Chicago’s technology industry got a big boost recently when Mayor Daley announced the formation of the Mayor’s Committee on Technology Infrastructure consisting of 20 respected Chicago tech leaders.
They offer specific suggestions on how to meet the explosive and unique space needs of the technology industry for the next generation of tech-based companies and entrepreneurs, the mayor said.
“The fast-growing technology field is an essential part of our plan to make Chicago the most competitive destination in the world for new businesses and new jobs,” Daley said.
The press conference announcing the Committee was symbolically held at 600 West, formerly Montgomery Ward’s catalog warehouse at Chicago Avenue and the river. The mayor called the building “a thriving example of how government can support the technology industry in a way that improves the quality of life for every resident of Chicago.”
In 2003, the City invested $28 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funding to help redevelop the building, which is almost full to capacity.
“We made the investment in 600 West because we know we must support visionaries ? such as Groupon and Lightbank ? who can identify opportunities and take risks to develop new processes, design new products and open new markets,” the mayor stated.
“Our investment has created a home for thousands of new jobs and has helped shine a national spotlight on Chicago as a technology leader,” Daley said. “We have accomplished a lot here, but there’s much more to do.”
The Committee will look at locations and spaces all around Chicago and suggest how the City can help create another success story like 600 West, said Committee member Eric Lefkotsky, co-founder with Brad Keywell of Groupon and Lightbank, one of the most successful companies occupying space at 600 West.
