The British-American Business Council
Chicago
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The British-American Business Council |
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MEMBER FEEDBACK * What service(s) would you like the BABC to offer that would benefit you and your business? E-mail your feedback to Chris Brenkus. Thank you!
BABC 2006 TRANSATLANTIC BUSINESS CONFERENCE - LONDON
"In my opinion, the BABC Spring Conference was an excellent opportunity to develop new business contacts as well as friendships, from both the U.S. and the U.K. "Although the speakers were top notch and the events, such as the black tie dinner, were great fun, what I value most from my experience at the conference are the relationships I developed with people from London and Brussels to South Carolina and California. I am looking forward to the next conference." BABC Chicago member - Patrick Moran, Attorney, Lowis-Gellen
Business executives from
throughout North America and the UK convened in London from March 29-31 for
the BABC’s Annual Transatlantic Business Conference, ‘Gateways'. The
Conference focused on discussing the upcoming challenges and opportunities
for transatlantic business, and providing business networking opportunities
for participants. "I have attended most of the conferences in the last five years and, as usual, the quality of the speakers at the London event were of the highest quality and very relevant to the issues facing UK and North American business relationships. "However, the real benefit in attending conference is in the networking with delegates from other chapters. I have been able to build up strong links with a good number on both sides of the Atlantic and this has a mutual benefit ,when it comes to exploring trade and investment opportunities. "The network can only get stronger by the participation of current and new delegates and I would be delighted to see more members of the BABC Chicago chapter taking part and look forward to seeing them at the West coast conference next year." BABC Chicago member - Geoff Harding, VP, Americas, Wlelsh Assembly Government.
CHICAGO NAMED “TOP METRO” FOR CORPORATE RELOCATIONS AND EXPANSIONS 2005 survey makes four out of five years that Chicago leads CHICAGO, March 2, 2006 – Chicago reigns as “Top Metro” for 2005 in Site Selection magazine’s annual business investment survey of American cities. The distinction recognizes metropolitan Chicago as 2005’s economic development leader, with $6.5 billion of corporate capital invested in 389 projects. Chicago has topped the worldwide economic development publication’s list for four out the past five years. “A resurgence of corporate capital flowing back into Chicago has made the Second City No. 1 again,” began the Atlanta-based Site Selection’s awards story. "Chicago offers world-class business resources coupled with an unparalleled quality of life," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "As one of the most economically diverse cities in the United States, Chicago provides businesses stability, support and opportunities for growth." At the center of the American economy, Chicago is benefiting now more than ever from global trade. The city’s global position, combined with its unique and dynamic business environment and its unparalleled quality of life helped lead to the top ranking. “High-end financial, IT, creative and strategic jobs are strong and growing in numbers here,” said Paul O’Connor, executive director of World Business Chicago. “Companies that abandoned the city 30 years ago are coming back and revitalizing and rebuilding the city and its neighborhoods, bringing top talent back into the city and, in turn, bringing more companies back.” “The next thing we are looking for is the next wave of foreign investment as China puts more money into the U.S.,” O’Connor was quoted as saying in the article. “We have to convince the Chinese that Chicago is a great place to do business.” Companies that have committed to large facilities in the past year include CNA Financial Corp., Mittal Steel USA, Fifth Third Bank, William Wrigley Jr. Company, CDW, TTX, Global-NetXchange, Google and Giuliani Capital Advisors, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s national financial firm. Chicago, with 389 projects, unseated Dallas-Fort Worth, which held the title of top destination for corporate America in 2004, by 80 projects and nearly tripled New York’s total of 102 projects in 2005. “A strong and healthy business community is as important to Chicago’s vitality as is the diverseness of its neighborhoods,” said Lori T. Healey, Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development. “A goal of Mayor Daley’s administration remains focused on strengthening our business climate by creating opportunities for continued growth and sustainability and that will encourage businesses to expand or relocate in Chicago.” Site Selection's annual rankings are considered "the industry scoreboard" for economic development. To be counted, new and expanded facilities have to involve a capital investment of at least $1 million, create at least 50 new jobs, or add 20,000 square feet of new floor area. For the complete list of “Top Metros” or more information on the survey click on Site Selection. # # # World Business Chicago (WBC) is a not-for-profit economic development corporation chaired by Mayor Richard M. Daley and directed by Paul O’Connor. WBC markets Chicago’s competitive advantages, coordinates business retention and attraction efforts, and seeks to enhance Chicago’s business climate by being a thought leader in economic development policy.
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ANGLOFILE May 2006 Chicago Real Estate: The Myth of the Bubble
If you But the National Association of Realtors is touting 2006 as potentially the second best year ever nationally. Meanwhile, when it comes to risk of a housing price collapse, Chicago barely manages to tie Atlanta for 28th place among the nation's 50 largest metro areas. At a Risk Index value of 147, we're only about half as risky as the average top-50 metro, according to the latest figures from PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. So clearly the idea of a Chicago bubble is a little far-fetched, but as inventory and market times edge upwards, sellers have to adjust their tactics to succeed in a more competitive market. Of course this is great news for the buyer. They have more choice than ever and know that they are negotiating with motivated sellers. Meanwhile, developers are offering bigger incentives to buy pre- and new construction as they seek to repeat the sales volume of the last few years. Some of the give-aways out there include everything from plasma screen TVs and washer/dryers to parking spots. In summary, 2006 is still a good year for buying property.
What’s in with Home Buyers in 2006:
*
Smaller homes: less space,
better finishes And What’s out:
*
The Real Estate bubble:
it’s a correction, ok?
Article contributed by BABC Chicago Member, Alex Till: Originally from London, I moved to Chicago in 1999. I specialize in residential real estate and work with a mixture of clients - everyone from first-time homebuyers to serious investors. I live and work in the West Loop and as a result the majority of my business is carried out in the downtown area, south from Hyde park all the way north to Rogers Park and everywhere in between. I also work further afield providing I know the market well enough to properly service my clients. I love my job. I get to meet new people all the time and help them through a rewarding, though often challenging, chapter in their lives. And I get to do it in one of the coolest cities in the world.
Please
contact
me if you're interested in
learning more about my services or Chicago real estate in general.
Alex Till
If you would like to submit an article to Anglofile, please e-mail Chris Brenkus at cbrenkus@babcc.org. Article contributions are most welcome.
MEMBER to Member Benefit
BABC member Laurel Motors of Tinley Park has put together a VIP and Transatlantic Relocation Auto Purchase/Lease Program for BABC members and friends. Please share this information with your colleagues, friends and your company’s HR Directors who help employees relocate. VIP PROGRAM * $200 off the negotiated
purchase price of any vehicle New/Pre-owned In addition, the Laurel Jaguar, Land Rover , Volvo & Audi VIP Purchase Program offers the following:
* Low rate, on the spot financing Trans Atlantic Relocation Purchase/Lease Program My name is Andy Taylor and I'm the Transatlantic Relocation Consultant here at Laurel Motors. As a fellow Brit who moved to the US 4 years ago, I understand how hard it can be to buy a house, car or obtain a credit card etc with no credit history here in America. It can be very frustrating.. Having excellent credit back home means nothing...I felt like I had just landed here from Mars. Over the Internet I came across other Europeans being relocated to America, who needed a vehicle but were experiencing finance problems. Laurel Motors have recognized this issue and now have a Finance Program in place.
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Non-US citizens If you are a Human Resources Director and have relocated employees from abroad and need a quick and easy program to Buy or Lease an Automobile, contact Andy for details.
The BABC Chicago is the 2005 recipient of the Aon Award. The Aon Award is awarded for the best membership growth on a year-over-year basis. Edwina Sandys, the granddaughter of Winston Churchill, sculpted the Aon Award. The BABC Chicago also won the award in 2003. Do you have contacts who would benefit from BABC membership? Please direct your contacts to our Web site or e-mail Chris Brenkus their details and she will send them an invitation to join the BABC Chicago! |
MEMBER RECOMMENDATION
Petrus, a Gordon Ramsay restaurant located in the Berkeley Hotel in
Knightsbridge, UK, is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. The
food is superb, the service exceptional and the staff is extremely
attentive and friendly. Be prepared to spend at least three hours
dining and a lot of pounds sterling. Expensive, but what good
restaurant in
For
more information, go to Gordon
Ramsay Web site.
Look up “Restaurants-Marcus Wareing-Petrus Submitted by Saul Caisman, KPMG LLP
Do you have a restaurant, hotel, travel, or fun tips you would like to share with fellow members? If so, e-mail your recommendations to Chris Brenkus.
CALL FOR BRITISH CONSUL GENERAL AWARD NOMINATIONS DEADLINE: MAY 19, 2006
The UK and the US share a deep and historical relationship. This relationship has been built on the values and qualities that our two countries and cultures share. While challenges have faced our countries and are rapidly growing in the era of globalization, decision-makers who display strong leadership and direction are helping our countries meet these challenges. The purpose of the Annual British Consul General Awards is to recognize companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to furthering trade, commerce, civic, philanthropic, and/or cultural relations between the United Kingdom and the United States. We encourage you to submit nominations for the Award. Self-nominations are accepted. Click the following links to download the British Consul General Award Criteria and Nomination Form. BRITISH CONSUL GENERAL AWARD CRITERIA BRITISH CONSUL GENERAL AWARD NOMINATION FORM
The
global executive education to
its new campus in the heart of
The University of Chicago
Graduate School of Business has permanent campuses on three continents:
North America, Europe, and
The GSB in
London
now provides a series of Executive Education Seminars using the same world
renowned Chicago GSB faculty that facilitate the Executive MBA programs.
Below are programs being offered. For a complete listing of our
*
Negotiation and Decision Making Strategies
(24-28 April, 2006) Take a moment to think of those within your organization who may benefit from this educational experience and forward this information on to them.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Please welcome our new members who have joined the BABC Chicago (January 1 thru April 18, 2006.)
Timothy Barnes, Counsel, LeBoef,
Lamb Green & MacRae LLP
SAVE THE DATES * June 16, 2-7 p.m. Ascot Day at Arlington International Racecourse * September 27, 6-10 p.m. British Consul General Awards Dinner at the InterContinental Hotel * December 8, 6-Midnight - Twelfth Annual British Christmas Gala at the Cultural Center-Yates Gallery |
| Copyright © 2006 The British-American Business Council, Chicago | ||
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