# Xchange Chicago Ribbon Cutting 11.17.25

- Date: November 17, 2025
- Type: Video
- Length: 47:25
- Topic: Openings and groundbreakings
- Video: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGZAX-ii6P8)
- Transcript: Machine transcription, 4,942 words ([text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/youtube/cGZAX-ii6P8.txt))
- Mayor: [Brandon Johnson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor)

## Description

Mayor Johnson attends the Xchange Chicago Ribbon Cutting.

## Transcript

[9:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=599) Welcome to Greater Grand Crossing. I'm Jarqueta Edgerton, Managing Director of Exchange Chicago, and it is our pleasure to welcome all of you to today's grand opening. We're grateful to have community members, elected officials, like our very own Representative Kim Doogu Klee, Pierce, Carver II, our funders, and those who support us behind the scenes here to celebrate this milestone for Exchange Chicago.

[10:47](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=647) Good morning. My name is Omuali Cassell. I'm the VP of the Exchange Program here at SBI. Today, we'd like to talk about how we got here, why this is important, and where we go from here. Grand Crossings' roots stretch back to the 1850s, shaped by the railroads and the spirit of industry, an area built on grit, craftsmanship, and resilience. During the Great Migration, this neighborhood became a beacon for families seeking opportunity, transforming into a vibrant hub of culture, creativity, and community pride.

[11:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=680) For generations, Grand Crossing has been a place where innovation and determination have turned challenges into progress. Today we open the doors to Exchange, a 28,000 square foot onshore IT delivery center and tech apprenticeship program. right here in the heart of Grand Crossing. This center is more than a building. It's a launch pad for local talent, providing hands-on training, real-world experience, and wraparound supports

[11:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=710) to help residents thrive in high-growth tech careers. Exchange is a model for inclusive economic growth, redirecting IT investment back into our neighborhoods, creating jobs and building wealth where it's needed most. Our apprentices bring innovation, creativity, grit, and technical problem-solving skills, qualities forged by the history and spirit of this community. By partnering with local employers, talent developers, and civic leaders,

[12:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=743) exchange is creating life-changing opportunities that will ripple across families and generations. Together, we're proving that when you invest in local talent and unlock innovation at scale, solving companies' challenges or organizations while building a stronger, more equitable Chicago. Thank you for being a part of this milestone. The future of tech and the future of Grand Crossing starts here today.

[12:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=777) Now it's my pleasure to introduce Greg Mooney, President, Comer Science and Education Foundation, and Board Chair for the Exchange. Thank you, Omawala and Jankweta. We're so very fortunate for your dedication and leadership.

[13:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=807) It's a terrific day in Greater Grand Crossing. It is outstanding to see everybody here. I don't know about you, it's a brisk Chicago Monday morning, but it feels very warm inside this tent here with everyone. As many of you know, Gary Comer grew up just blocks away, attending Revere Elementary in the 1930s, and returned years later inspired to re-engage.

[14:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=841) Today's celebration is anchored in these deep roots and the tremendous people of this special neighborhood. There are so many individuals and organizations who have come together to help make this day possible, and I need to first acknowledge a set of core local leaders who have been doing courageous work in and around this community for years and were part of the creation of this initiative even before it had a name. In fact, some of them helped to name exchange the first letter X having a nod to Grand Crossing.

[14:40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=880) So I'd like to ask Sam Binion, Vondell Singleton, Remington Price, and Doris Leach to please stand. The new chapter we are marking today has become a reality through the support of so many contributors and donors.

[15:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=912) First, thank you, City of Chicago, Mayor Johnson, Commissioner Boatwright, Alderman Desmond Yancey. Without the city's $5 million grant and backing from the Chicago Development Fund, this project just does not happen. And we're also very fortunate to have former alderman Leslie Harrison with us.

[15:43](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=943) After 20 years of leadership in this ward, Leslie, you truly sprinted to the very end, helping to cap two decades of leadership by initiating this project. And we're honored to be joined by several capital contributors contributors who have helped fund the transformation of a warehouse into an innovation hub, including the McCormick Foundation, led by Tim Knight, Andre Science of the Chicago Community Trust,

[16:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=976) Cindy Mollis of the Pritzker Trauber Foundation and the Chicago Prize, Bruce McNamara and the team of Builders Vision, BMO and Wendy Raymer, and Steve and Betsy Young, together with the behind-the-scenes leadership of Guy and Stephanie Comer and Bill Schleicher. This project has also benefited from outstanding development vision and tremendous in-kind contributions from our architect, John Ronan, Norcon Construction, led by Jeff Joswiak, David Doig and the CNI team,

[16:51](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1011) Terry Diamond, and capital financing from our partners, Northern Trust, Old National Bank, and S.B. Friedman. And while we're here to celebrate a new physical home, the space is activating exchange operations and apprentice training, which are being supported by so many, including City Colleges of Chicago and Chancellor Juan Salgado, our signature training sponsor, EY, led by Kevin Cole,

[17:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1041) Square One Foundation, RLD Foundation, Night Impact Partners, Target, T for Youth, Bank of America, Wintrust, Chicago Community Trust, McCormick Foundation, Segal Family Endowment, and Walton Family Foundation. So many organizations have come together to back the development and training of individuals whose lives are pivoting with this investment. And we need to acknowledge my fellow Exchange board members, Charles, Patricia, Monica, and Steve,

[17:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1077) each of you have stepped up and agreed to back this initiative, even when it was only an early-stage concept and a few PowerPoint slides. And, of course, Exchange founding partners, Brad Henderson and the incredible P33 team, who have leaned in to elevate this initiative into one of Chicago's big bets. paving the way for co-founder and anchor tenant SDI presence led by David Gupta and Hardik Bhatt.

[18:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1119) Their leadership is really making a very unique and special commitment that we're going to hear more about, and you'll get to see as well. In addition to SDI, United Way, led by Sean Garrett, now operates their 2-1-1 helpline within Exchange, and they will soon be joined by a longtime partner to this campus and arguably the most creative new tenant, Chef Michael Bonner and his CMB Catering Company.

[19:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1154) And I'm going to tell you right now, everybody should take advantage of CMB Catering treats before you leave today. And while I'm only highlighting a portion of the coalition that has rallied around this mission, it's a collective that shares a powerful mantra often echoed throughout Greater Grand Crossing, which is simply this, greater together. We cannot thank all of you enough for what you are igniting.

[19:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1188) And now it's my privilege to turn it over to a leader who truly walks the greater together walk each and every day, both within the fifth world, Board of Chicago and throughout this great city, our outstanding partner, advocate, and friend, Alderman Desmond Yancey. Great morning, everyone. Morning.

[20:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1218) It's a pleasure to be here representing the 5th Ward. Great Grand Crossing is a community that has become very special to me in the last couple of years. Before I get started, I'd like to recognize my predecessor, Alderman Leslie Harrison. She laid the groundwork for this really, really important work, and we wouldn't be here without her support. and I wouldn't be here without having to be able to model what you said. I'd also like to acknowledge the electors in the room. I see Senator Peters, Rep. Tarrer, and Rep. Duplaclay.

[20:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1249) Are there any others here? Please excuse me for not seeing your face, but thank you. Because what's so important about this work and why we're here today is, as I've always said, these things aren't possible unless we all come together. Community, industry, government, law enforcement, everyone. because if you live, work, shop, your parents live here, in the war, it is so important for you to be invested in success. And when I think about how we got here,

[21:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1280) I think about a story that I've been told several times about a young man named Gary Comer who grew up in this community, took a sailing program at the Park District and went on to create a huge clothing business called Land's End. and after selling that company and moving into the next phase of his life he wanted to contribute to the community that birthed him and raised him and he came back and he talked to community members like Doris Leach and Sam Bingen and said what do we need here

[21:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1313) and the ask at that time was simple it was a computer lab for Brevere School and then when he started to build a computer lab he realized that they didn't have the infrastructure for it and it went from there to essentially rebuilding a school and then rebuilding a community house by house, person by person and now we stand here today to see the impact of that with Greater Grand Crossing being reinvigorated because years ago after industry left the city and went to the suburbs

[22:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1346) this community was on the verge of death and it's be here today seeing growth and seeing this beautiful orange building and seeing it being reimagined as a tech hub and not just a tech hub, one that's going to benefit black people, one that's going to benefit people in this community who stuck around while we were suffering and are now able to see what happens when we all come together to make a difference. And when we think about the apprentices that are going to benefit from this work,

[22:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1378) I would be remiss if we didn't give it up for them because they decided to do something different with their lives and we left that opportunity for them, excuse me, here today. And so this is not about me. It is about me. And so I'm going to get out of the way and give you all an opportunity to hear from one of the apprentices who have benefited from this program, our dear sister, Gladie Marie.

[23:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1417) Good morning, everyone. Good morning. A big thank you to Alderney Nancy for your leadership and everything you do in our community. My name is Lonnie-Marie Petro, and I am proud to be an apprentice with the exchange program. I was part of Cohort 1, and I completed my training through exchange over a year and a half ago. Currently, I work as a cybersecurity apprentice, analyst apprentice, and it's been a dream come true.

[24:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1449) If someone had told me just a few years ago that I work in IT, I would not have believed them. Before joining Exchange, my life was very different. I worked in early childhood education with infants and toddlers, and I loved that work. Honestly, I actually was pretty good preparation for working in cybersecurity. They're basically little tiny threat hunters, so teach you lots of patients for sure.

[24:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1485) but during the pandemic I felt something shifting and I like so many other people I wanted a career that challenged me in other ways and that offered stability and allowed me to build a sustainable life for myself and my family. In 2023, I applied for an apprenticeship through a technology services company called Cadillac. And I completely forgot all about it. It was probably in about May of 2023, and I heard nothing back.

[25:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1515) So cut to January 2024, and I received an email to interview for a network technician apprenticeship program with Exchange Chicago. They didn't give me the name, but it sounded like a great opportunity. So I said, why not take a chance? And I interviewed for the position. After completing my technical training, I joined the SEI Contact Center, supporting clients across the city of Chicago. And that experience has taught me to sharpen my technical skills, build confidence, and understand what it meant to serve my city in a different way.

[25:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1554) Today, because of the foundation that Exchange has given me, I'm honored to say that I've stepped into my dream field of information security and cyber security. This apprenticeship has been everything for me. From day one, I knew I wanted to work in cyber security. I just didn't know how I would get there. Exchange gave me the training I needed, and it gave me the mentors, community, opportunity, and belief in myself. It opened doors that people like me aren't always invited to step through.

[26:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1585) And it gave me a career with stability, purpose, and growth. It showed me that talent lives on every block of the south and west sides of Chicago, and all it needs is a pathway. To the employers here today and watching, partner with exchange. Can't say that enough. You're not just gaining skill of the princesses. you're investing in a model that keeps opportunity, income,

[26:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1616) and innovation right here in our own neighborhoods. Exchange has built a truly onshore IT delivery center and apprenticeship program that creates family-sustaining careers and real economic impact for Chicagoans. And to future apprentices, if you're wondering whether it's plausible, I'm standing here today because it is. Thank you so much to Exchange.

[27:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1647) It is now my honor to introduce the mayor of the best freaking city in the world. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Well, that is a great welcome. Thank you, Lani Marie, for that introduction

[27:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1677) and for your bravery. And the way you all trip me here on the south side, I've decided I'm going to purchase my vacation home right here in the right place. I'm so grateful to be with you all here at Greater Grand and crossing in the opening of Exchange Chicago. Thank you to all of the leaders from the government of the city of Chicago, of course, all of our elected officials. Thank you all for believing in the people. Special thanks, of course, to Alderman Desmond Yancey,

[28:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1709) Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Sierra Boatwright, we're going to hear from her in a second, and our Deputy Mayor of Economic Development and Interim Commissioner, Kenya Merritt, Nick Lucius, who is our Chief Information Officer, And of course, everyone who made today possible. I'm going to just be brief because it's just such an exciting moment for the city of Chicago. And what a way to celebrate the beginning of a week, especially at a time in which we just received word that the National Guard that was setting up shop in the Great Lakes, they packed up and they had left.

[29:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1753) You see, Chicago is not just a different place, but it's a special place. It's a place where people continue to come together to build on opportunities and stories that resonate well beyond the life of those individuals who saw the vision. I do want to acknowledge the collaboration between SDI and SDI Presence E33 and the Cormor Education Campus for their vision, because that's what it takes. That's why I know that the life and sustainability of our communities will continue to thrive, because there is vision.

[29:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1785) We are working to build the safest, most affordable big city in America. And we're doing that collectively. So today's celebration happens when business, education, and community all come together to pave the way. for brighter futures the new exchange Chicago development will serve as a new technology hub and a training facility where opportunity meets innovation as our economy shifts it's imperative that we shift along with it and this new development does just that because it provides more than just a space for apprenticeships but it's an opportunity to bring tech jobs to the community and

[30:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1820) it demonstrates that Chicago is truly a leader in tech industry and that our our workforce is strong and ready to work. We are already seeing results from the work being done by exchange. This facility's apprentices are delivering real value and on enterprise projects. In fact, their collective earning salaries are more than $3.25 million. So in other words, LaDiMarie is hosting Thanksgiving.

[30:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1857) But Lotta Marie is the example because we're investing in people. We're investing in our people and our neighborhoods and the future workforce. And as we bring job opportunities, the greater grand crossing into this incredible neighborhood, an area that has too long been overlooked with a high unemployment rate, it gives us that much more confidence and hope that this city is in the midst of a revival. When the South Side thrives, Chicago thrives, and Exchange is proof positive of that. Again, I do want to thank SDI, a trusted partner for the city of Chicago

[31:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1891) and all of the city departments that have come together to make this possible. This important investment in programs like Exchange is why we truly are in the most remarkable place on the planet. So I look forward to seeing the next generation of tech leaders, change makers, innovators that will come out of the Exchange program. We put forth a $1.25 billion bond investment for these type of opportunities, the largest economic bond in the history of Chicago, because that's who we are. The best communities in America have one thing in common.

[32:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1922) They invest in people, and that's what we're doing in the greatest freaking city in the world, the city of Chicago. Please welcome our planning and development commissioner, Commissioner Sierra Boatwright. Good morning, everyone. I want to take a minute to congratulate the entire project team, its partners, and everyone else

[32:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1953) who contributed to their combined ingenuity, resources, and willpower to make this project possible today and for years to come. Where there's unity, there's strength, which makes all the difference when you're trying to empower neighborhoods, create jobs, and help communities to help themselves. Progress is also well served when We have supportive elected leaders like Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderman Yancey, who are steadfast in their commitments to the future of greater Grand Crossing and the people who live and work right here.

[33:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=1987) As the city's planning commissioner and a lifelong Southsider, it's truly gratifying to see such a profound investment in an existing building, but also the people that will leverage its resources to advance their own career goals within the South Side's ever-expanding tech landscape. The planning department is absolutely thrilled to support the project with $5 million in bond proceeds to help with the build-out costs. The impact is going to be substantial,

[33:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2018) sustainable, and measurable by all the internships and permanent jobs that take root right there under that roof. This is what equitable investment and opportunity is all about. So congratulations again to the project team, to the community. I now have the pleasure to introduce Hardik Bhatt. Thank you.

[34:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2049) Thank you very much, Commissioner Boatwright. And thank you very much, Mayor Johnson. I know it's very busy, and you still find time to be here with us. And I see so many friends here. I saw C.P.O. Charlotte Roberts. I saw the budget director, Annette Guzman, Chancellor Juan Salgado is here I see Phil Clement from WBC I see Kevin Collington Liston from EY I saw Amanda Prince from Accenture I also see Andrea Science from Chicago Community Trust

[34:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2081) Mike Shea from Tollway Al Ruiz from Park District Regina Hayward from the Civic Committee and then Christy George is somewhere from Illinois EBC I think if I say everybody's name it's just going to be Villa Coleman from EC United and later And also, we've got NMSDC former president and our board member, Josette. So, again, this is what this says is building economy and developing economy in neighborhood is a team sport.

[35:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2111) And the team that we have gotten together here is definitely Ken Perlal, the Bears of 2025, you know, with a 73 record. A huge thanks to David Gupta, the founder and executive chairman who instilled the ethos of creating first-chance opportunities in SDI's first project was based in the Whitney Young High School, and one of those seniors is still with us working at SDI, and this is a scalable model of that.

[35:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2146) But the big thanks to City of Chicago, the mayor, that continued trust on SDI to deliver technology services for City of Chicago and its history agencies. That trust allows SDI to make such bold investments where we can commit to a long-term lease in the south side of Chicago, hire Chicagoans to do Chicago's IT work. The Chicagoland Corporation spends $16.5 billion every year on third-party IT services.

[36:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2178) 3.4 billion of that is movable on shore for creating jobs here. We don't want all 3.4 billion. 2% of that, 60 million, can create 500 careers every year in this neighborhood and all of the Chicago neighborhoods. Special recognition goes to Northern Trust, WBC Energy Group, People's Gas, CBS, MRO, Aon and City of Chicago. For early adopters and leaning into exchange that has already created 55 careers since the mayor came out last year to announce the least signing here, 12 more are getting trained here and this place can only take 150.

[36:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2218) We are starting with 25 STI call takers and 67 apprentices. So 92 is already here, 58 more, and we'll be running out of the space here. Because I'll tell you, for us, this is not just a grand opening. This is the grand beginning of creating a network of onshore technology delivery centers in the south and the west side of Chicago. Mayor, next up Austin, with the City of Chicago, with P33, with Comer Foundation, the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, our Chicagoland corporations, key technology partners, philanthropic supporters, we should be able to create thousands of these onshore technology jobs in our neighborhoods.

[37:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2269) getting hundreds of millions of dollars infused in our neighborhoods to cement our greatest freaking city, Chicago, to be the number one global destination for tech careers. And I do want to acknowledge and really thank my key partners, Greg Mooney from Comer and Greg Henderson from P33. They've been relentless for the past so many years in making sure that we are here today, but we don't stop here. We keep going. But I do want to now, it's my honor

[38:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2301) and privilege to invite exchange's first customer that was two years ago almost 20 24 months ago the president of people's gas maria good morning everybody good morning congratulations to grand crossing mayor city of chicago it's a pleasure to be here uh like hardick said we have the pleasure of being SDI Presence's first partner.

[38:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2333) You know, for 175 years, People's Gas has been committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to our businesses and our residents. Equally important, we have remained committed to being strong partners in the communities that we serve. Our South Shop facility is located actually not that far from here. Our deep roots and our ongoing investment in every Chicago neighborhood reflect not just where we work, but who we are deeply as an organization. Witnessing this new facility come to life

[39:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2365) here in Grand Crossing and hearing the dedication of those involved as well as the inspiring stories of individuals like Lonnie Marie is positively impacting and truly inspiring. And on behalf of People's Gas and WEC Energy Group, thank you for being a part of the family, Lonnie Marie. Today is a reflection of what partnership looks like in action. At People's Gas, we remain deeply committed

[39:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2397) to empowering our underserved communities. Like Hardik said, our early adoption of the exchange program reflects the pride in advancing this mission and our belief in creating meaningful lasting impact. As we get ready to transition to our multi-year pipe retirement program, we're looking for ways to continue deepening that relationship and that possibility with the exchange program. This includes looking at the possibility of expanding our partnership with the

[40:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2428) Exchange and SDI as we look to support our growing back-office management support functions. We are excited about this possibility and the Exchange footprint being located right here in our service territory. So congratulations to Exchange, Greater Grand Crossing, Mayor Johnson, the City of Chicago. Thank you so much for your partnership. It's a pleasure for me to introduce CEO Brad Henderson with P33. BRAD HENDERSON, P33. BRAD HENDERSON, P33.

[41:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2466) Good morning. So I'm just going to share two quick factoids I pulled up that I thought would be helpful in sort of putting this in context that say this isn't just a big deal for Chicago. It's actually a big deal for Chicago's leadership in the country and the world. So factoid number one, I did a little bit of history, a little research on the history of some of the most iconic tech and consulting firms that we know whose names on buildings downtown and across the country. What I tried to look at is how many employees did they have at the end of their first year?

[41:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2496) Because essentially, we're here at the groundbreaking. So how are we doing relative to the name? I'm not going to name the names, but I did actually do real research, going to start a fight. But I could not find one of those examples that had more than 25 people at the end of year one. And we already have 55 incredible, young, talented, professional. I'm not going to name the companies, but watch out. I just think it's an incredible testament to the scale of this guy. You know, the other fact that I would share is, with

[42:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2526) a pen and pencil, we said how many of that, of all those jobs paid for by that $16 billion that big Chicago companies pay every year, how much of that could go through this building in this community? And it's about $8,000, right? So for the end of year one, imagine be at the end of year five, and what it will really require if we want that, and just close your eyes and picture 8,000 towns of people working in this neighborhood on a day-to-day basis, I think we can do that if all of us work together in making that happen. So I think that's further away for us all to be together.

[42:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2558) But there's an important part of what I just said that I think is what makes this partnership special, and it's actually this recognition that although technology is very powerful, It's actually collaborative people with different perspectives that come up with the best ideas and the best solutions. So type in ChatGPT, how to build the exchange, and we'll not give you the answer. The answer actually came through a group of people from very different backgrounds, making lots of mistakes, finding lots of dead ends, but keeping going.

[43:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2589) And so to my partners at Comer, to my partners at SEI, our partners at the city, our customers, our funders, et cetera, up. The reason we're here is because we're working together. So what I ask is, this is the beginning, but it's not the beginning. It's just a way of working that we're going to keep doing over and over and over again. And with that, we're going to get there. And so therefore, it's my distinct honor to actually bring up to the stage for our closing. Exchange employee number one, and really one of the people who's brought the heart and

[43:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2619) the mind to this project since the beginning, Olu. Thank you all so much. It is great to see so many friends. If you're your faces right now. Good morning. Before I start, I just want to say thank you to our great mayor for that additional time. We really appreciate it. I'll be very brief, but I'll cover a lot. Good morning. It is with great gratitude and even great excitement that we

[44:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2657) gather here today. This is a moment of both reflection and celebration. It is a culmination of a remarkable three-plus years of journey and the beginning of a new chapter defined by confidence, possibility, and shared purpose. I want to re-echo the gratitude to our funders, our partners, and our community leaders who have made this work possible. Thank you so much. Thank you for this inspiration. Before I say my goodbyes,

[44:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2689) I want to offer one final reflection as you prepare to cut the ribbon. As a first-generation immigrant student who grew up in a South Shore neighborhood, studying mechanical engineering at Stanford University and chose to return to Chicago. This project, thank you, this project is deeply personal. It reminds me that progress is not measured only by square foot or capital raised, but by the lives that are changed and impacted.

[45:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2721) The young people who will walk through these doors, the families who will find opportunities here, and the communities whose futures will be shaped by what we have established today. Thank you. Exchange Chicago is proof here in the Greater Grand Crossing community that when communities, our great city, institutions, and neighborhoods align together, we just don't build buildings, we build generational opportunities. Pathways to trainings, with dignity, to careers and the kind of economic mobility that is driven by human capital.

[45:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2756) To the grassroots, you are the backbone of this effort. The families, the educators, custodians, the youths, and the elders, thank you. You are the heartbeat of this work and mission. You are the reason this investment matters. Together, we're building more than a facility. We're doing a brighter, stronger, and more inclusive future. At the Comer Education Campus, we often say, the best is yet to come.

[46:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8?t=2789) Today, that belief is no longer aspirational, it is standing right in front of us. And with that, it is my honor for us to cut the ribbon.

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/cGZAX-ii6P8 · Chicago Politics, an independent tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt