Amazon officials check out potential HQ2 site
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Amazon officials were seen visiting and photographing a potential HQ2 site sometime last week. A source said the company’s representatives were at the former Finkl Steel plant in Lincoln Park, one of 10 locations the city submitted as part of its proposal package. Amazon is expected to announce the city selected to host HQ2 sometime in 2018. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Strike Social co-founder named to Forbes 30 Under 30
Strike Social co-founder and president Mark Shore has been named in the 2018 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Shore, 28, appeared in the marketing and advertising section. In addition to the Forbes 30 Under 30, Strike Social was featured in the Inc. 500 –– for the second time in a row –– earlier in the year. [Forbes]
Airbnb acquires Chicago startup
AdBasis, whose platform lets advertisers test a single ad campaign in hundreds of different ways, has been acquired by Airbnb. A source familiar with the acquisition told Built In Chicago that the San Francisco-based tech company would use AdBasis' platform to improve its ad targeting and optimization efforts. Terms of the deal were not announced. [Built In Chicago]
OfficeLuv expands into New York
Office supply and grocery ordering startup OfficeLuv is expanding into the Big Apple. In addition to growing its customer base, the company will also be increasing headcount. To support the move, OfficeLuv will hire over 20 new full-time employees to work on its operations and office management teams. [Press release]
Next/Now cleans up at 2017 EventTech Awards
Chicago agency Next/Now won gold, silver and bronze awards at the 2017 EventTech Awards held in Las Vegas. The award show recognizes the work of brands and agencies in live event experiences. The agency was awarded for its work with Avocados From Mexico, State Farm and LG. [Press release]
GoCivic releases impact report
GoCivic, a platform that connects Chicagoans with local community organizations and causes, has released a 120-day impact report. In four months, people have donated $48,752 in cash and $35,575 worth of goods to Windy City causes and organizations. In addition to donating goods and money, GoCivic has helped facilitate 11,649 hours of volunteering. [Press release]
