On Thursday, July 13th, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel held a press conference to discuss the state of tech companies in Chicago before he travels to Europe to promote Chicago as a Global Tech Hub. Along with 5thColumn, Mayor Emanuel also mentioned 4C, ActiveCampaign, CityBase, Enova, Fourkites, Hireology, kCura, Origami Risk, Performics, Power Reviews, SilkRoad, SMS Assist, and Sprout Social. Together, all 14 companies will create over 1000 jobs by the end of 2017.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced that 14 tech companies will add more than 1,000 jobs in Chicago during 2017. The milestone kicks off Mayor Emanuel’s trip to Europe to promote Chicago as a leading global city and generate more economic progress. The trip will include a visit to London as part of the tech and innovation compact signed between Chicago and London by Mayor Emanuel and Mayor Khan in September 2016.
“Chicago’s growing tech economy is among the strongest in the world because it leverages the strength of our diverse economy,” Mayor Emanuel said. “The companies here today, which will create more than 1,000 jobs this year alone, represent some of the most innovative businesses in Chicago’s emerging tech community. To continue to build on the strength of Chicago’s global leadership in technology and innovation, next week we will sign new agreements to expand cooperation and collaboration with partners in Berlin, London and Milan.”
The growing strength of Chicago’s tech community has been recognized by KPMG ranking Chicago the sixth best global tech hub, Pitchbook ranking Chicago first in the country for venture capital return-on-investment and Site Selector Magazine ranking Chicago the top North American metro for corporate relocation.
Tomorrow Mayor Emanuel will begin a trip to Berlin, London and Milan. While on the trip he will announce new agreements to strengthen Chicago’s international bonds, and promote Chicago’s companies on a global stage. He will also work to increase innovation collaboration between the cities, and establish new higher education partnerships. Mayor Emanuel will also meet with the mayor of each city and discuss ways to strengthen our partnerships. While in London, Mayor Emanuel will be joined by a delegation of Chicago companies and will continue to implement the Chicago-London Data Alliance that he and Mayor Khan signed in Chicago in September 2016.
About World Business Chicago and ChicagoNEXT
World Business Chicago is a public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Chicago as a leading global city.
Chaired by Mark Tebbe, ChicagoNEXT leads WBC’s dedicated effort to drive growth and opportunity for Chicago’s tech economy through a portfolio of initiatives and programs governed by a council of technology leaders. With the mission to grow Chicago’s vibrant tech ecosystem, ChicagoNEXT strategic focus areas include industry, talent, capital and community.
5thColumn is proud to be a part of the Chicago tech community, as well as included in this event with the other notable companies. We are committed to our city and adding to its economy in any way we can.
The full press release can be found here.
