CHICAGO (March 5, 2007) – Today, Chicago’s First Lady Maggie Daley and Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Patrick G. Ryan joined Ralph Hughes, Macy’s Vice President of Communications to unveil the official “Chicago 2016 Shop” at Macy’s Chicago flagship store on State Street.
To show support for Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic Games, Macy's partnered with the Chicago 2016 Exploratory Committee to create and exclusively produce the first merchandise for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"This merchandise captures the excitement of our Olympic bid," said Mrs. Maggie Daley. "Now Chicagoans will have the opportunity to display their support for the City’s efforts to bring the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games to our wonderful city."
The first merchandise available is an official long-sleeved, limited edition t-shirt that features the Chicago 2016 logo, which is composed of some of Chicago’s most iconic symbols. The top half of the logo is a flame in the shape of Chicago’s skyline, and the bottom half merges a color palate that represents the blue of the lakefront and the vibrant green of the City’s parks..
Ralph Hughes, Macy’s Vice President of Communications, presented Mrs. Daley and Pat Ryan with the first three of the 2,016 shirts currently in stock..
“Macy’s is thrilled to be part of the excitement and energy that surrounds Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games and to produce merchandise that will help ‘stir the soul’ of our City’s residents,” said Ralph Hughes.
“Today is an exciting day for Chicago and further confirmation of how the City has totally embraced the Olympic spirit,” said Patrick G. Ryan. “This partnership with Macy’s is another example of the collaborative efforts of the bid committee and Chicago businesses and we look forward to a lengthy relationship.”
Others in attendance at the launch included Jerry Roper, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; Ty Tabing, Executive Director, Chicago Loop Alliance; Karen Vock, Executive Director, Chicago Theater; Linda Piepho, Vice President, Macy’s on State Street; and Melissa Turner, Director of Fashion, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.
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The t-shirts retail for $30 each, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Chicago 2016 Exploratory committee, are available exclusively at Macy’s on State Street and Water Tower stores while supplies last.
About the Chicago 2016 Exploratory Committee
The Chicago 2016 Exploratory Committee is an Illinois not for profit corporation (which has applied for status as a 501(c)(3) corporation) whose mission is to seek, on behalf of the City of Chicago, the privilege of hosting the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Chicago. The Committee’s Board comprises business, civic, athletic, cultural and academic leaders representing Chicago and the surrounding Midwest region. Its honorary chairmen are Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Patrick Ryan serves as chairman and CEO.
About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Federated Department Stores, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Offering distinctive assortments including exclusive fashion and home brands, Macy's stores are operated by seven regionally based retail divisions – Macy’s East, Macy’s Florida, Macy’s Midwest, Macy’s North, Macy’s Northwest, Macy’s South, and Macy’s West – and an online store at macys.com.
Macy’s North is based in Minneapolis and operates 63 stores in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
City of Chicago, U.S. Bid City, 2016 Olympic Games