Skip to main content

"It's hard to compete with Mickey Mouse": Why Chicago recruits international influencers to promote the city

BLOG
ChicagoGlobal by AJ Caughey

Chicago's strategy to boost international tourism through partnerships, like Brazilian influencer Lucas Estevam, aims to attract diverse audiences with tailored experiences.

Two people at the front of a boat with the Chicago skyline behind them.
Alejandro Reyes/Choose Chicago
Global Economy

Chicago's retail vacancies are hitting all-time highs. What can it learn from other global cities?

BLOG
ChicagoGlobal by Jack Benjamin

Reflecting a global trend, Chicago Loop retail vacancies hit a record 30%—most likely due to remote work—necessitating revival strategies.

A person walks past an empty storefront
Erin Hooley / AP
Global Economy

How one agency is scouting the globe for Illinois connections

BLOG
ChicagoGlobal by H. Lee Murphy

Intersect Illinois has emerged as a key force in the dealmaking behind some of the most significant corporate relocations here.

An aerial view of the Chicago skyline
Kamil Krzaczynski / AP
Global Cities

Incubator helps entrepreneurs bring international flavors—and businesses—to Chicago

BLOG
ChicagoGlobal by AJ Caughey

At The Hatchery, many of the entrepreneurs are recent immigrants building businesses based on family recipes, which comes with a unique set of challenges—but plenty of opportunity.

Exterior view of The Hatchery with the Chicago skyline in the background
James Steinkamp
Culture

When digital nomads come to (Chi)town

BLOG
ChicagoGlobal by Nicole L. Cvetnic

From Medellín to Chicago, digital nomads are on the rise, contributing significantly to the global economy. But locals worry these visitors are pricing them out.

A remote worker at Lake Roland in Maryland.
Julio Cortez / AP
Global Economy

Rescued Recipes, aiming to preserve Jewish food traditions, comes to Chicago

BLOG
ChicagoGlobal by Margaret Littman

A U.S. Holocaust Museum fundraiser in Glencoe tells the story of the Holocaust lost and found through food.

A handwritten recipe in a notebook
US Holocaust Memorial Museum
Culture

New Chicago restaurant has a dual mission: a Michelin star and respect for Ukrainian cuisine

BLOG
ChicagoGlobal by AJ Caughey

Chef Johnny Clark calls his new Ukrainian restaurant Anelya a “political statement” to the world that Ukrainian food “isn’t just Russian with a twist” — and that it deserves a Michelin star of its own.

Various Ukrainian entrees at Anelya
Kinship
Global Politics

From Ukraine to Gaza to Iraq, Chicago's city council has been voting more often on foreign affairs

BLOG
ChicagoGlobal by AJ Caughey

City Council legislation on foreign policy tripled in the chamber in the last four years, according to a ChicagoGlobal analysis.

Chicago City Council at City Hall
AP Photos
Global Politics

A case study in taking a small Chicago company global

BLOG
ChicagoGlobal by H. Lee Murphy

Plenty of companies around Chicago talk, or at least dream, grandiosely about global expansion. Many never make it. This one did.

Exterior image of the AIT building with its sign in the foreground
AIT
Global Economy

Why Chicago Shakespeare Theater is a must-see stop for lovers of the Bard worldwide

BLOG
ChicagoGlobal by H. Lee Murphy

There is an elite group of people around the world willing to travel anywhere to see Shakespeare well done.

Exterior view of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Global Economy