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Action vs. braggadocio

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Acting a couple of weeks after Mayor Rahm Emanuel wrote about a dozen Indiana firms inviting them to move here, World Business Chicago chief Jeff Malehorn drove to Indianapolis on April 6 to meet with companies that could set up shop here in the Windy City.

Malehorn declined to disclose who he talked with. But he does say he met with officials from three companies and is confident that at least one and probably two of them will open some operations here in the near future.

“I am quite confident we will get jobs,” said Malehorn, whose group also mailed CEOs of 80 Indiana companies offering to assist in moving some or part of the business here.

One company is a digital mobile-phone outfit that is seriously considering setting up a Chicago office because of the larger number of young tech workers here. The second is a rapidly expanding health care company and the third is in transportation logistics—all sectors that WBC has targeted.

* The letter…

I am writing you today on behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chairman of World Business Chicago, which is the economic development agency for Chicago. Together we would like to urge you to consider Chicago’s considerable advantages as a location for your company.

Chicago will provide your business with unparalleled opportunity at the epicenter of North American business. Both start-ups and established companies alike, including Google, Motorola Mobility, GrubHub, Yelp, Microsoft, Uber, Groupon, Salesforce, LinkedIn, and many more, all have recently announced major expansions and relocations here, employing thousands in Chicago - and for good reason. Our city provides the top-notch talent, and the creative, vibrant environment that enables them to grow and thrive here.

I am positive that you would find Chicago a truly global city with a world class business environment, a vast and diverse talent pool of millions, and a central location with easy global air access to clients and operations. Our diverse economy rivals nations and we are consistently ranked in the top ten global cities and economies in the world.

As an economic development agency driving growth and job creation, we are collectively focused on making Chicago the most business-friendly city in the nation, and hope to have the opportunity to welcome your firm to Chicago as the newest members of our vibrant and engaged business community.

We are proud Chicago is ranked the number one city for corporate relocations in the United States for two years running, and are confident that Chicago will provide you with exceptional opportunities for continued growth and talent attraction. I am eager to assist you with such an effort.

* Gov. Rauner, however, would rather wait until after his “Turnaround Agenda” is completed before chasing after Indiana companies…

Rauner also waved away the controversy over an Indiana religious freedom law, that some opinion writers viewed as a chance for Illinois to poach jobs from the neighboring state, calling it a “headline opportunity,” not a real one.

“Believe me, I am going to rip — try to rip the economic guts out of Indiana,” Rauner said. “I am one of the baddest, you know, enemies anybody can have. And when I set a goal, we do it. I don’t care what the headline is. I want the results. And we’re coming after Indiana big time. But you know what, we’re going to do it on our terms, the right way.”

What he means by “the right way” is that he’ll weaken unions, lower benefits for workers, lower taxes and then and only then will he go after those jobs.

But what happens if his plan isn’t implemented?

And shouldn’t he be working with the mayor on this poaching operation right now?

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:24 pm

Comments

“Oh Governor, you certainly do make speeches”

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:30 pm
He’s not working with the Mayor because he doesn’t want to do anything that would be viewed negatively by Foxnews and the WSJ.

Comment by slow down Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:31 pm
While he’s at it, why not try to poach some jobs from thirsty ol’ California? The taglines write themselves: “Illinois: Where you can bathe more than once a week.”

Comment by Owen, son of Gus Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:32 pm
Is Bruce averse to actual work?

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:40 pm
The World Business Chicago folks are all first rate. They have apparently improved opinions about Chicagoland as a place to consider opening operations, among executives in many key countries. We seem to have a better image overseas as a good place to do business, than in some US states. They will help with that problem.

Comment by walker Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:42 pm
When this guy eats lunch, he must think ketchup and mustard are enemies.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:45 pm
I think these raiding parties are all spin. About the best you can hope for is some multi-million dollar press releases for a governor or mayor.

Having said, I haven’t seen that Rauner has any interest in growing businesses. He didnt do it in the private sector.

He has an ideogue’s agenda to knock down the incomes of the people who are here now.

Comment by Wordslinger Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:50 pm
A bunch of manufacturers would probably move here if they could use children or indentured servants to work in their factories. Once Rauner gets that passed, watch out Indiana, better lock up your companies!

Maybe that will be his pension deal. You can receive your pension if you give your labor to big business.

Comment by chi Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:51 pm
“rip the economic guts out of Indiana”

Is Illinois trying to have a growing economy or just one that steals jobs (zero-sum game) from other states?

Comment by pothole Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:52 pm
The Gov seems to have left his “bad side” back at in the corporate world. He only talks and talks and talks since he got his new job. Maybe he’s burned out his bad side?
He seems to want to bring people into IL with low expectations - They shouldn’t believe there is a possibility that Unions or good paychecks exist here.
It’s his loss if he doesn’t want to go after jobs while IN and CA are struggling and potentially vulnerable. Rahm, WBC or others will get the credit. It will only make Rauner look silly but he keeps saying he has a plan?

Comment by Belle Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:53 pm
This provides addition insight into how Rauner thinks about everything he is proposing. No matter what the issue, the following applies to the governor’s thinking: “you know what, we’re going to do it on our terms, the right way.” It doesn’t matter if it’s attacks on labor, or even something beneficial like reducing the number of non violent criminals in jail. There is one way, and that’s his. It’s be a great strategy if he were a king, but it isn’t very effective if you’re the head of one of the (more or less) co equal branches of government.

Comment by AC Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 1:54 pm
Hmmm…the Mayor has at least publicly disagreed with the “little tough talking guv” on issues of “right to work” and budget cuts - claiming that Chicago is one of the if not THE major economic engine in the state…clearly the Mayor is ensuring he’s at the table …considering that the DEM’s control the GA and assuming MJM and most Dem legislators won’t get bought out by the “little guv’s” BIG $$$, me thinks that we’ll be waiting a long time till the “Turnaround Agenda is completed”. Thank GOD!!!! Unfortunately, we’ll have a few years of garbage to listen too in-lieu of real leadership and addressing the real issues facing the states economy.

Comment by Just saying... Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:00 pm
This is why I voted for Emanuel. I love his aggressive pursuit of business, and his steadfast stance against right to work. I eagerly await the Obama Library decision and hope it comes soon. I hope the “entanglements” have been sufficiently resolved. That would be a great feat for Chicago and Illinois.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:02 pm
Agree with Owen, access to cheap water and a great highway system (see I-65 death trap).

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:04 pm
@ WS
I couldn’t have said it better.

Comment by Old Sarge Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:10 pm
Let’s establish some ground rules here Rich. Rauner is a lot smarter than you or any other Illinois citizen. If you don’t believe that compare your bank accounts. The last thing you want is to end up on Rauner’s growing enemies list. Wise up or Governor Rauner will destroy you!

Comment by 999exodus Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:13 pm
999exodus - Let’s establish some ground rules here. Rich is more honest and ethical than Rauner. If you don’t believe that compare their bank accounts. And the number of elderly harmed by the actions of each.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:24 pm
I mean, he might no be Rauner rich, but I’m pretty sure Rich does ok for himself. He probably has Oscar swimming in a bucket full o cash as we speak.

Comment by Juice Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:26 pm
@999exodus

Money=Intelligence? How very Calvinist of you.

Dope.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:27 pm
999exodus:

Sometimes folks read and respond too quickly and don’t get the irony. Best to signify snark with a “/s” postscript here.

Comment by walker Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:36 pm
After spending gazillions of dollars bashing Illinois, Rauner wouldn’t be a very good front man for selling the state. And he wouldn’t want to use the fact that the Illinois income tax rate is lower than the combined state and local income tax rates in Indianapolis and in many other counties in addition to Marion .
Doesn’t fit with the myth he has perpetrated about high taxes in Illinois. Would expose him as the great mythmaker he is

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:37 pm
===But what happens if his plan isn’t implemented?

The only intellectually honest thing for him to do then would be to chase business out of Illinois telling them how bad it is.

Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:42 pm
==“Believe me, I am going to rip — try to rip the economic guts out of Indiana,” Rauner said. “I am one of the baddest, you know, enemies anybody can have. And when I set a goal, we do it. I don’t care what the headline is. I want the results. And we’re coming after Indiana big time.”==

Really? I’d like a few companies to move to Illinois, I think we all would, but I don’t think any of us was to see Indiana have its “economic guts” ripped out. Indiana is not our “enemy;” we are not at war with Indiana. Does he plan to call up the National Guard and launch an attack?

Our Governor seems to have some serious anger issues. I think he needs counseling.

Dude, tone down the rhetoric.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:44 pm
Sorry Rich
Didn’t think it was as uncivilized as the post I was responding to.

Comment by Minnow Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 2:54 pm
Gov., go to California and try poaching businesses. That way the competent ones on your staff can actually try to accomplish something.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 3:02 pm
You guys expect action and leadership from Rauner? Remember, in his own words, he’s just a “salesman.”

Comment by Precinct Captain Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 3:18 pm
Businesses relocate for reasons other than a state’s policies toward LGBT people. These reasons include taxes, worker compensation costs, the cost of labor, quality education, and a predictable governance structure. Bruce Rauner’s turnaround agenda will deal with these issues and many more.

Chicago has walkable communities, entertainment, and a bicycle infrastructure that are all attractive to the millennial generation. Chicago is an attractive place for business despite the state’s problems.

Comment by Muscular Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 3:51 pm
999
Money really isn’t everything.

Comment by Belle Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 4:14 pm
“Businesses relocate for reasons other than a state’s policies toward LGBT people.”

That wouldn’t sound quite so hollow if there weren’t multiple businesses saying they want to move their $$$ away from Indiana in the wake of RFRA.

“Chicago has walkable communities, entertainment, and a bicycle infrastructure that are all attractive to the millennial generation. Chicago is an attractive place for business despite the state’s problems.”

And it just re-elected a mayor who rejected the “Turnaround Agenda”. Guess those magic words ain’t doing too much for ya…

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 4:24 pm
I am reminded of one Friday evening when a fairly highly placed State employee was walking out of JRTC. “Don’t call me unless Indiana invades,” she said. “If Wisconsin invades — I can live with that.”

That was before Walker, of course.

Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Apr 9, 15 @ 5:00 pm