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World Business Chicago CEO Michael Fassnacht bullish on city’s post-pandemic recovery

The new CEO of World Business Chicago on Tuesday painted a rosy picture of Chicago’s post-pandemic recovery driven by four “industry sectors” that can be grown faster here than in other North American cities.

Michael Fassnacht identified those sectors as: health care and life sciences; food and agriculture; transportation, distribution and logistics and manufacturing.

“Then, there are other opportunities that we saw in the pandemic. Companies — they want like a second headquarters. They don’t want everything in one location,” said Fassnacht, who doubles as Chicago’s $1-a-year chief marketing officer.

“So we’re reaching out more and more to companies to

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Posted On : Published By : Mark Jensen
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Michael Fassnacht named President and CEO of World Business Chicago

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and World Business Chicago (WBC) Vice-Chair Mellody Hobson announce that Michael Fassnacht has been tapped to serve as President & CEO of World Business Chicago.

Fassnacht, who serves as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for the city of Chicago, a position held within WBC, has led the economic development organization, in an interim capacity, since January 2021.

“Getting through and beyond economic recovery requires a steady grip, focus and expertise. Michael brings that and more to the City of Chicago,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Time and time again, Michael has demonstrated his passion for inclusive economic development and

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Posted On : Published By : Mark Jensen
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Mayor Lightfoot Announces Michael Fassnacht Will Serve as the President and CEO Of World Business Chicago

CHICAGO— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and World Business Chicago (WBC) Vice Chair Mellody Hobson announce that Michael Fassnacht has been tapped to serve as President & CEO of World Business Chicago.

Fassnacht, who serves as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for the city of Chicago, a position held within WBC, has led the economic development organization, in an interim capacity, since January 2021.

“Getting through and beyond economic recovery requires a steady grip, focus and expertise. Michael brings that and more to the City of Chicago,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “Time and time again, Michael has demonstrated his passion for inclusive

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Posted On : Published By : Mark Jensen
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What People Are Saying About Michael Fassnacht, Newly Appointed CEO & President of World Business Chicago

“World Business Chicago is very fortunate to have Michael Fassnacht become its President and CEO. Over our many interactions and joint efforts during the past six years, it is clear to me that his creative mind and strong leadership skills will prove instrumental as WBC continues helping Chicago attract new businesses and talent as well as expand existing businesses within Chicago. I also anticipate an even stronger relationship between City Hall and WBC given Michael’s dual role as WBC’s CEO and the City’s Chief Marketing Officer role. This is an exciting development for Chicago’s growing business community.”

  • Mark Tebbe, Professor
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Posted On : Published By : Mark Jensen
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$1-a-year chief marketing officer Michael Fassnacht picked to run World Business Chicago

Chicago mayors have a long and documented history of filling key vacancies with interim appointments only to strip away that “acting” title and make those temporary appointees permanent.

That’s what happened Wednesday at World Business Chicago, the public-private job growth agency that will play a pivotal role in rebuilding a local economy decimated by the coronavirus and devastated by two rounds of looting.

Michael Fassnacht, the $1-a-year chief marketing officer who has held down the fort at World Business Chicago since Andrea Zopp stepped down as president and CEO on Dec. 31, was anointed as Zopp’s permanent replacement.

Fassnacht could

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Posted On : Published By : Mark Jensen