During our 2025 Fall Fest, North Branch Works recognized World Business Chicago (WBC) as our Partner of the Year.

WBC is a public-private partnership with the City of Chicago which provides technical assistance and programs to drive corporate attraction and relocation, corporate expansion, and business marketing.

We recognize them for the work they do to market Chicago to business and work with partners to bring projects like Quantum Computing campus to life.

This project will revitalize the US Steel Site on the South Side, create thousands of job opportunities. and ensure Chicago is at the forefront of technological innovation.

From left: Anne Wilson, President of Bigane Paving Company, Rebecca Motley, Vice President, World Business Chicago, and Owen Dispensa, Social Media Strategiest, World Business Chicago

WBC assisted NBW to build out our Green Business Accelerator program funded by Prosperity Now. WBC connected us with numerous partners in order to strengthen the ecosystem of entrepreneur support organizations

WBC helped to bring Universal Horror Unleashed to the former Chicago Tribune distribution center, keeping the building intact and creating hundreds of jobs.

WBC included NBW on the SelectCHI boat tour where we met business owners from around the world and helped to market our service area as world class destination

Lastly, WBC remain committed to supporting manufacturing in the city and region including cohosting the Manufacturing Awards with the City Department of Planning and Development, most recently presenting Howe Corporation as a Manufacturer of the Year.

Rebecca Motley, Vice President, Economic Development, accepted the award on behalf of the WBC, but we recognize all of the current and former staff who work to ensure that City of Chicago is seen as a great place to live, play, and do business.