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Unions Helping Chicago Land New Trade Shows, Conventions

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Emanuel says Chicago is getting more convention and trade show business largely because of unprecedented cooperation with the local labor unions, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.

Unions Helping Chicago Land New Trade Shows

Mayor Emanuel says that winning a three year commitment from the Power Sports Dealer Expo to come to McCormick Place is significant not only because it will bring 10,000 people here next December, he says it is an example of how the City and its labor unions, once adversaries, are close allies, at least on tourism.

"We actually approached it as a partnership. In fact, the lead person approaching the new client here and new customer was Jorge Ramirez. That had never been done in the history of the City of Chicago," said Emanuel.

Ramirez is President of the Chicago Federation of Labor and the Carpenter's Union, which previously sued the City over work rule changes at McCormick Place, is now helping to lead the group promoting Chicago as a tradeshow destination.

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