Chinese president visits Woodridge

As part of his Illinois visit, Chinese President Hu Jintao came to Woodridge Jan. 21 for a trade show highlighting Chinese companies that are located in the Midwest.

Woodridge Mayor Bill Murphy, who attended the event at 1000 Davey Road, met with President Hu Jintao and shared his vision of how greater Chinese investment in the United States could benefit Woodridge.

“Woodridge's proximity at the crossroads of two major expressways (I-355 and I-55) with over 10 million square feet of office/warehouse space, and a business friendly environment puts us in a unique position to capitalize on foreign investment in the United States,” Murphy said.

Village Administrator Katy Rush said “Woodridge understands now more than ever that being responsive to the needs of the business community is essential to our mutual success. Today's visit by President Hu Jintao is a perfect example of how the village worked with a local developer, Bridge Development Partners and Wanxiang America Corporation to respond quickly to the visit request.”

For over a year, Woodridge has been looking for ways to streamline the development review process to make it easier for businesses to locate and expand within the community.

Woodridge will follow up the Chinese presidential visit by reaching out to trade show attendees, and promoting available sites within Woodridge. According to Ms. Rush, the timing of the visit coincides with Village efforts to expand economic development initiatives that will make it easier for businesses and developers to find available sites on the Village's website.