Florida Chamber Launched Ad Campaign in Chicago

The advertising push compares economic growth and resident retention figures between Florida and Illinois.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Regional Economics

Florida Chamber Launched Ad Campaign in Chicago

Live Poll

Do you believe aggressive state-to-state economic competition is beneficial for the national economy?

The Florida Chamber of Commerce has brought its billboard campaign to Chicago, labeling Governor JB Pritzker the runner-up for Florida Economic Developer of the Year. The ads aim to highlight Florida's economic growth strategies and business relocation success.

Why it matters

The organization intends to persuade other states to adopt policies that it credits for Florida's significant population and income growth. By targeting local residents, the campaign frames Florida as a superior destination for businesses and individuals alike.

Florida ranks No. 1 for business relocations while Illinois ranks No. 48. Over five years, Florida gained 1.9 million residents compared to an Illinois net loss of 76,000 residents.

The players

Florida Chamber of Commerce

This private business organization represents the interests of employers across Florida.

JB Pritzker

He is the current Governor of Illinois who is targeted by the advertising campaign.

The details

The campaign, which originally launched in New York City, uses billboards in the Chicago area to showcase figures including the $2.4 billion in taxable income that migrated from Illinois to Florida. Future campaign expansions are planned to target Washington and California.

The Free Enterprise Florida campaign launched in Times Square in August 2026.
The campaign expanded into the Chicago area on September 22, 2026.

Macro View

This campaign underscores the ongoing interstate competition for capital and human resources that has intensified during recent economic cycles. It mirrors historical periods where regional policy divergence led to significant shifts in state population and tax bases.

For residents in the Chicago area, the campaign serves as a high-visibility critique of local economic performance and tax policies. It may influence public perception regarding the comparative cost of living and business climate between the Midwest and the South.

The takeaway

The campaign highlights the stark divide in economic trajectories between states utilizing different tax and regulatory models. Residents can observe how these fiscal strategies directly influence regional investment and long-term population stability.