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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
AGREEMENT WITH WORLD BUSINESS CHICAGO (WBC) TO SUPPORT CHICAGO ANCHORS FOR A STRONG ECONOMY (CASE)
WHEREAS, in collaboration with Chicago area anchor institutions, WBC will organize a Chicago Anchors for a Strong Economy (CASE) program to strengthen the local economy through the development and launch of a unique local business capacity building and supplier development program; and
WHEREAS, The program is focused on further strengthening regional supplier competitiveness as identified in both in Partnering for Prosperity, An Economic Action Agenda for Cook County and WBC’s Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs; and
WHEREAS, the County of Cook (“County”) through the Bureau of Economic Development desires to enter into a membership agreement with WBC, a not for-profit economic development organization, to participate in and financially support the CASE program; and
WHEREAS, CASE will focus on strengthening growth clusters, as well as assisting local businesses from targeted communities across Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Cook County’s membership in CASE will allow Cook County to serve as an anchor institution which will help further create economic opportunities for local suppliers; and
WHEREAS, Cook County through the Bureau of Economic and WBC share the common goals of promoting economic development and creating economic opportunities for local suppliers; and
WHEREAS, the annual membership cost for each participating anchor in the CASE program is $50,000, and Cook County is a founding member and one of the current 15 participating anchor institutions; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Economic Development desires to financially support said efforts and serve as a member of CASE in order to promote economic growth for local businesses and expand employment opportunities for local residents by contributing $50,000 annually to WBC for both the 2015 and 2016 calendar year; and
WHEREAS, WBC desires to accept the County’s financial support and membership in CASE to provide greater opportunities for local businesses through the CASE program; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby authorizes the Chief of the Bureau of Economic Development to enter into a membership agreement with WBC to support the CASE initiative for 2015 and 2016, including payment of the $50,000 membership cost subject to appropriation.
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