The best and brightest gravitate to the front office. That translates into civic leaders who help foster the local economy and draw more talent. It is a phenomenon that Roper said is felt by the lack of top flight executives volunteering for Chicagoland Chamber posts. It means local control of money spent in the community. The issue isn't going away.
Numerous forces are behind it.
Globalization and consolidation are larger trends that have taken a heavy toll here. And local Internet companies complain there's a lack of venture capital to finance tomorrow's great enterprises. A slowing economy has intensified the pressure to shape up, sell out like Outboard Marine or close down like Wards. Perhaps even more troublesome is that even Chicago's strengths might be making it vulnerable. That, in turn, makes them prime targets.