While Boeing officials remain tight-lipped about where the market ranks in comparison to competitors Dallas/Fort Worth and Denver, the high-powered civic and political leaders forming the welcoming committee continue to refrain from any city-suburban tug-of-war. Any boasting was regional in scope as the committee put its best foot forward, treating the Boeing team to dinner Wednesday night at the Art Institute.

"Chicago and Illinois are very tough to beat," says Gov. George Ryan. "Denver? Dallas? Give me a break."

Meanwhile, Boeing remains poker-faced. "I like Chicago. I like Dallas/Fort Worth. I like Denver. I like Seattle," Boeing senior vice president John Warner tells reporters. "This is going to be a very difficult decision."

However, Warner downplayed speculation that crowded O'Hare International Airport and the amount of financial incentives will play a role in the company's final decision on relocating its executive suites. "Financial incentives are a factor, but not a deciding factor," Warner says.

The city and state reportedly are offering Boeing $50 million in incentives, just over half they provided ATA to move a flight training center to property just north of Midway Airport. However, four times as many jobs were involved. Then again, civic pride is at stake in the race to land the Boeing headquarters. "The most important thing about this is the cache," says former governor James Thompson.

ATA officials got involved by taking out full-page newspaper ads in the form of open letters to Boeing, touting the area and pro-business efforts of city and state officials.