Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Cuts Ribbon At Xchange Tech Workforce And Innovation Hub In Grand Crossing

CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with Alderman Desmond Yancy (5th) and Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright, joined forces with leaders from P33, Xchange, SDI Presence, the Comer Science and Education Foundation, as well as Xchange apprentices and local residents for a special ribbon cutting ceremony at Xchange Chicago. This new state-of-the-art IT services and innovation center is set to bring new jobs and workforce training opportunities to the Grand Crossing neighborhood and surrounding communities.

The project, which received developmental support from DPD, is expected to create up to 8,000 new jobs while generating $160 million in annual economic impact for the city. Mayor Johnson expressed his excitement about the project's potential to create dynamic career pathways and economic opportunities for South Side residents. He also praised the partners who made Xchange Chicago a reality through their mentorship, training, and supportive resources.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by various community leaders and stakeholders who have been instrumental in bringing this project to life. Alderman Yancy spoke about the resilience of the Grand Crossing community in the face of disinvestment over the years. He emphasized how this new tech hub will benefit local residents and bring growth back to the area.

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The project was awarded a $5 million Community Development Grant by DPD, which helped cover construction and development costs. This funding was made available through Mayor Johnson's $1.25 billion Housing and Economic Development Bond. Commissioner Boatright congratulated everyone involved in making this project possible and highlighted how unity can fuel real change in communities.

Located across from the Comer Education Center at 7247 S Chicago Ave., Xchange Chicago will build upon its existing apprenticeship programs that train individuals for careers in IT and tech. These trainees will then have the opportunity to begin their careers as apprentices with SDI in either part-time or full-time roles immediately after completing their training. So far, Xchange has placed 55 Chicago-based apprentices in full-time roles, generating over $3.25 million in family-sustaining wages and benefits.

Hardik Bhatt, CEO of SDI Presence, expressed his excitement about helping Chicago's leading corporations redirect their IT outsourcing spend towards local services and talent. He also mentioned their intentional 10-year lease commitment to the Xchange onshore tech delivery center and how it will create a win-win situation for businesses and the city.

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Brad Henderson, CEO at P33, highlighted the impact of Xchange on workforce development in the local community. He mentioned how this project is opening up life-changing opportunities in technology fields for residents while also bringing millions of dollars in overseas IT investment back to the US and Chicago.

Greg Mooney, President and Executive Director of the Comer Science & Education Foundation, spoke about the exceptional talent present in Grand Crossing and surrounding neighborhoods that just needs tools to thrive. As more apprentices graduate into full-time roles, he estimates that Xchange will generate over $70 million annually for the community.

Xchange Chicago is a testament to Mayor Johnson's commitment to inclusive growth and investment in overlooked communities. The facility is projected to generate $20 million in annual recurring economic activity within Grand Crossing. This project is not only creating new jobs but also empowering neighborhoods and providing communities with the tools they need to turn the page on disinvestment.

To learn more about Xchange Chicago, visit their website.

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