Emanuel expands World Business Chicago board

Emanuel expands World Business Chicago board
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel addresses reporters from the rooftop of City Hall Wednesday. WBEZ/Tony Arnold
Emanuel expands World Business Chicago board
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel addresses reporters from the rooftop of City Hall Wednesday. WBEZ/Tony Arnold

Emanuel expands World Business Chicago board

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Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expanding an agency meant to bring more businesses into the city. The new board members are some of the mayor’s top political donors.

Board members of World Business Chicago aim to boost the city’s economy by getting businesses to expand operations or create jobs within Chicago. The previous board was made up of about 17 top business leaders around Chicago. Now, Mayor Emanuel is increasing that number to nearly 50.

“We’re actually targeting right and focused on a little over two dozen companies,” Emanuel said.

Emanuel wouldn’t elaborate on which companies he’s targeting.

Some of the new board members were huge donors to Emanuel’s campaign. The vice chairman of the new World Business Chicago, Michael Sacks, gave $105,000. Also, of the nearly 50 board members, four are women.