Chicago Mayor Richard Daley Addresses Rockford Business & Community Leaders

Rockford, IL - Almost a thousand people packed Cliffbreakers Conference Center on Wednesday evening to toast the Rockford regions economic successes this year. The Rockford Area Economic Development Council hosted the annual dinner. Leaders say the region created 1,651 new jobs from October 2005 to September 2006, mostly from the new Lowes Distribution Center, UPS, and NCO Group. But the excitement of the night was when keynote speaker Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley took the stage. Daley told the crowd they need to step up their efforts to continue attracting new businesses and expanding current ones. "We`re no longer competing just with Peoria or with Wisconsin or Indiana," says Daley. "Were also competing with China, India, and much of Europe." Daley said the issues facing Rockford and Chicago are the same, despite the difference in size. He said the most important way to attract young, talented entrepreneurs is to improve the quality of life. And the biggest way to do that is to improve public schools. "If we become complacent other metropolitan areas will pass us up," says Daley. Daley is hoping to attract worldwide attention by hosting the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Chicago is a finalist for the U.S. bid. "Some people wonder whether a two week event is worth all the effort, but were very convinced," says Daley. "Ive been to Barcelona, Athens, Beijing...all cities where the Olympics have taken place. And whats happened there? It basically transformed the city." Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey expressed his enthusiasm and support for Chicagos Olympic bid because of how it will impact Rockford. "It means building trains, connection to airports, the amenities and the roadways thatll help our Chicagoland region compete globally every single day of the year," says Morrissey. Morrissey says hes eager to strengthen the economic ties between Rockford and Chicago. Morrissey says Daley has created a template for mayors all over the country to follow, highlighting community-based programs to address education, public safety, economic development, and regional collaboration. RAEDC leaders say theyre working to increase the connection between Rockford and Chicago by returning commuter rail service between the cities.