Economic Development Leaders Form Regional Alliance

Economic development organizations from the 10 Northeastern Illinois Chicago metropolitan area counties, World Business Chicago, and ComEd's Economic Development Department have formed the Metro Economic Growth Alliance of Chicago (MEGA Chicago). MEGA's mission is to grow the economy of Northeastern Illinois through coordinated, effective business development.

"Recognizing the mutual benefits of combining our very different assets, the economic development practitioners have come together to collaborate for greater regional prosperity," said George Lofton, President of MEGA. "Founding members of MEGA have direct links and ties to business clients and have been given the responsibility to represent the economic interests of the areas they serve. By joining forces through a strategic alliance, the group speaks for the region in a way no one else can."

The organization was formed after a series of meetings with the leaders of economic development organizations from Cook, Lake, McHenry, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, DeKalb, Will, and Kankakee counties, World Business Chicago and ComEd's economic development department. MEGA will promote the creation of jobs and a business friendly environment, and national and international awareness of the economic advantages of the region.

The organization will serve as a point of entry and facilitator for investment for businesses considering locating or expanding in the metropolitan Chicago area. The alliance partners will also provide regional expertise on economic growth and development issues and will ultimately conduct proactive regional marketing to outside investors.

Founding Members and Board of Directors:

• DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation
• DuPage County Department of Economic Development/DuPageBiz
• Enterpriz Cook County
• Grundy Economic Development Council
• Kane County Economic Development
• Kankakee County Economic Development Association
• Kendall County Economic Development
• Lake County Partners
• McHenry County Economic Development Corporation
• Will County Center for Economic Development
• World Business Chicago
• ComEd

For more information on MEGA Chicago call 312.394.3037.

BIO International Convention returns to Chicago in 2010

On August 3rd, Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), announced BIO's commitment to once again bring the International Convention to Chicago's McCormick Place in 2010. The decision is a clear signal that Illinois and Chicago, along with our Midwest partners, represent the future of leadership in the biotech and life sciences arena.

It's no wonder... as BIO's 2006 debut appearance in the Midwest shattered all previous records for the event. As host to 19,479 attendees, including 12 Governors, from 62 countries, we were able to strut our collaborative mindshare to over 1,700 companies, organizations, and institutions from around the world. Spanning beyond 176,000 net square feet of exhibit space, BIO exhibitors gave us the world's largest indoor cornfield, an Indy Racing League racecar and driver, and scientists from 43 states and 36 nations. The Illinois pavilion occupied some serious real estate on the show floor, bringing our local champions onto the global stage.

From ball players to comedians and politicians alike, BIO always hits the issues head on with an all-star lineup. This past year, former President Bill Clinton spoke to a capacity crowd, as did James Woolsey, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency. We even heard from NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and native Chicagoan/comedian/actor Bernie Mac.

"Having Chicago selected again to host BIO 2010 demonstrates a great vote of confidence for our region as a major player in the biotech industry," said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. "We look forward to welcoming BIO back to Chicago and Illinois to showcase the depth and breadth of biotechnology in the Midwest to the international leaders of the industry."

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO leadership is involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. The convention itself draws the presence of over 1,000 media outlets from across the globe.

Native powerhouse Abbott Laboratories, through its continued commitment to the State of Illinois and City of Chicago, has played a critical role in showcasing our strengths as a life sciences gateway for the rest of the world. "Bringing BIO to Chicago is helping to define the city and Illinois as the Midwest hub of a large, diverse bioscience region," said Miles D. White, Abbott Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "The opportunities for companies interested in partnering, licensing and expanding are unlimited at BIO. This vast exchange of ideas and information makes the entire industry stronger and better able to deliver biotech healthcare, agricultural, and industrial products that improve quality of life for people around the world."

Not only are we home to global industry giants such as Baxter, Hospira, Takeda, ADM & Astellas, but Chicago and Illinois companies are also fostering scientific research across the world through smaller, yet critical, leadership from Errant Gene Therapeutics and Synthonics, Inc.

"Scientists are using biotechnology to try and find solutions to everything from cancer and Alzheimer's to safer food for our children," Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich stated. "Bringing BIO 2010 back to Chicago is going to make an even greater impact as biotech continues expanding in companies, laboratories and universities across Illinois."

As previously announced, BIO 2007 will be held in Boston, MA, BIO 2008 in San Diego, CA, and BIO 2009 in Atlanta, GA.

City, CPS Ready to Launch Historic Wave of School Construction

With summer coming to an end the Chicago Public Schools 'Back-to-School' campaign is in full swing. The Chicago Public School (CPS) system is making every effort to remind students and parents how important the first day of school is, which is no small feat. During the last few weeks of summer each and every student is being contacted to remind them the new school year is approaching. "Nothing's more important than having our kids in school on the first day, ready to learn," says Mayor Daley." Any child who misses the first day has already fallen behind."

Attendance increased system wide from 2005 to 2006, and so did test scores, by a record 15 percent. "Nothing could be more obvious to me than the connection between attendance and academic performance," said Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan, who provides the welcome message on the CPS's Back-to-School website. The website provides tips for parents and students about going back to school, as well as a school supply list. The website also details how to enroll your children in school and a calendar of immunization dates.

The connection between attendance and test scores has sparked an interest not only in the Mayor but also professional athletes. In the Back to School Sports Challenge, professional athletes and teams from the Chicago area will challenge targeted communities with low attendance last year to improve their attendance rates. The high school and elementary school with the most improved attendance in several communities across the city will win prizes like tickets to sporting events, promotional items from area teams, and appearances by professional athletes like Donovan McNabb, Scottie Pippen, and all of the major Chicago sports teams. "The great news about what's happening at the Chicago Public Schools is spreading, just in time for the start of school," says Mayor Daley.

But the Back-to-School program is not the only thing that the Mayor has been involved with. Mayor Daley's "Modern Schools Across Chicago" plan will bring 24 new schools and three major high school renovations to the city over the next six years. "No other city in the nation is undertaking this major step to assure that our children learn in modern, up-to-date environments," Daley said. The program would bring state-of-the-art facilities to the South Side, where modern facilities are lacking the most. "This is the next step in our ongoing effort to give our children the same opportunity for a good education and success in life, regardless of their background or where they live."

With problems of overcrowded and outdated school facilities worsening, the Mayor spearheaded a partnership that needs no state or federal funding and doesn't trigger an automatic increase in the city's property taxes. "Modern Schools" is built on a creative funding partnership between the City of Chicago and the Chicago Public Schools. The $1 billion plan would draw on City redevelopment funds from tax-increment-financing (TIF) districts and Chicago Public Schools bond funds. It would bring nine new high schools, 15 elementary schools, and three major school renovations to neighborhoods across the city.

"Once again, our students are benefiting tremendously from our city's commitment to its schools," says Duncan. "Mayor Daley has made education the city's top priority, and he has backed that up with unwavering leadership and support."

The 27 "Modern Schools Across Chicago" projects build on the more than $4 billion the city has invested in school construction since the Mayor assumed responsibility for the Chicago Public Schools in 1995.

Chicago by the Numbers

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