Mayor Richard M. Daley paid tribute to the importance of manufacturing in Chicago by declaring today “Made in Chicago” day on Daley Plaza. As part of the festivities, the Mayor joined 20 Chicago-based manufacturers who showcased products that ranged from cars to cookies.

“Manufacturing has always been an important part of our City’s history and today we are still strongly committed to making sure the city remains a world premier manufacturing center,” said Mayor Daley during the celebration on Daley Plaza. “Regardless of their size or industry, all the companies represented here today have one thing in common – they all chose Chicago as the place to establish and grow their businesses.”

Currently, there are 2,600 manufacturers in Chicago representing 80,000 jobs. In 2008, the manufacturing sector contributed approximately $56 billion out of the total $484.2 billion or 12 percent of Chicago’s metro economy.

“Made in Chicago” is an ongoing program developed by the Department of Community Development that works to promote Chicago manufacturers and their products. As part of the program, the Department works with Local Industrial Retention Initiatives (LIRI) Councils to help businesses in the industrial sector grow their companies and create jobs. 

Companies that participate in the “Made in Chicago” program have the opportunity to:  

Have a permanent product display at Chicago’s airports, City Hall, and McCormick Place;Take advantage of marketing opportunities to vendors and retailers at O’Hare and Midway International Airports; andGain exposure by being included on the City’s website and cable channel.

The Mayor stressed that manufacturing is essential to the business diversity that characterizes the City’s economy. In addition, industrial jobs also have a “ripple effect” on the rest of the economy.  Each job created in manufacturing creates one more job in non-manufacturing industries.

“This is very important as we continue to weather these tough economic times,” the Mayor said.  “I’d like to commend all the companies here today for your commitment and dedication to our city and let you know that your businesses are important to the City of Chicago.”

Twenty “Made in Chicago” manufactures representing approximately 3,800 jobs participated in the event by showcasing their products on Daley Plaza. Participating companies included:

• Alpha Baking Co., Inc.

• C. Cretor’s and Company
• Eli’s Chicago’s Finest
• Ford Motor Company
• Gilasi
• Gold Eagle Co.
• Green Planet Beverage Co.
• Kim and Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels
• La Criolla
• Labelmaster
• Mellos Snacks
• Midwest Screw Products
• Poppie’s Dough
• Rubschlager Baking Corp
• Serious Materials
• Sonoma Farms
• Sunstar Americas
• Threadless
• Vienna Beef

The Mayor also reminded residents that the City Treasurer’s Office is celebrating “Money Smart Week” by offering more than 450 free financial classes throughout the City. Free financial workshops will also be offered for all age groups, including classes for business owners. “Money Smart Week” is also a program that began in Chicago and is now celebrated nationwide.

“I’d like to thank City Treasurer Stephanie Neely for all her hard work on this program and for all she does to improve the financial literacy of our residents and children,” said Mayor Daley.