Choose DuPage, Mesirow Financial and Ice Miller LLP Co-host Third Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook

This morning, Choose DuPage, Mesirow Financial and Ice Miller LLP hosted the Third Annual DuPage County Regional Business Outlook. As one of the premiere business events of the year, several speakers attended to share their perspective on issues impacting the region. This event featured a panel discussion led by prominent business leaders to discuss the economic outlook of DuPage County.

Robert J. Schillerstrom, partner at Ice Miller LLP will emcee the event. This year featured two outstanding keynote speakers, Diane C. Swonk, chief economist at Mesirow Financial, and Adolfo Laurenti, deputy chief economist at Mesirow Financial. Ms. Swonk detailed some of the structural changes businesses face, including ballooning federal deficits and high, long-term unemployment. Mr. Laurenti addressed the risks to the U.S. economy from Europe’s debt crisis and slowing growth in Asia.

In addition, a panel discussion moderated by Choose DuPage president and CEO Greg Bedalov featured prominent business leaders sharing their expertise with attendees about how to create a viable, sustainable business in DuPage County’s ever-evolving economic environment. The panel will included Peter Bensen, CFO of McDonald’s Corporation, Dr. William Carroll, president of Benedictine University, Dan Cronin, chairman of the DuPage County Board, Steve Don, president and CEO of Edward Don & Company, and Scott Hodge, president of the Tax Foundation. Panelist discussion covered the tax environment, innovation, job training and workforce development, healthcare, and growth opportunities.

Mike Ditka, ESPN analyst and coach of the 1985 World Champion Chicago Bears served as a special guest speaker, provided by MyMVPs.com.

“We are so pleased with the success of this exciting event. This year enjoyed a record number of attendees and as an organization heavily invested in the continuing growth of business in our county, I was thrilled to be a part of such a large-scale networking and educational opportunity,” says Greg Bedalov, president and CEO of Choose DuPage.

About Choose DuPage:

Choose DuPage is the public/private nonprofit countywide economic development organization that promotes DuPage County as a premiere business location. In the face of regional and global competition for business investment, Choose DuPage has championed critical and visionary leadership from the public and private sectors of DuPage County, partnering with the 39 communities to:

• Support local municipal economic development initiatives
• Grow, retain and attract businesses
• Address policy issues critical to the needs of business
• Leverage assets and partnerships
• Connect with state, regional and local public resources
• Promote a coordinated marketing message and county identity

To learn more, visit www.choosedupage.com.

About Mesirow Financial:

Mesirow Financial is a diversified financial services firm headquartered in Chicago. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the firm remains independent and employee-owned with approximately 1,200 employees globally. With expertise in Investment Management, Global Markets, Insurance Services and Consulting, Mesirow Financial strives to meet the financial needs of institutions, public sector entities, corporations and individuals. For more information about Mesirow Financial, visit its website at mesirowfinancial.com.

About Ice Miller LLP:

About Ice Miller LLP

Founded in 1910, Ice Miller LLP is an Am Law 200 Firm with a nationally recognized reputation in many of its practice areas.  Ice Miller offers a broad array of capabilities in virtually all areas of legal practice including: corporate, patents and trademarks, bankruptcy, lobbying, labor and employment, litigation, employee benefits, real estate, municipal finance and public law.  With offices in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, DuPage County, Ill., Indianapolis and Washington, D.C., the Firm has over 300 lawyers, 50 paraprofessionals, and 300 support staff members.

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