CHICAGO — U.S. Senator Richard Durbin and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly joined the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition along with over 350 leaders in the state to discuss how America’s engagement abroad spurs economic growth in Illinois and promotes our national security. Other speakers included Lieutenant General Dan Christman U.S. Army (Ret.) and UPS’ Senior Vice President of International Public Policy Leslie Griffin.

“I have seen time and again how global development programs are making positive, life-affirming change for people in developing countries and for Americans here at home. They not only reduce poverty, disease, and hunger — they create new markets for trade and bolster our national security,” said U.S. Senator Richard Durbin. “Making investments in the International Affairs Budget today will pay back huge dividends for our security and prosperity.”

“In today’s interconnected world, we are significantly tied to many of the issues taking place around globe. Whether it’s economic crises, global pandemics and extremism, U.S. global engagement matters. With American leadership, we can create a safer and more prosperous world and Illinois,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

Illinois is home to some of the largest global brands and organizations with rapidly growing international operations in emerging markets. Last year, Illinois exported $60 billion in goods and services overseas, and trade supported more than 1.7 million local jobs, making U.S. international engagement a strategic economic issue for the state.

“Here in Chicago, the USGLC has assembled a distinguished group of leaders from around the state made up of business executives, humanitarians, faith leaders, civic officials, and military veterans – all who believe that America must continue to be a global leader,” said Michael Frerichs, State Treasurer of Illinois. “Against, the backdrop of this election, America’s role in the world matters – not just because it’s the right thing to do, because it’s the smart thing to do. Simply put, we need more influence in the world.”

“We have a huge commitment…to humanitarian logistics. We try to marry the skills and passion and time of our employee volunteers with our logistics expertise, said Leslie Griffin, SVP of International Public Policy for UPS. “And all of our work is in partnership with UN agencies, with government departments that depend on the International Affairs Budget. We can all do so much more together than we can do individually.”

“I always love returning home to Chicago because the voters here understand the stakes for America to remain a global leader,” said USGLC President and CEO Liz Schrayer. “What happens across the world impacts our security and economy every day – and the smart, strategic investments we make in development and diplomacy help keep us safe and create opportunities here at home.”

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The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 500 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic, military, and community leaders in all 50 states who support strategic investments to elevate development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.