The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere ( Sears Tower ) was now renamed as Willis Tower as part of a development that underlines the growing importance of Chicago as a financial center and business Major global. Joseph J. Plumeri, Chairman and CEO of Willis Group Holdings (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, and the Mayor of Chicago Richard M. Daley, officially introduced the new name together at a ceremony at the Tower in Willis attended by business leaders, government and community groups in Chicago, owners and building managers and associates of Willis of the Chicago area.

Opened in 1973 under the name of Sears Tower, the structure of glass and metal floors of 110 remains the highest building in the Western Hemisphere with a height of 442 meters. The Willis Tower is one of the three most important office of Willis, with New York and London. The company will occupy an area of over 13,000 square meters in the building where nearly 500 associates will move this summer from five local offices. Willis plans to create new jobs to Chicago in the years to come.

"Each member of the Willis family is honored to be associated with such an architectural icon and privileged to make this prestigious business address our new headquarters for the Midwest," said Plumeri. "Above all, the name of Willis Tower is an affirmation of our strong commitment to the great city of Chicago, its people and its future. Willis is present in Chicago since 1885, the same year as William LeBaron Jenney built the Home Insurance Building, the first skyscraper in the world. Over the years, we experienced growth like Chicago, and we are delighted to be part of the bright future that is built this city as a dynamic global financial center. We are proud to be our base of Chicago. "

The Mayor Daley said: "Especially in these difficult times for the economy, a decision such as that taken by Willis sends a strong message to all the people of Chicago as what our city is an essential and we work hard to take the necessary steps to keep our economy moving. I wish to thank the company for its decision to move to Chicago and his presence add to our skyline. "

At today's ceremony, Willis presented a check for $ 100,000 for Chicago Cares, the largest volunteer organization in the city. Willis associates of the Chicago area have pledged thousands of hours of their time to serve the community. The company also makes a donation of $ 100,000 in Chicago in 2016 to support the proposal for the city to organize the Olympic Games.

Scott Lorenz, executive director of Chicago Cares, said: "We are excited to associate ourselves with Willis and thank him for his generous investment in the community of Chicago. His commitment will support our work throughout the year, and we're eager to involve Willis Associates in projects of important services to the community that help Chicago residents in need. "

Patrick G. Ryan, president and CEO of Chicago 2016, said: "Chicago 2016 has always been an important corporate donor and we thank the Willis Group for its donation to help us make Chicago the city hosting the Olympic Games and Paralympics in 2016. We finish our current campaign for the Games, and support and advice continued the business community in Chicago is essential to our success. "

Willis has served clients in nearly 190 countries through its team of nearly 20,000 associates around the world. About half of its revenues are made in North America, where the company is known as Willis HRH following its acquisition of the insurance intermediary Hilb Rogal & Hobbs (HRH) in October 2008. Willis HRH is one of the leading insurance brokers details on the Chicago market, providing insurance coverage in the areas of real estate, accident risk and other areas for businesses of all sizes .

"Willis is to bring people together and build trust, why our move in Willis Tower is so important for our associates, our customers and our place in the business community in a broader sense, a said Don Bailey, President and CEO of Willis HRH. "This tour is truly a great symbol of the vitality, success and distinctive character of Chicago as a city of international level. We hope that other companies will join us successful here and will be part of the growth and excitement that Chicago has to offer. "

Why did
John Huston, vice president of American Landmark Properties, Ltd., Part of the investment group real estate owner of the building, said: "The name of Willis Tower is the most visible symbol of dynamism and progress This grandiose and iconic building. We carry a program of unprecedented environmental renovation. We have opened an exciting new attraction in our Skydeck called The Ledge. And we are proud to host a large company such as Willis in the building, and on our front. "

Joseph Moinian, CEO of the Moinian Group, also member of the owners, said: "We are excited to have Willis Group Holdings among our new tenants in this emblematic monument of Chicago. With this move, Willis embodies a major commitment to grow its regional headquarters in downtown Chicago. The transaction will create many new jobs for the city and reinforce the fact that Willis Tower is the best place to work and visit in the city of Chicago. "

With the naming of the Willis Tower, the three largest buildings in Chicago have now all names associated with the leaders of the insurance industry, reflecting the growing role played by this industry in the city's economy in the 21st century. The Willis Tower was designed by architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill for Sears, Roebuck & Company. Sears sold the tower in 1994 and completely gutted the place in 1995.

The Willis Tower is owned by 233 S. Wacker Drive LLC, a real estate investment group formed in 2004 to buy the tower. Among the owners appear Yisroel Gluck and John Huston American Landmark Properties, Ltd., Based in Skokie, Illinois, the partners of Joseph Chetrit Chetrit Group, and Joseph Moinian of the Moinian Group. U.S. Equities Asset Management LLC, headquartered in Chicago, provide management services and leasing for the property. Michael Kazmierczak, vice president for U.S. stocks, represented the building in lease negotiations. Josh Kuriloff, vice chairman, and Kent Ilhardt, Vice President, Cushman & Wakefield, represented Willis.

Willis Group Holdings Limited is a global insurance broker leader, developing and providing professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management of human resources consulting and actuarial and financial businesses, public institutions and institutions in the world. Willis has more than 400 offices in nearly 120 countries, its overall size is approximately 20,000 associates who serve customers in nearly 190 countries. You'll find information on Willis on the site www.willis.com. Information on the building are available on the site http://www.willistower.com/. Sears Tower renamed as Willis Tower .