Chicago to build brand awareness through its IPTV and internet media platform.
SYNC Technology Center, a new 18,000-square-foot business incubator, offering coaching, networking and office space for tech entrepreneurs, opened in Chicago's West Loop.
TCS Education System, a non-profit network for specialized institutions, signed a long-term lease for 29,000 square feet of office space at 350 W. Mart Center Dr. in Chicago.
TMP Worldwide Advertising & Communications, a New York-based advertising agency, has leased the full 31st floor at 444 North Michigan Ave. to accommodate its growing staff with the addition of 20 new employees.
Tate & Lyle, a global food ingredients company, announced it will establish the global headquarters of its Innovation and Commercial Development group and its North American regional headquarters for its Specialty Food Ingredients business in the Chicago region.
Telx, a leading interconnection and co-location provider, announced a 13,500-square-foot expansion of its premier data center footprint at 350 East Cermak Rd.
U.S. Cellular Corp. expanded its space in an early renewal of its headquarters lease at Citicorp Plaza.
Urban Retail Properties, a mall management firm, is moving its headquarters to 111 E. Wacker Dr. in the Illinois Center complex from its longtime home at 900 N. Michigan Ave.
United American Healthcare Corp., a company that provides contract manufacturing services to the medical device industry, recently named a new CEO and CFO and announced it is moving its headquarters from Detroit to Chicago.
WaterSaver Faucet Co., a maker of laboratory faucets and valves, has outgrown its headquarters just west of downtown and is renovating its 79,200-square-foot factory at 701 W. Erie St. and building a 45,000-square-foot addition.
