Centers are 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.
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.