Illinois Could Reap Economic Rewards Of Ending Embargo With Cuba
CHICAGO (CBS) -- President Barack Obama met with President Raul Castro on his historic trip to Cuba Monday. The two leaders talked about human rights issues and, of course, the half century U.S. trade embargo.
CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports agricultural trade with Cuba is something that hits home here in Illinois.
90 Miles Café gets its name from the distance between the U.S. and Cuba.
"It was incredible I never thought I would see it in my lifetime," said Tony Alvarez.
But a presidential visit to their homeland makes the island nation seem infinitely closer to Cuban Americans gathering there.
"I knew it was bound to happen," said Alberto Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was 11 when he and his family fled Castro's Cuba on a fishing boat. Emotionally, he sees both sides of the political and economic arguments over improved relations
"I just hope that the Cuban people will actually reap the benefits out of this and I think they will," he said.
Illinois farmland is further than 90 miles from Cuba but economically speaking, it's closer than you might think.
"It's a billion dollar plus market for exports of agricultural products," said Jamie Walter.
Walter grows corn and soy beans on his Dekalb farm and he also produces whiskey from his grains. He's recently visited Havana on a state agricultural trade mission to point out how easily Illinois products can be shipped down the Mississippi River to Cuba
"Potentially, we could capture anywhere from ten to twenty percent of that billion dollar market," Walter said.
Cuba is also ripe for tourism, and Chicago based United Airlines is already planning non-stop Saturday service from O'Hare. Hyatt Hotels also confirms its pursuing opportunities to extend its brand there as well.
"I am all for the Cuban people and the Cuban people need some change," Gonzalez said.
All as local Cubans continue to take in the meaning of today.
In addition to current corn and soy exports, the state believes future Illinois exports to Cuba may include wheat, dairy products, machinery, and snack foods.