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CHICAGO NAMED U.S. CITY OF THE YEAR
Fast Company Magazine Puts Windy City Atop 2008 Fast Cities List
London Named Global City of the Year
NEW YORK, May 20, 2008 – Fast Company magazine today named Chicago U.S. City of the Year as part of its annual Fast Cities list. London was named Global City of the Year, and 12 other locales were highlighted as rising creative hubs.
“Fast Cities are worldwide centers of creativity that embody economic innovation and opportunity,” said Fast Company Editor and Managing Director Bob Safian. “These cities attract the best and brightest and are great places to work and live. They are bursting with diversity – in race, in culture, and in business.”
"Fast Company has been reporting on innovation, leadership and social responsibility since 1995. It’s one of the most respected publications in its field and that’s why we’re so pleased with this recognition,” said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.
"I believe the essential idea on which cities must base their strategies for moving forward is simple: they must improve the quality of life for all their residents.”
“If a city’s actions are aimed at that goal, if people work hard and work together, then that city will be a vibrant place that almost by definition creates the conditions for a thriving economy."
U.S. City of the Year - Chicago, IL
What makes it “Fast”: Chicago’s economy is growing faster than New York’s or L.A.’s. The city is in the vanguard of creativity, from environmental policy (Chicago is a pioneer in urban greening) to politics (it’s home to Barack Obama), architecture (Santiago Calatrava is redefining the form of the American skyscraper with his Chicago Spire), and music (house music was born there).
Global City of the Year - London, England
What makes it “Fast”: Home to more museums than Paris, more theaters than New York, and more bars, public libraries, and music venues than either, today’s London is even more influential as a creative leader than it was in the swinging 1960’s. One in every eight adults – more than 550,000 people – works in a creative industry.
Other 2008 Cities to Watch:
Seattle, WA
Beijing, China
Hyderabad, India
Orlando, FL
Mexico City, Mexico
Kigali, Rwanda
Calgary, Canada
Moscow, Russia
Barcelona, Spain
Kansas City, MO
Doha, Qatar
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
More about this year’s Fast Cities is available in the June issue, on newsstands May 20 – July 1, or online at www.fastcompany.com. A Fast Company editor is available to discuss the winners, what makes them Fast Cities, and how they are shaping our future.
About Fast Company magazine:
Founded in 1995 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, LLC., Fast Company magazine (www.fastcompany.com) sets the agenda, charting the evolution of business through a unique focus on the most creative individuals sparking change in the marketplace. By uncovering best and “next” practices, the magazine helps a new breed of leader work smarter and more effectively. With a total paid circulation of 750,000, the award-winning business magazine is read by the world’s most innovative and successful executives.