Florida Chamber of Commerce Launches Billboard Campaign in Chicago

In an exclusive discussion, Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson revealed that they are extending their ‘Free Enterprise’ campaign to Chicago, where Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has been named the runner-up for Florida’s ‘Economic Developer of the Year.’

As commuters travel through Chicago, they’re greeted by a new billboard initiative from Florida’s leading business organization. This multimillion-dollar outreach aims to encourage people to consider moving to Florida, highlighting that a significant amount of income is transitioning from Illinois to the Sunshine State.

“The billboards are modeled after our previous campaign in New York,” Wilson explained, mentioning that two billboards are set to go up in Chicago. “We’re acknowledging Governor Pritzker with the runner-up title simply because he oversees policies that impact the economy of Illinois, similar to our governor’s responsibilities here in Florida,” he said. Wilson, who has personal ties to the area, expressed concern about the high crime rates and taxes in Chicago, stating, “Illinois is in a downward spiral, losing people and businesses, and it’s costing the state billions in potential revenue.”

In these billboards, a visual of Governor Pritzker casually shrugging has been featured, along with a message thanking him for facilitating job relocations to Florida. This initiative follows a recent campaign where New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was recognized as Florida’s “Economic Developer of the Year,” emphasizing that progressive policies tend to drive wealth and families away from their states.

Wilson articulated the strategic selection of Chicago, noting, “The data shows that Illinois is a prime target for recruitment because it ranks second as we assess state-by-state migration trends.” He pointed to a notable loss of residents in Illinois compared to Florida’s growth, which has seen about 1.9 million new residents while Illinois has reportedly lost around 75,000 to 100,000 people.

Citing high-profile departures from Chicago, notably Ken Griffin’s relocation of Citadel to Miami, Wilson argued that adverse crime rates coupled with excessive taxes are pushing companies away. “The breaking point was when bullet holes appeared in the Citadel building—this stirred public concern about safety and governance,” he added.

Wilson emphasized that the campaign’s reach isn’t limited to affluent businesses or hedge funds; they are actively courting industries such as advanced manufacturing, aviation, and tech startups from Illinois. “Our focus is on attracting those who feel stifled by Illinois’ policies. Florida is the leading state for new business startups, and we want innovators from Illinois to realize they’re welcomed here,” he stated.

While Wilson refrained from disclosing the exact budget for the billboard campaign, he acknowledged that maintaining the Chamber’s initiatives requires millions annually. He expressed hope that Illinois officials will take note of the economic data being presented and consider adopting pro-business reforms.

Looking forward, Wilson recognized the weight of responsibility resting on Florida’s leaders to manage the state’s rapid growth and avoid the pitfalls observed in states like Illinois and California. “We have to be wary not to make the same mistakes that have led those states into trouble,” he cautioned. He noted that while many compare Florida to other states, it’s crucial to strive for the highest potential within Florida itself.

Although the billboards in Chicago are set for a brief one-week run, Wilson indicated that the Free Enterprise campaign would persist, with the possibility of targeting additional states. “Our larger goal is to raise awareness among residents in these areas. We want to inspire better economic opportunities—not just for Florida but for America overall.”