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On July 12, I attended a reception for supporters of Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University,  at Trattoria No. 10 on North Dearborn in Chicago. By invitation only, the reception was a “thank you” to donors, sponsors, subscribers and others who support the vibrant and varied program of performing arts. Executive Director Brett Batterson spoke about Auditorium’s exciting upcoming season, and introduced three singers from Too Hot to Handel, which will play in January, 2011. Their wonderful impromptu performance was a highlight of the evening.

Welcome to the first Russian National Exhibition at Chicago’s McCormick Place!

The exhibition – running from November 18^th to 21^st – was opened by Mayor Daley, Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and a representative from the Russian Trade Ministry. Members of over 100 Russian manufacturing companies traveled across the world to meet with potential clients, partners and business connections in the Chicago area. Guests were entertained by dancers in national costumes, Russian folk musicians and other artists.

This exhibition is an important demonstration of Chicago’s role in Russian-American relations. As an active participant in Russian-American trade for the past 12 years, and founder of Russian Foundation of Chicago, it was with true pride that I witnessed this historical moment in the relationship between these two great countries.

After several exciting and fascinating days in Copenhagen with the Chicago 2016 delegation, I was dismayed along with the rest when Chicago was eliminated as a potential 2016 Olympic host city.

Our flight number indicated the change in Chicago’s Olympic status. On the way to Copenhagen, it was United 2016. On the way back, the number was changed to the more ordinary 9098.

We were welcomed aboard by a handpicked United crew, representing the very best of the staff for this flight carrying Olympians, Mayor Daley and members of his office, and leaders of the business community. But what we had hoped would be a winners’ flight full of cheer turned out to be the quietest flight I’ve ever been on.

As my experience of the IOC’s decision moves past the initial shock, I’ve had time to reflect on all the great things Chicago stands for regardless of whether the Olympics are coming or not. Our city is no less dynamic, safe, future-oriented or beautiful than it was last week, last month or last year. In fact, in working toward being a host city, we have highlighted, elevated and shared all the greatest aspects of Chicago. Even today, people carry stereotypes of Chicago (like Al Capone!). Hopefully, our efforts have brought about some enhancement of this incredible city’s image throughout the country and the world.

How does it feel to be the first city to be eliminated by the IOC? Not glamorous… We have all experienced failure and loss at some points in our lives. All of the most successful people I know have had a few failures and crashes in their history before reaching exceptional heights. Is it better to try and not come out a winner, or not to try at all?

Yes, leaving Copenhagen on October 3 was quite devastating, but looked at in another way Chicago was a winner by our very presence there. Many other cities applied as Olympic hosts but didn’t make it to the top four, as Chicago did. Others considered applying but didn’t take the necessary steps, or never considered applying. I am proud of Chicago for coming as far as we did. It shows the vision, dedication and commitment of our citizens.

Thank you to everyone for their support, input, encouragement and help in the last few months as I have been involved with Chicago 2016. I hope that you, too, will have an opportunity to experience the thrill and satisfaction of being part of an outstanding endeavor. I do believe that it is better to take a risk and work hard even if you don’t achieve your goal, because only with courage and effort will dreams become realities. And if you learn and improve along the way, your efforts will not be in vain, no matter what the outcome.

Expectations, preparations, planning, hopes, overcoming challenges and obstacles, convincing…

That was Chicago 2016 for the last two and a half years. All the hard work and preparations led up to the IOC’s final vote just a few minutes ago here in Copenhagen.

Of the four bid cities, Chicago was eliminated first. There was a dead silence in the room. I have never heard such a silence before, not even when I was alone. Hundreds of highly powerful, determined, outspoken people froze. It felt like no one was breathing.

Chicago was up against tough competition, but still the results came as a real shock.

As I stood in the middle of the delegation of Chicago supporters, my mind suddenly returned to a “collegiate business plan competition” I participated in years ago, as a 19-year-old college student.

At that competition, I placed sixth. Out of six competitors.

It wasn’t a great feeling to return to campus and face my professors, who had put such hopes in me and sponsored my trip. But at that moment I decided that losing a competition was not going to mean being unsuccessful in business.

I don’t know what the other five students do today, those who placed higher than I did in that long-ago competition. But, one thing I know for sure is that the losses I have experienced in my life have only made me stronger and more determined, and haven’t stopped me from discovering and defining my success.

I wish the same for Chicago. I truly and proudly believe that Chicago is the most dynamic, exciting and energetic city. That’s why I live here. I hope that Chicago residents will always recognize the city’s amazing qualities, as well as the growth we have experienced during the Olympic bid process. For non-residents, I hope that all of you will have an opportunity to discover Chicago for yourself.

Thank you for everyone’s support and encouragement. It’s been a fantastic experience to be a part of Chicago 2016.