Is Big Blue making plans for Chicago?
April 25, 2005 BY MICHAEL KRAUSS IBM is a bellwether. When Big Blue pre-announced lower than expected earnings on April 14, the stock market reacted with a 191-point shudder. While IBM has moved markets down, more importantly, where Chicago is concerned, IBM can move markets up as well. At $96 billion in revenues IBM can have a big impact. With the appointment of Dave Carlquist, 44, as vice president/ Americas central region — the ranking Chicago-based IBM executive — IBM could become a much more visible player on the local tech scene. The jury is still out. Carlquist has been in the job only since December. Though he’s yet to define a focused local mission, the early signals are positive. IBM’s statistics are impressive. The company contributed more than $3.5 million to local schools and charities last year. Recently Carlquist hosted an innovation roundtable bringing Claudia Fan Munce, vice president of IBM’s venture capital group to town. IBM appears to be shopping for local tech c
