August 20, 2012

Mayor Emanuel and Governor Quinn Announce SalesForce.com is Expanding Chicago Office

World’s Leading Enterprise Cloud Computing Company to Double Local Workforce with New Facility

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Governor Pat Quinn today announced that salesforce.com is creating 200 jobs as it expands into a new facility in River North. The global software company has leased more than 100,000 square feet at 111 W. Illinois where it will base its Midwest corporate sales office and join the region's growing hub of technology firms.

“Salesforce.com is the world’s most innovative company according to Forbes Magazine and a great example of a cutting-edge company that is rapidly expanding,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “The company has a vibrant, thriving, and growing presence downtown, and exemplifies the sort of company that will carry Chicago’s business community forward in the 21st century.”

“Creating jobs is our top priority, and the expansion of companies like salesforce.com is good news for the Illinois economy,” Governor Quinn said. “Illinois’ high-tech industry is growing fast, and we will continue to create the jobs of the future.”

“I’d like to thank Governor Quinn and Mayor Emanuel for their support as salesforce.comgrows its operations in Chicago,” said George Hu, COO, salesforce.com. “The Chicago area’s incredibly talented workforce is a perfect match for our fast paced and innovative culture.”

With more than 100,000 customers, salesforce.com is the enterprise cloud computing company that is leading the shift to the social enterprise. Social enterprises leverage social, mobile and open cloud technologies to connect with customers and employees in entirely new ways. The company has been named to FORTUNE Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for four consecutive years. 

For the last year, World Business Chicago has worked with Salesforce.com to help the company deal with the City of Chicago, including informing the company about new potential pools of employees. World Business Chicago is focused on working with Chicago-based businesses to solve their talent and real estate needs, while driving forward Chicago’s economy in key areas.

Under the company’s agreement with the state of Illinois, salesforce.com will be eligible for tax credits tied to increasing its workforce. The state’s targeted investment package, estimated at approximately $10.4 million, includes Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credits, which are based on jobs and distributed over a period of 10 years, and training grants through the Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP). The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will administer the package. 

During his administration, Mayor Emanuel has made more than 35 jobs announcements, totaling in excess of 20,000 jobs.

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