Doug Whitley, former head of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, was named executive director of a leadership council that focuses on improving the movement of goods through the metro area’s transportation system.
Whitley will head the Supply Chain Innovation Network of Chicago, started late last year by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and World Business Chicago, the not-for-profit business development agency.
The network will look at ways to improve truck permitting systems and transportation workforce development, and to test an off-peak hour delivery program in Chicago’s congested areas, World Business Chicago said in the announcement. As well, it seeks to attract capital for logistics entrepreneurs.
Paul Fisher, vice chair of CenterPoint Properties, is chairman of the network’s board.
“We are pleased to have (Whitley) help advance Mayor Emanuel’s Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs strategy to enhance Chicago’s position as an international transportation and logistics leader,” World Business Chicago President and CEO Jeff Malehorn said in a statement Monday.
Whitley will be responsible for managing the growth of the organization.. He founded and co-chaired the Transportation for Illinois Coalition for the last 12 years.
Chicago’s transportation and logistics industry accounts for $14 billion in gross regional product, with a projected growth rate of 3.4 percent, according to World Business Chicago.
Nearly a third of all freight tonnage in the U.S. originates, terminates or passes through the region.
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