The World Trade Center Illinois is part of the World Trade Centers Association, a network of over 300 World Trade Centers in nearly 100 countries, with over 750,000 member companies. The Chicago office was opened in 1987, and the current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Honorable Neil F. Hartigan has served in this capacity since 1992. Our mission is to effect a new type of economic development for the State of Illinois by assisting Illinois companies in engaging global markets. The World Trade Center Illinois is unique in that in its ability to assist with all stages of international business, including exporting, importing, investing, joint venturing, and through whatever other means are available to help Illinois companies be globally competitive. These new markets will increase bottom lines, bringing in more revenue, and consequently causing job creation and economic growth in response to the new business.

          The World Trade Center Illinois is a non-profit membership-driven organization. We seek to help Illinois Businesses enter into global markets; helping those Illinois companies with limited international experience to grow and expand the international markets they’ve already started to develop. Our programs include hosting visiting international delegations, as well as full-day country programs. We conduct educational programs on specific international trade issues, in addition to networking programs for the owners and managers of Illinois businesses, focused primarily on small and medium size enterprises. We provide customized research for our members through our access to world renowned databases and we provide trade education programs for university students.