From the Chicago Dispatcher
April 2009
Commissioner's Corner
Bringing the 2016 Games to Chicago: "Let Friendship Shine."
By: Norma Reyes
During the first week of April, a delegation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will be visiting Chicago, along with a contingent of international media. This is the only time the IOC will come to Chicago before deciding among the finalists and may very well be the deciding factor in Chicago being named the host city of the 2016 Olympics. The other cities in the running are Madrid, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro.
Should Chicago be named as the host city of the 2016 Olympics, it will be incredibly beneficial to the city. It will raise the profile of the city, bringing international attention and awareness to all we have to offer. This will increase tourism, as well as attract business and residents. The taxi industry is positioned to directly benefit, as visitors will flock to the city before, during, and after the Games. As Chicago's ambassadors to the city's visitors, you have the opportunity to leave a lasting impression of our magnificent city.
At the Airports
The IOC and the international media are expected to arrive between April 1st and 3rd at O'Hare and depart between April 7th and 8th. Arrival and departure times vary and no specific flight information is available, but we assume all available transportation options will be utilized in order to make a full assessment of the city. Any number of IOC members and media may be taking taxis to and from the airports.
At the Hotels
The IOC will be staying at the Fairmont Hotel. The international media will be staying at the Sheraton Hotel.
Window Clings
The logo for Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics is a star like that found in Chicago's flag, surrounded by the Olympic colors. The slogan is "Let Friendship Shine." Window clings with this logo have been made available to the taxi industry. If you choose to participate, two clings will be made available per cab, and they can be picked up at affiliation garages or our Ogden or 39th Street locations. They should be placed on the rear passenger window, facing out and on the safety shield, next to the rate sheet.
Friendly Service
I would like to provide you with some simple facts about Chicago 2016's bid so that you will be able to share this information with your passengers.
– Chicago 2016's concept for the Games will create a spectacular Games experience for athletes, who are at the center of the plan, as well as for the Olympic Family, spectators, Chicago residents and the 4 billion people around the world watching the Games on television or following the proceedings on the Internet.
– The plan provides not only ease of movement for the athletes, media and spectators - it provides all of those constituents access to all of the great cultural, culinary, recreational, and entertainment assets of Chicago.
–Chicago has integrated the heart of the city-with its vibrant shopping, dining, cultural, entertainment and tourism attractions-into the Games plan.
– 51 percent of competition tickets are priced at $50 or less, making the Games an affordable spectator experience.
– If Chicago wins the right to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the vast majority of venues would be located in the city's signature lakefront area parks--Washington Park, Douglas Park, Jackson Park, Grant Park and Lincoln Park.
– More than 600 athletes from 120 countries came to Chicago to compete, and Chicago's ethnic communities turned out in force to cheer on boxers from their home countries, making them feel welcomed and at home.
Cooperating towards Success
I thank the taxi industry for their cooperation and commitment in being true ambassadors for the city, not only during the time of this visit, but always. Should Chicago be chosen as host city, it will benefit the taxi industry in direct and meaningful ways. The effort we give in the first week of April can be looked at as an investment in our city and our business. As the slogan for Chicago's bid states, we will "Let Friendship Shine" through our professional taxi service.
Norma, Why did this end up being an excuse for the city to issue hundreds of citations the week of the 1st thru the 8th?
Sooner or later the good people will have had enough of Little Tyrant and his crew. Hopefully it will be soon!
