Chicago Businesses Learn About Opportunities in India at Summit

CHICAGO, September 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Next Tuesday, Chicago will host one of the largest foreign delegations in the city's history. Over 40 leaders from India's business and government will participate in the U.S.-India Economic Summit, hosted by The Executives' Club of Chicago in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The distinguished group will include the Ministers of Commerce, Industry and Textiles as well as the Ministers of New and Renewable Energy and Power. They will discuss business opportunities, growth sectors and new policies affecting foreign investment.

The expected audience of 300 includes participants from as far away as Washington, DC, Minnesota and Kentucky.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel will open the Summit and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon will close the event. The dozens of speakers in between include the new Ambassador of India to the United States, Nirupama Rao, who will make her first speech as Ambassador.

India's connections to Chicago are many. In addition to the many professionals and students, Chicago's companies are finding opportunities in India and vice versa. Schneider Electric North America, whose CEO Chris Curtis will speak at lunch, has 31 industrial sites in India, and has announced 4,000 retail outlets by 2012 as well as plans to design and manufacture three solar plants generating 35 gigawatts.

"This is a city-wide effort. The Executives' Club is delighted to be working with The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the American India Foundation, the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities, and the India Chamber of Commerce," said David Nelms, CEO of Discover Financial Services and Chairman of The Executives' Club of Chicago.

Chicago companies are also excited. Sponsors include American Airlines, Deloitte, CME, Discover, Baxter, ITW, BMO Financial, Mesirow, Nalco, S&C, Potash, and Boeing.

"The Executives' Club has a rich tradition of bringing global business leaders such as His Excellency Anand Sharma and Ambassador Rao to Chicago, and Deloitte is proud to support the Club's efforts to serve as a voice for the Chicagoland region in the international business community," said Deb DeHaas, vice chairman and Central region managing partner for Deloitte LLP. "As India has become a strategic market for global business growth by Chicagoland companies, forums like the U.S.-India Summit are critical to understanding the right strategies for successful expansion into the Indian market, as well as the potential impact to our regional economy and workforce."

A video message from the Secretary of Energy as well as letters from Senator Dick Durban and Governor Pat Quinn will be delivered at the Summit.

A statement by one of the attendees, who said he 'usually has to travel to New York for this type of thing', captures the growing sentiment of Chicago's importance for international business. For companies with operations or interests in India, this is one event not to be missed.

Event Details
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 from 7:30 – 6:00 p.m.
The Fairmont Chicago, 200 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL

The Executives' Club of Chicago is a business forum for thought leadership, professional development, and best business practices. Founded in 1911, The Club is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious business organizations. The Executives' Club serves Chicago's business community by providing information and resources needed to establish effective global partnerships, enhance intellectual exchange, develop future diverse business leaders, and promote Chicago as a world class global business center.

SOURCE The Executives' Club of Chicago