The 2nd annual U.S. – Saudi Business Opportunities Forum is a high-level gathering of senior officials and business leaders from Saudi Arabia and the United States. This three-day forum will explore opportunities for greater economic collaboration between the two nations as well as provide an unparalleled business networking environment.

2010 US-SAUDI BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FORUM

APRIL 27-29 | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

ATLANTA, GA

MAY 23-25, 2011

Rita R. Athas

President, World Business Chicago

Rita Athas is the President of World Business Chicago (WBC), a public-private partnership formed by Mayor Richard Daley in 1999 to serve as a business advocate to bring and retain business in Chicago. As President, Ms. Athas oversees day-to-day operations of the organization, and with the input of WBC private-sector Board, develops its strategic direction.

Ms. Athas came to the economic development corporation in 2007 after serving as Mayor Daley’s Deputy Chief of Staff for External Affairs for 10 years. In that capacity she served as the Mayor Daley’s liaison to regional mayors, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the business community, and foundations. Ms. Athas has helped spearhead the formation of the Great Lakes Cities Initiative, support for the Modernization of Chicago O’Hare Airport, and the development of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

The Metropolitan Mayor’s Caucus, formed at the invitation of Mayor Daley to the region’s 272 mayors, serves as one of the prime examples in the nation of city/suburban cooperation. The caucus has addressed such diverse issues as gun control, education reform, and tax policy.

Ms. Athas has a long history working with local government. She served in various positions with a number of suburban municipalities. Prior to joining Mayor Daley’s staff, she served as the Executive Director of the Northwest Municipal Conference, a consortium of 40 municipalities representing a population of over 1 million in Northwest Illinois, which is widely recognized as one of the most innovative regional councils in the country.

Ms. Athas was recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business, as one of the 100 most influential women in Illinois. She is a 1988-89 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow. In addition, she has been appointed by the Illinois Governor to serve as a Great Lakes Commissioner. Mr. Athas serves as Vice President of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, and she is an Executive Council Member of Chicago Metropolis 2020.