World Business Chicago, Chicago Sister Cities Combine Resources to Further Expand Chicago’s Global Footprint

In a move to tie the city’s cultural exchange programs more closely to its business development goals, Chicago’s Sister Cities International (CSCI) and World Business Chicago (WBC) have announced that they will combine resources to further expand Chicago’s global footprint.
 
Under the new structure, Sister Cities will become part of World Business Chicago, maintaining its primary goal of providing cultural, educational and humanitarian programming, but strengthening its attention to global commerce. To do so, a co-chair, who will be primarily responsible for creating and managing business development activities, will be appointed for each Sister City committee.
 
“Synching up the cultural exchange programs of Chicago Sister Cities International with World Business Chicago’s work to expand the city’s global business footprint advances the mission of each organization,” said Rita Athas, President of World Business Chicago.
 
Through its worldwide contacts, CSCI will be able to provide new leads for business opportunities and the collaboration with WBC will enable them to do so more effectively. In addition, CSCI staff will advise WBC staff on events and meetings, both in Chicago and its respective sister cities, which may help facilitate business connections.
 
“We look forward to expanding our international role to support Chicago’s economic growth,” said Sam Scott, Chairman of CSCI. “We work with more than 800 volunteers who, in addition to their normal roles, can now become business ambassadors for Chicago, too. With our global contacts and WBC’s efforts to pursue business abroad, this is a mutually beneficial collaboration that just makes sense.”
 
To increase operational efficiencies, CSCI has moved into the World Business Chicago (WBC) offices at 177 N. State Street. The two organizations now share equipment and staff.
 
To further facilitate integration of the organizations, Sam Scott, chairman of CSCI, will serve on the WBC Board and Executive Committee. In turn, WBC’s president Rita Athas will serve on CSCI’s Board.
 
The effort will provide WBC with access to CSCI’s extensive foreign language professionals and its expertise on various countries. At the same time, CSCI will have access to WBC’s esteemed research department, a valuable resource for data and reporting.