Competition between St. Louis and Chicago isn't anything new, given the long disdain between Cardinals and Cubs baseball fans. But the rivalry is now extending into a new playing field.
Both cities are pursuing the global headquarters of agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland Co., which last week announced it needed better access to its global customers and an international airport. ADM is currently based in the central Illinois city of Decatur, roughly halfway between Chicago and St. Louis.
ADM is staying mum about where it wants to base 200 executive and information technology jobs. But experts say Chicago is a front runner, partly because it's already home to the nation's second busiest airport and major companies.
But St. Louis is already home to major agricultural businesses, including seed giant Monsanto.