Rob Ford is packing his suitcase...

The mayor is leading his 1st trade mission this week, heading a delegation from Toronto into Chicago Tuesday & Wednesday.

He'll be joined by former premiers Mike Harris & Ernie Eves, President of Porter Airlines Robert Deluce, George Cohn, founder of McDonald's Canada & another 50+ business execs & ex-politicians.  City councillors Doug Ford, Paul Ainslie  & Michael Thompson are tagging along too.

Speaking on Newstalk 1010's The City, Doug Ford emphasized the mission is no "gravy train" trip.  Business leaders & councillors are paying their own way.

Councillor Ford says the goal is to make connections in Chicago that will entice windy city companies to open Canadian divisions in Toronto.

He says Chicago & Toronto have many similarities, but that we have a lot to learn from their waterfront.

Newstalk 1010's Jerry Agar is catching a flight to the windy city too.  He'll broadcast live from Chicago Tuesday & Wednesday.