Chicagoland Chamber Applauds Mayor Emanuel's "Chicago First" Ordinance

CHICAGO, Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce applauds the "Chicago First" ordinance introduced today by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

"Mayor Emanuel is right on the economic development growth target with the 'Chicago First' ordinance introduced at City Council. This ordinance will enable Chicago based manufacturing and service providers to compete against out of state competition," says Jerry Roper, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber. "This is the type of policy that will spur growth and retention of home grown Chicago companies."

States such as Indiana and Michigan currently have preferential purchasing programs for locally based businesses.

The "Chicago First" ordinance will award Chicago companies bidding on procurement contracts to provide goods to the city that come within 2% of the lowest bid. "The Mayor is showing a commitment to invest in Chicago's business and manufacturing sectors. 'Chicago First' will also encourage businesses and manufacturers to consider locating in Chicago," said Roper.

About The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Founded in 1904, we are a private, non-profit business assistance and economic development organization. With 2,600 members, representing over 1.3 million individual employees in the six-county Northeastern Illinois region (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry & Will), we are the largest Chamber of Commerce in Illinois and one of the largest in the nation. Our mission is to make Chicagoland the most business-friendly region in America and to enhance our members' success through aggressive advocacy, member benefits, services, and actionable information.

SOURCE Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce