21/11/2011 
I hate to admit that I have yet to go to Chicago. I have no excuse. Since I moved to Tennessee 20 years ago, I have been close enough to visit for a weekend. I want to go and experience this fabulous city….maybe in 2012.
Chicago is the third largest city in the U.S. and a major hub for industry, telecommunications and infrastructure. It has the 4th largest Gross Domestic Product among world metropolitan areas. It is also listed as one of the world’s top ten Global Financial Centers with the second largest central business district in the US. In a ranking that includes: value of capital markets, diversity of human capital, international information resources, international cultural resources, and political influence, Chicago ranks as 6th in the world. It is a major world convention destination with the largest convention center in the U.S. and the third largest in the world.
The 2010 total gross state product for Illinois was $630 billion which is fifth in the nation. The 2010 per capita income was $41,411. The state of Illinois is home to 66 Fortune 1000 companies such as Boeing, Kraft Foods, McDonald’s, Sears, and United.
World Trade Center Chicago-Illinois secured the Chicago Option from the WTCA on October 10, 2010 (10-10-10). It is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois with 10 satellite offices located around the state.
Website: www.wtcil.org
Mission/Statement of Purpose: “Your Trusted partner in World Trade” A not for profit organization providing vital international trade services to WTCIL members. “…a global trade center committed to expanding international trade between Illinois business and work markets. Tailored for manufacturers, exporters, suppliers, and import export business opportunity seekers, World Trade Center Chicago-Illinois serves as the lead facilitator and strategic catalyse of international activity within the state.”
Services: International Networking events, Educational and Training programs, Business Services, Virtual Trade Advisor database, and Virtual Trade Office.
Exports: Illinois’s export shipments of merchandise totaled $50.1 billion in 2010. Exports include machinery (the largest export category at $12.5 billion), computers and electronic products ($5.5 billion), processed foods ($2.6 billion), electrical equipment, chemical products ($6.5 billion), publishing, fabricated metal products, transportation equipment ($5.3 billion), petroleum and coal.
Illinois’s largest market is Canada ($15 billion) and they have a mutually beneficial trade relationship. There is almost $100 million dollars worth of merchandise exchanged daily. Illinois imports crude petroleum and natural gas from Canada. Next largest markets for Illinois are Mexico ($4.3 billion), China ($3.2 billion), Australia ($2.4 billion) and Germany ($2.2 billion
Events:
12/9-11/11: International investors Conference
5/14-15/12: Silk Road Conference
Contact Information:
World Trade Center Chicago-Illinois 1700 E. Golf Rd, 7th Floor Schaumburg, IL 60173 773-313-3735 www.wtcil.orgChicago and Its Financial District
World Trade Daily 
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