As Pritzker returns from Japan, Johnson jets to London

[October 11, 2024]  By Greg Bishop | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – As Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Senate President Don Harmon and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch return from a Japan trip working to attract new investment in Illinois, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson jetted off to London.

Before taking the trip to Japan last week, Pritzker said his goal is to bring more businesses back to Illinois from all over the world. He said there hasn’t been such an effort in around 40 years.

“In a way, that’s embarrassing to admit about our state but it also says ‘we must be doing something right,’ because everybody is recognizing it now and they want to talk to us and they want to come here,” Pritzker said.

One outcome from the trip is Sysmex announcing increased investment in northeastern Illinois.

“Sysmex is an essential part of the fabric of the northeastern Illinois economy, and this expansion further exemplifies that innovative companies want to work out of innovative states,” Pritzker said in a statement. “It is opportunities like this that make these trade missions so rewarding, and I look forward to seeing what Sysmex does in the future in partnership with Illinois.”

Welch, D-Hillside, touted the state’s attributes they promoted during the trip.

“We have a robust and productive workforce, and we want to welcome even more business and innovation,” Welch said. “This successful trade mission allowed us to further cultivate our economic relationships with Japan while showcasing all Illinois has to offer.”

Pritzker said his goal was to let investors around the world know about Illinois’ workforce, education, infrastructure and reliable energy.

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, D-Hillside, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, United States Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park - The People for Emanuel "Chris" Welch

“And then clean energy, which companies, you’d be surprised, they show up at our door, it’s like the first, second or third question they ask, ‘yeah, have you got the electricity, but we want clean energy,’” Pritzker said last week.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson just traveled to London. Earlier this week, he was asked if he’d also be attending the Chicago Bears game overseas, a question he called condescending and disrespectful.

“The governor went to Tokyo to attract business,” Johnson said Tuesday. “The mayor of Chicago is going to London to attract business and while I’m there, I’m going to root for the Chicago Bears.”

The Bears take on the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Thursday, Johnson’s office said the mayor was in a number of meetings and roundtables working to strengthen the city’s global presence, foster economic growth and drive tourism. Before leaving Wednesday, Johnson also talked about other areas he is looking at to invest in Chicago.

“During the [Democratic National Convention], we spoke to three Chinese companies we’re trying to attract here, 2,500 jobs,” Johnson said.

Johnson said World Business Chicago is paying for his trip.