Author: World Business Chicago

Chicagoland Named #1 U.S. Metro For Corporate Relocation for 12th Consecutive Year

, Date: March 3, 2025

Chicago has once again been named the number one metro in the U.S. for corporate relocation and investment by Site Selection Magazine, marking its 12th consecutive year at the top. This ranking—based on project count—highlights the region’s global economic strength, business-friendly environment, and deep talent pool. These competitive advantages are championed worldwide by the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP)—a collaboration between the city and seven surrounding counties (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will)—established in 2023 to drive investment and business expansion across the region.

World Business Chicago reported a total of 140 “pro-Chicagoland decisions,” in 2024, comprising 110 expansions and 30 relocations or new market entries, resulting in the creation of over 14,800 jobs. “The Chicago region’s competitive advantages continue to include logistics infrastructure, a highly skilled and diverse workforce, strong legacy and emerging industries, and world-renowned academic and research and innovation institutions,” said Adam Bruns, editor in chief of Site Selection Magazine. “One underlying reason behind Chicagoland’s perennial strong performance in our Top Metros rankings: how Daniel Burnham’s original plan and vision continue to resonate through generations of business locations, architecture and infrastructure.”

Chicago’s quantum leap into the future was solidified in 2024 with one of the most transformative pro- Chicago business decisions of the year—PsiQuantum’s selection of Chicago as the home for its first utility-scale quantum computing site in the U.S. Announced last summer by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside federal, state, and local leaders, this milestone cements Chicago’s position as a global hub for quantum technology and emerging industries. Located at the USX site on the city’s South Side, the quantum campus represents a bold investment in next-generation innovation, bringing together world-class research institutions, national labs, and industry leaders to 2 drive breakthrough advancements. With PsiQuantum as the campus’ first anchor tenant, Chicago is poised to lead the charge in the quantum revolution, accelerating economic growth, high-tech job creation, and scientific discovery.

“When we set out to choose the location for our first utility-scale quantum computing site in the U.S., Chicago quickly rose to the top—not just for its infrastructure or geography, but because of the extraordinary leadership and shared vision at every level,” said Josh Richman, Executive Vice President, Market Development, PsiQuantum. “The seamless collaboration between the state, county, and city— alongside world-class universities, national labs, and industry partners—was a masterclass in execution, led by Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson. Chicago is cementing its status as a global innovation powerhouse, and we’re proud to play a role in shaping its future.”

As the leading quantum computing company focused on building the first useful, error-corrected quantum computer, PsiQuantum will drive innovation, competitive research, and economic growth in Illinois.

“Chicago’s number one ranking by Site Selection Magazine is based on real data—proving we’re winning in the metrics that truly matter,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “As the biggest 2024 project counted in this ranking, PsiQuantum’s decision to anchor its new quantum campus on the Southeast Side shows how companies are choosing Chicago for its talent, infrastructure, and strong business ecosystem at every level. Even more importantly, this major quantum investment has innovators around the world taking notice, and I am thrilled this development will revitalize and bring attention to a neighborhood that has been left out of economic development for far too long. We are committed to building upon the successes that have earned Chicago the number one spot and ensuring that all people can reap their benefits.”

“This milestone underscores what we at World Business Chicago and our partners in the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership already know—businesses continue to choose Chicagoland because they see opportunity here,” said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “With a diverse and highly educated workforce, a robust transportation and logistics network, and a strong innovation ecosystem, our region provides companies with everything they need to succeed.”

“Year after year, Chicagoland proves itself as the premier destination for companies looking to establish, expand, and invest,” said Kevin Considine, Chair of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership and President & CEO of Lake County Partners. “Our collaborative approach ensures that businesses, regardless of their location in the region, have the resources and support to grow.”

One Region, One Vision

Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage: “For me, this reinforces an idea that many of us have been preaching for years: Regional collaboration works. When we come together as one Chicagoland, we have a stronger voice, we have a richer narrative, and we have a bigger, better value proposition, one that top businesses can’t ignore. If you want to see the impact of this collaborative approach, look at companies like Jel Sert. In 2024, Jel Sert expanded its West Chicago operations, retaining nearly 1,000 jobs and creating dozens more. GCEP played an integral part in that. And while the outcome was good for West Chicago, it’s also good for the entire Chicagoland region. When we retain, grow, and attract businesses here, we all win.”

Michael Buehler, McHenry County Board Chairman: “Site Selection Magazine’s accolade is further confirmation that the Chicago Metro area attracts world-class companies because of its world-class workforce, infrastructure and business climate. As we’ve seen in McHenry County in recent years with the expansion of General Kinematics, GCEP’s partnership model to attract new businesses and foster their growth makes us more and more attractive to job creators and investment. McHenry County is proud to join our county and municipal partners in celebrating this honor.”

Scott Gengler, Kendall County Board Vice Chairman: “The spirit of collaboration that GCEP brings to the entire Chicago region has brought real results in attracting businesses to Kendall County and all counties across the Chicago region. We aren’t surprised to see the area again recognized by Site Selection Magazine. The greater Chicago region has so much to offer businesses, and we are happy to continue to be a part of that success.”

Sandy Hart, Lake County Board Chair: “This latest accolade from Site Selection Magazine confirms what we’ve long known: our collective strengths—diverse talent, connectivity, and a spirit of innovation—make the Chicago Metro area a magnet for world-class companies. In Lake County, expansion projects like those at Sysmex America, Inc. and ZF Industries are examples of how GCEP’s partnership model accelerates growth across the region, resulting in new and retained jobs and significant capital investment in our community. I’m proud to join my fellow leaders in applauding every county, city, and neighborhood that contributed to this outstanding achievement.

Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County President: “Cook County is proud to have played a role in the Chicago Metro area being named the top U.S. metro for corporate relocation once again by Site Selection. The 2024 decision by PsiQuantum—a California-based startup—to anchor the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago demonstrates how GCEP’s unified approach to business attraction and investment continues to pay off. This park will revolutionize our ability to process complex data regarding traffic management, health care, finance and more. Congratulations to our entire region for this well-deserved recognition and thank you to Site Selection for celebrating our shared successes.”

Jennifer Bertino Tarrant, Will County Executive: “The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership is delivering positive results for the region by increasing the number of high-wage, sustainable jobs for our residents. The Chicagoland area is a national economic powerhouse with a proven track record of attracting corporate expansions and relocations, such as 4 Voortman Steel Machinery’s $54 million dollar investment into new jobs for eastern Will County last year. I applaud the collaboration between our partners, which has led to our region being named number one in the nation for corporate relocation for the 12th year in a row.”

Corinne Pierog, Kane County Board Chairman: “A year ago, Kane County was seeking a unified approach to economic development, and we’ve successfully embraced that opportunity through strategic partnerships, including with the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership. We are now targeting investments and utilizing regional data, thanks to GCEP, to produce outcomes that benefit the residents of Kane County by attracting high-paying jobs, supporting industry, and driving long-term prosperity for our region.”

Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership Announces Leadership Transition

, Date: February 25, 2025

GCEP Board of Directors Names New Chair & Vice Chair

The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP) today announced a leadership transition, appointing two seasoned economic development leaders to drive its next phase of growth and collaboration. GCEP unites Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Lake, and Will Counties with the City of Chicago.

  • Kevin Considine, President & CEO of Lake County Partners, has been named Chair of the Board of Directors, succeeding Greg Bedalov, President & CEO of Choose DuPage, who has served in the role since GCEP’s inception in January 2023.

  • Doug Pryor, President & CEO of the Will County Center for Economic Development, will step into the role of Vice Chair, taking over from Kevin Considine.

GCEP is led and managed by World Business Chicago (WBC), serving as the region’s coordinating force for economic development while complementing existing municipal and county initiatives. WBC plays a critical role in advancing the partnership’s shared mission—strengthening Chicagoland’s competitiveness, fostering business expansion, and attracting global investment.

With Considine and Pryor at the helm, GCEP will continue to champion the region’s competitive advantages, including its extensive freight and logistics infrastructure, highly skilled and diverse workforce, strong legacy and emerging industries, and a network of world-renowned academic and research and innovation institutions.

Considine serves as President and CEO of Lake County Partners, a leading economic development organization dedicated to positioning Lake County as a premier destination for business. Considine and team are focused on expanding the local talent pipeline, driving regional innovation, and addressing critical marketplace needs.

“I am honored to step into this role and build upon the incredible work that our regional partners have set in motion,” said Kevin Considine, incoming GCEP Chair. “The Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership is a bold and forward-thinking collaboration—one that recognizes that our collective strengths are far greater than the sum of our individual efforts. Together, we are driving inclusive growth and ensure that Chicagoland remains a world-class hub for business, talent, and innovation.”

Pryor is President and CEO of the Will County Center for Economic Development (CED), the countywide organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and supporting businesses across Will County. The CED continues to serve as a one-stop resource for businesses seeking guidance on available sites, incentives, and local government processes in Will County.

“I am excited to join GCEP’s leadership team and collaborate with Kevin and our partners across the region,” said Doug Pryor, incoming GCEP Vice Chair. “By aligning our efforts and leveraging our collective strengths, we can drive transformative investment, support innovation, and ensure every corner of the Chicagoland region has the opportunity to thrive.”

World Business Chicago (WBC) leads GCEP and will continue to drive regional business development efforts in collaboration with local municipalities and county economic development programs.

“The transition in leadership underscores our shared commitment to regional economic prosperity,” said Phil Clement, President & CEO of World Business Chicago. “Kevin and Doug bring invaluable expertise and a deep understanding of the Chicagoland economy. Under their leadership, I’m confident that GCEP will further leverage the strength of the region to attract investment, create jobs, and drive economic opportunity for all.”

Chicagoland Named Top Metro For Corporate Investment, 11 Years In A Row By Site Selection Magazine

, Date: March 7, 2024

“The sense of regionalism exemplified by the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership will only reinforce the area’s attractiveness to tech, logistics, innovation, and vibrant young talent in an economy as diverse as its population.”
– Site Selection Magazine

Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside representatives from World Business Chicago and key figures from the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, gathered at S&C Electric in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood to announce that, for the eleventh consecutive year, Chicago has secured the prestigious title of the top metro area in the United States for corporate investment, according to Site Selection magazine. This ranking underscores Chicago’s sustained appeal as a prime destination for business growth and development. Click here for a live stream of the event.

“Access to diverse talent, global connectivity and the City’s strong infrastructure are among the reasons why Chicago has been ranked a top metropolitan area for selection and corporate relocation for 11 years,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “On behalf of all the residents of the City of Chicago, I extend our gratitude to S&C Electric and the 162 other companies who made pro-Chicago decisions in 2023 – investing in our people, our neighborhoods, and our city—driving job creation and opportunities for all.”

In 2023, the Chicago metro area continued its streak by outpacing all other regions in the nation, with an influx of new corporate locations and expansions. World Business Chicago reported a total of 163 “pro-Chicagoland decisions” throughout the year. These decisions comprised 117 expansions and 46 relocations or new market entries, with notable investments targeting the South and West sides of the city, alongside significant developments across the Chicagoland region. Collectively, these initiatives resulted in the creation of over 23,000 job opportunities, further fueling the city’s economic vitality.

“We are profoundly honored to once again be acknowledged as the foremost metro for corporate investment in the United States,” said Charles E. Smith, Vice Chair, World Business Chicago. “This accomplishment reflects the unwavering dedication of our team, board of directors, the Mayor of Chicago, and our esteemed partners across the greater Chicagoland region. It underscores our shared commitment to nurturing an ecosystem where businesses flourish and communities thrive.”

Among the notable contributors to Chicago’s economic landscape in 2023 was S&C, which announced its expansion with a 275,000-square-foot facility in Palatine, reinforcing its commitment to the region’s growth. This expansion, situated approximately 25 miles from S&C’s headquarters in Rogers Park, is expected to generate 200 new jobs, contributing to the company’s significant local workforce of over 2000 team members in the Chicago area.

“Chicago has been home to S&C for over 110 years, and the talent pool here is an essential part of our growth and success, allowing us to better serve customers with solutions that advance a resilient and reliable electrical grid,” said Anders Sjoelin, S&C’s president and CEO. “Additionally, we’re pleased to add jobs, create meaningful careers, and value for our local team members, and support our communities.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, and others emphasized the significance of today’s announcement, highlighting the collective efforts of the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), which was established in January 2023. The GCEP, comprising the City of Chicago and seven surrounding counties (Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Kendall County, Lake County, McHenry County, and Will County), has spearheaded initiatives, and business delegations, aimed at fostering inclusive economic growth and promoting equity across diverse communities. Leveraging the region’s assets, including robust transportation infrastructure, diverse talent pools, and thriving sectors, the GCEP remains committed to driving sustainable development and maximizing opportunities for all.

“Chicago is a dynamic city for energy storage innovation, robust R&D culture, and dedicated workforce,” celebrates Desmond Wheatly, CEO of Beam. “Embracing these strengths, Beam is strategically expanding its manufacturing presence in the Chicagoland region, delivering premium-grade batteries tailored for diverse applications such as eMobility, recreation, and robotics. With Chicago’s foundation of innovation and hard work, we’re poised to drive transformative advancements in energy technology.”

The continued recognition of Chicago as the top metro for corporate investment underscores the city’s resilience, innovation, and unwavering appeal to businesses seeking a dynamic environment for growth. As the third-largest metro area and a top 20 global economy, the Chicago region boasts tremendous talent and is home to some of the nation’s top colleges and universities. Leveraging these assets, Chicago remains at the forefront of economic prosperity, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses to thrive and succeed in a vibrant and diverse marketplace.

Greater Chicagoland Economic Development Partnership Leaders Reflect On The News

Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County President: “Companies like S&C Electric, Beam, Solo Cup, and so many others chose Chicagoland for a reason – they know here you will find a rich and diverse tapestry of strong industry sectors ranging from food manufacturing to film and television production. Site Selection’s eleventh consecutive win affirms the Chicago region’s continued promise of opportunity for the business community allowing for them to continuously grow, expand and thrive.”

Greg Bedalov, CEO and President, Choose DuPage, and Chairman of Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership: “The unprecedented recognition of the Chicago Metro region as top site in the nation for corporate relocation and site selection for an 11th consecutive year is proof positive that the city and the metro area are absolute first-in-class locations for business growth. Achieving this lofty goal once a decade is worth shouting about. Achieving it for consecutive years that span more than a decade is nearly inconceivable. Working collaboratively with all the partners in the Metro area is producing measurable economic results for Chicagoland. The Chicago metro area is not only open for business, but also is clearly the spot to place for business. Congratulations to all those involved in making this happen and thank you to Site Selection magazine for this recognition.”

Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog: “The recognition from Site Selection magazine highlights the region’s allure for new businesses and investments. It also illustrates our dedication to being a responsive community that supports a diverse range of sectors, including agriculture, corporate and small business.”

Kendall County Board Chairman, Matt Kellogg: “We are proud but not at all surprised to see the Chicago area receive recognition for its continued business growth. We see real evidence of that growth in Kendall County, as businesses choose to expand or relocate in the region. We are not only business friendly but a great place for employees to relocate and join our community. The Chicago region connects to the entire globe, whether its people, information, or logistics, which makes it an excellent place to live and do business.”

Sandy Hart, Lake County Board Chair: “Lake County joins the entire Chicagoland region in proactively working together to advance sustainability and inclusive growth through strategic investments in infrastructure, talent, vibrant communities, and a diverse economy. Our central location, in the middle of the country and within arms-reach of a vast, global transportation network, makes the area a premiere location for business and people. We are proud that Chicagoland’s strength is once again being recognized by the industry-leading publication Site Selection Magazine. Being ranked the top U.S. metro for corporate relocation for the 11th year in a row comes as no surprise given all that the region has to offer to growing businesses.”

Mike Buehler, Chairman, McHenry County Board: “The Chicago Metro region’s unparalleled success in corporate relocation and site selection for over a decade is a testament to the collaborative spirit and unwavering dedication of our community. This continuous recognition by Site Selection magazine affirms that our city and metro area stand as beacons for business growth and innovation. Just as the Chicago region connects seamlessly to the global stage, so too does our commitment to fostering a diverse and vibrant ecosystem for businesses to thrive. Congratulations to all those who contribute to this remarkable achievement and thank you to Site Selection magazine for acknowledging our ongoing journey as a first-in-class destination for business.”

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Will County Executive: “The Chicagoland Region remains a strong economic force and globally competitive. Chicagoland communities are attracting corporations and high-paying jobs at a rapid pace thanks to our many regional assets, including diverse talent, affordability, high quality of life, and connectivity. I look forward to these assets driving continued growth into the future.”