Our Founder

Robert M. Ady’s areas of expertise include corporate site selection and incentive negotiations for companies wishing to locate, relocate, or expand. As a site selector, he has identified optimal locations for more businesses in the United States than any other individual.

Recognized worldwide as the consummate professional, Bob has been chosen by prominent firms to undertake their most sensitive and important assignments as a corporate site selector, both in the U.S. and Japan. Find out about Mr. Ady’s:

Professional Background

December 2000
President, Ady International Company

December 1997
Founder/Co-Managing Partner, World Business Chicago

August 1996
Executive Consultant, Realty Consulting Group, Deloitte & Touche Tohmatsu

April 1987
President, The Fantus Company, PHH Group

February 1983
Executive President, The Fantus Company, PHH Group

January 1981
Executive Vice President, The Fantus Company, Dun & Bradstreet

November 1973
Senior Vice President, The Fantus Company, Dun & Bradstreet

Affiliations and Leadership

Former Park Ridge, Illinois City Council alderman
Board member for Japan America Society of Chicago
Former board and active member of International Economic Development Council

Edward DeLuca Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented by the International Economic Council, this award is bestowed in recognition of the individual who has consistently exemplified the highest standards of professional excellence throughout his or her career in the economic development field.

Representative Speaking Engagements

White House Staff Conference on Economic Development
World Conference on Economic Development
World Utility Development Council
National Association of State Development Agencies
Industrial Economic Development Council
Industrial Development Research Council

Representative Media Interviews

  • Business Week magazine
  • Forbes magazine
  • Fortune magazine
  • NBC Nightly News
  • New York Times
  • Time magazine
  • Wall Street Journal

Representative Articles and Publications

“Auto Parts Suppliers: Use Site Selection to Meet OEM Demands,” Trade and Industry Development Magazine
“Economic Development: A Viewpoint from Business,” Community College Press

“High Technology Plants: Different Criteria for the Best Location,” National Council of Economics
“Locational Determinants for Emerging Industry,” National Emerging Industry Association

“New Factors Are Added to High Tech Site Selection,” High Tech Super Connections
“Taxation and Economic Development,” New England Economic Review
“The Global Corporation: Locating Success,” The German-Midwest Chamber Way
“The Increasing Importance of Corporate Image as a Site Location Factor,” Forbes
“The Internet Has Changed The Dynamics of Site Selection: What It Means For Your Business,” Forbes
“What To Look For In A Relocation Destination,” Forbes