Chicago Also Awarded #1 for FDI Strategy in fDi’s Transport and Warehousing Locations

CHICAGO–Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and World Business Chicago (WBC) today announced that fDi Intelligence (fDi), a service of the Financial Times, ranks Chicago as #1 in North America for Transport and Warehousing Cities of the Future 2020/21. World Business Chicago was awarded first place globally in fDi’s Transport and Warehousing Locations for FDI strategy. In extending today’s ranking and award, fDi wrote, [T]he city holds one of the most important ports in the US, in addition to two international airports… making it a key transportation hub for the U.S.  fDi report link

This is the first year fDi Intelligence has ranked world cities and regions in the Transport and Warehousing Locations of the Future category.

“We in Chicago are incredibly proud of our well-earned status as a world-leading TDL hub,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “From the exponential growth in e-commerce, to our role in the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, Chicago continues to be unmatched in its depth and dynamism across this critical sector. In the coming months ahead, we will be doubling-down on our efforts to invest in our citywide ecosystem and strengthen our cutting-edge businesses and TDL workforce.”

In August 2020, fDi Intelligence invited cities and regions across the world to complete a survey detailing current foreign direct investment (FDI) and strategies. WBC responded with information about recent marketing outreach and strategy, including virtual summits with economic development agencies and businesses in the United Kingdom, China and Germany, along with data and facts about Chicago’s diverse economy and the city’s strengths in the Transportation, Distribution and Logistics (TDL) sector, including:

  • Chicago was named home to the most TDL companies on Inc. Magazine’s 5000 Fastest Growing Companies 2020 list;
  • Chicago is home to 24 of the top 25 third-party logistics providers;
  • Chicago is home to North America’s largest inland port and the nation’s second largest port by value;
  • Chicago’s TDL industry is the second largest in the United States by employment, and spans nearly 14,400 businesses.
  • Chicago has a strong pipeline of diverse and skilled talent and workforce well suited for transportation and logistics jobs, including a first of its kind TDL Training Center at Olive-Harvey College, preparing students for the thousands of jobs and opportunities in this rapidly growing field.

“Today’s announcement confirms that Chicago is a leader in transportation, distribution and logistics,” said Andrea Zopp, President and CEO, World Business Chicago. “It also confirms that WBC’s strategy to connect in meaningful, virtual ways with partners from across the world in 2020 is successful.  Companies are interested in Chicago. They’re interested in our pipeline of diverse talent and workforce, our culture, central location, business community, and our connectivity to the world. We thank fDI Intelligence for the acknowledgement.”

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