World Business Chicago

🏈🔥 The Big Game is almost here, and game-changing innovation is the subject of this week's Business Pulse. Explore how Chicago-based Monarc is redefining football training with The Seeker, a robotic quarterback designed for elite athletes—just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at how World Business Chicago’s convening power is fueling business growth—from the gridiron to the boardroom. Don’t miss out—read now! ⬇️ #EconomicDevelopment #ChicagoInnovation #SuperBowl #Football

Announced by The Quantum Insider today, a big step has been made by WBC board member companies PsiQuantum and Microsoft toward the development of industrially useful quantum computers. Put simply, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) is a project to figure out if a powerful and practical quantum computer can be built much sooner than experts currently expect. The goal is to see if any approach to quantum computing can be useful enough—meaning it solves problems that are worth more than what it costs to build and run—by 2033. As stated by Quantum Insider, the final Phase of US2QC has the same technical goals as the final stage of QBI – validation and co-design of an industrially useful quantum computer. In Chicago, we are witnessing full-scale realization of world changing technology in real time, and are incredibly excited for what the future of quantum has in store. Congratulations to PsiQuantum and Microsoft for this groundbreaking leap forward!

Last week the WBC team paid a visit to the ILLINOIS INTERNATIONAL PORT DISTRICT, colloquially known as The Port of #Chicago, and were welcomed by Erik Varela, Executive Director of the IIPD, who guided us through a tour of all the Port's facilities. Like Chicago itself, the Port's greatest strength lies in its connectivity—with direct access to the Bishop Ford Freeway (I-94), Class I freight rail lines, the Great Lakes, and the Mississippi River system, it stands as a key player in multimodal shipping. But the real opportunity lies ahead. With available land, a skilled workforce, and strategic positioning, the Port of Chicago is primed for unprecedented growth and innovation. The arrival of PsiQuantum and the Illinois Quantum Manufacturing & Processing (IQMP) hub—establishing one of the world’s first quantum campuses—marks just the beginning. As 2025 is designated the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, celebrating a century of breakthroughs, Illinois stands at the forefront of unlocking quantum’s potential for the next 100 years. The Port of Chicago is more than just a shipping hub—it’s a launchpad for the next era of economic transformation. Now is the time for business leaders across Chicagoland to recognize, support, and champion the Port’s critical role in our region’s economic future. Let’s amplify its significance, foster new opportunities, and ensure it remains central to Chicago’s global competitiveness. Join us in making sure the Port of Chicago is at the heart of every conversation about growth and opportunity in our region! Himashi Jayasundera | Carla Agostinelli | Raven Duong | Jalen Boney, MSED |Thomas Snyder | Robin McMorris | Irene Sherr

Thank you, Bisnow and Will Follett, for inviting me to participate on this panel regarding the future of innovation in biotech/quantum/life sciences in Chicago, and thank you to the Village of Skokie for hosting us at the #IllinoisScienceandTechnologyPark. Honored to share the stage with these smart folks! Rodney Tonelli, AICP, moderator Jason Gorak Shyama Majumdar, Ph.D, MBA Steven Collens Dana Sun Gary Pachucki

WBC Board Member company ComEd recently released a report outlining some outstanding advancements in community support, economic growth, energy efficiency, reliability and resiliency. Extraordinarily reliable service, smart improvements to Illinois' grid, and increased growth for both projects and industry roles barely scratch the surface of ComEd's accomplishments in 2024, Led by President & CEO Gil C. Quiniones. In every industry, strong energy partners are crucial for economic success—we at World Business Chicago are extremely grateful for ComEd's commitment to the Chicagoland region. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gRXZqg2Y

Congratulations to WBC Executive Committee Member Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, on receiving the 2025 Cornell Hospitality Icon of the Industry Award! Mark’s visionary leadership has driven transformative growth at Hyatt Hotels for nearly two decades, shaping the global hospitality landscape and enriching the Chicago experience for countless visitors. His dedication to excellence and the hospitality industry is truly inspiring. We at World Business Chicago are honored to collaborate with such an impactful leader. Mark will be recognized at The Cornell Hospitality Icon and Innovator Awards, a key fundraiser supporting needs-based scholarships at The Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration. Congratulations once again, Mark, on this well-deserved honor!

Congratulations to Ariel Investments, a WBC Board Member company, on the launch of their groundbreaking investment fund, "Project Level"—a bold step toward advancing equity in women’s sports. As reported by Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments, the fund’s name reflects its mission: to “level the playing field” in an industry where men’s sports still dominate in investment, attention, and profits. Leveling the playing field in women’s sports is not just a cause—it’s a key part of Chicago’s broader economic development strategy. Leaders like Laura Ricketts (Chicago Stars FC) and Nadia Rawlinson (Chicago Sky WNBA) are at the forefront of this movement, driving innovation and inclusion in sports. Their leadership earned them the 2024 WBC Innovation Award for Women’s Sports at last year’s International Gala, Chicago’s premier event celebrating those who elevate the city on the global stage for inclusive economic growth and leadership. Project Level is more than an investment—it’s a game-changer, signaling a new era where women’s sports receive the investment, visibility, and respect they deserve. View the full memo here: https://lnkd.in/gtXmnquw And read more in Crain's Chicago Business: https://lnkd.in/egWx5S4P

Yesterday, against the iconic backdrop of Wrigley Field, we convened over 100 business leaders from across manufacturing, TD&L, professional services, tourism, culture, arts, and more to explore where Chicago has the right to win over the next 25 years. This was more than a meeting—it was the first plenary roundtable for Chicago 2050, an ambitious, forward-thinking economic development blueprint designed to build on our city’s strengths, tackle challenges head-on, and shape a long-term vision that outlasts economic cycles, political shifts, and short-term disruptions. 📍 Chicago has always played the long game. From rebuilding after the Great Chicago Fire, to navigating the uncertainty of COVID, to standing strong in today’s politically charged climate, our business community doesn’t react to noise—we lead with strategy and action. That’s why we’re focused on Chicago’s future, not fleeting headlines about trade tariffs or election cycles. While the world reacts, we build. 📍 Yesterday proved that when Chicago’s business leaders unite, we make things happen. This is just the beginning—stay tuned as we continue shaping Chicago 2050 through upcoming roundtables. #ChicagoFwd #Chicago2050 #EconomicDevelopment

Introducing the official logo and colors of the Chicago Tempest, Chicago's new professional women's rugby team! As the inaugural season of the Women's Elite Rugby league draws near, we are beginning to see each team's visual identity take shape. Drawing inspiration from the extreme weather of the Windy City, the Chicago Tempest are set to unleash destruction, power, and relentless challenge on the pitch. Just as Chicago’s brutal winters test its residents’ spirit without ever breaking their will, the team embodies a fierce storm—unstoppable, electrifying, and a force to be reckoned with.

Black History Month is a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. Chicago’s story is one of leadership, resilience, and innovation—shaped by Black leaders who have paved the way for progress in business, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership. This February, World Business Chicago is proud to highlight the historical figures who've made Chicago history, and the trailblazers shaping our city’s economic future—from our Board of Directors and Executive Committee to our staff and partners. These visionaries are not only driving impact today but also committed to seeing that the next generation has opportunities to lead and succeed. Join the Conversation. We invite you—our community of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—to share who has paved the way for you: 💬 Comment with your story or perspective 👥 Tag someone you know who is paving the way for others