Greg Hinz: JB Pritzker, Brandon Johnson and a tale of two overseas trips – Crain’s*

Pritzker’s office released lengthy details on his trip the day before he left. According to a statement his team released, the governor was accompanied not only by ranking aides but Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, officials from top research schools such as Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, and the heads of key trade groups representing manufacturers, the hospitality industry and quantum computing, plus the state’s leading corporate relocation operative. Johnson’s office released its statement the morning after he left — and after two full days of requests from Crain’s. The trip description included the names of eight “key members” accompanying Johnson. Every one listed either works directly for the mayor or for World Business Chicago, the city’s corporate-outreach agency. A spokeswoman did not respond when asked if anyone from the private or corporate sector is on the business-promotion trip.