Chicago to the World: We’re Ready for Business

Chicago continues to show the world that we’re not just open for business—we’re shaping the future of it. Our international engagement isn’t episodic. It’s strategic, sustained, and central to how we attract investment, drive inclusive growth, and elevate Chicago’s reputation on the world stage.

World Business Chicago, Chicago Sister Cities International(CSCI), and the Mayor’s Office hosted the 2025 International Reception at Theater on the Lake on June 3, bringing together members of the Chicago Consular Corps, CSCI volunteers, the Chicago International Trade Commissioners’ Association, and Chicago’s business and civic community.

This year’s reception celebrated CSCI’s 65th anniversary – 65 years of promoting peace and mutual understanding through cultural and educational exchanges, economic partnership, and citizen diplomacy.  That legacy of connection and cooperation was reflected in remarks from WBC President & CEO Phil Clement, CSCI Chair Tamar Newberger, Dean of the Chicago Consular Corps and Consul General of Mexico in Chicago Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendivil, and Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Over 350 people attended the reception, and nine neighborhood restaurants were showcased. “As we plan future events and initiatives, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the global leaders who see Chicago not only as a powerhouse of business and innovation, but as a city deeply enriched by its culturally vibrant, interconnected global communities—each one helping to shape Chicago’s place in the world,” said Adrienne Tongate, EVP, Global Strategic Initiatives, World Business Chicago.

“At a time when global economic dynamics are shifting and cities are stepping up as the engines of diplomacy and growth, Chicago’s strength is clear—we show up, we follow through, and we lead with credibility. This international community—our consular corps, sister cities, business leaders, universities, and cultural partners—is essential to that success. Together, we are not just celebrating connections, we’re building the future of Chicago as a truly global city.”

— Phil Clement, President & CEO, World Business Chicago

Click here to see photos from the event.

Click here for Mayor Johnson’s social post following the event.

This past week, we also hosted a delegation from Kyrgyzstan, part of a U.S. tour that included New York and Chicago. WBC’s Kyle T. Schulz and Raven Duong pitched the region to a cohort representing sectors ranging from food and fashion to recruitment, education, and export development. Several participants are actively exploring investment and market entry here in Chicago.

Looking ahead, our calendar continues to reflect intentional and impactful global engagement:

Tomorrow, World Business Chicago will welcome a business delegation from China, led by the Vice President of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) that serves as China’s national organization supporting the production, trade, and overseas investment activities of the country’s machinery and electronics sectors. With a membership base of more than 10,000 enterprises, CCCME represents the industry at large and plays a vital role in advancing international cooperation. During the visit, WBC will present an overview of the Chicagoland economic landscape and highlight key advantages for foreign investment. CCCME will then share this information with its member enterprises throughout China, extending Chicago’s visibility as a destination for innovation, collaboration, and global opportunity.

Next week we’re joining a consortium of partners in hosting an incoming delegation of Japanese business leaders in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Intersect Illinois, and the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park—exploring opportunities in Chicago’s fast-growing quantum ecosystem. This visit, following a quantum roundtable WBC held in Tokyo last fall, includes leading quantum and deep-tech companies, alongside major Japanese institutions interested in learning moer about Chicago’s growing dominance in this breakthrough industry. Read more here.

With $1B+ in federal quantum investment and four national centers, Chicago’s leadership in the field is capturing international attention.

Meanwhile, Michael Edwards, President & CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance and Vice Chair of the Global Business District Innovation Club, is heading to the Beijing CBD Forum. He’ll join leaders from the UN, Singapore, London, and Bangkok to discuss how cities like Chicago are redefining legacy downtowns through sustainability, ESG innovation, and inclusive redevelopment.

“Chicago Loop Alliance is a global leader in how downtown districts are managed and sustained, and our international counterparts are looking forward to exchanging ideas on similarities and differences between the sister organizations around the world,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “I am very excited about this trip, which will include a tour of Canary Wharf in London, UK; participation in the Beijing CBD Forum; and a tour of two business districts in Bangkok.  I am especially eager to share the many future-forward economic development initiatives celebrated here in Chicago and the Loop.”

We’ve invited Michael to guest-author an upcoming edition of Business Pulse, where he’ll share key takeaways from his global engagement and reflect on how Chicago’s model is resonating with peers around the world. Stay tuned…

“This is what proactive international engagement looks like—and it’s a key pillar of our city’s economic future,” said Kyle T. Schulz, Chief Growth Officer of World Business Chicago. “We’re excited to join a local investment firm next week as they host Japanese investors evaluating a major commercial development opportunity. These face-to-face meetings are critical to showcasing Chicago’s strengths. We encourage companies across the region: if you’re engaging global investors or partners, invite World Business Chicago to join you. Together, we can help convert interest into investment.”

Our message to the world is unmistakable: Chicago is open for business—with the talent, innovation, and ambition to match any market on the planet.

Business Pulse, powered by LinkedIn, is World Business Chicago’s weekly snapshot of economic momentum across the region. Each edition delivers timely insights, real data, and real stories—no spin, just the facts. Designed for business leaders, investors, and decision-makers, Business Pulsekeeps you informed on what’s moving Chicagoland forward. Interested in expanding or relocating your business here?