City is on top for Chicago jobs
Posted on March 8, 2016
When it comes to Chicago jobs, the city is doing well. In fact, Chicago ranked “Top Metro” in the United States in 2015 for corporate investment in the March issue of Site Selection magazine. For the third consecutive year, the Chicago metro area saw more new and expanding corporate facilities than any other area.
In consideration for the “Top Metro” ranking, World Business Chicago (WBC) submitted 322 projects from 2015, accounting for more than $3 billion in investment and 13,400 new jobs. Considered an “industry scoreboard” for the corporate relocation community, Site Selection focuses on new corporate facility projects with significant impact, including headquarters, manufacturing plants, R&D operations and logistics sites.
Major 2015 projects included: ConAgra’s relocation of its headquarters and 700 employees from Omaha to Chicago; GrubHub’s expansion to accommodate 1,000 workers at its Chicago headquarters; and Glassdoor’s new Chicago office, which will add more than 250 jobs in the city.
“For the third straight year, Chicago has been recognized as the number one city for corporate investment, which amounts to a continuing vote of confidence by companies in the strength of our business climate. This is translating into more jobs for Chicagoans and more economic opportunities for residents in all parts of our city,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Chicago’s central location, tremendous access to transportation, unmatched talent and business friendly environment continue to attract companies of all sizes and sectors. They see a city with a bright future that they want to be a part of.”
“While there is debate in some circles about the economic impact of corporate headquarters, in Chicago there is no denying their power,” says Adam Bruns, managing editor of Site Selection. “Even more undeniable are the sparks that fly among companies, higher education and cultural institutions, and the metro area’s venture capital and incubator/accelerator community, embodied in the hives of innovation that are 1871 and the Merchandise Mart.”