Business Analysts play a critical role throughout the business solution and software development lifecycle. And with the changing face of IT, the Business Analyst (BA) role, at the project, program, or enterprise level, is a significant, evolving, and highly-visible position with amazing growth potential. To build both local awareness and promotion of the Business Analyst role, we introduce the Chicagoland Chapter of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA®). The IIBA®, with its CCBA and CBAP certifications, provides an accreditation equivalent to the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. While the IIBA® is a relatively new association, the growth and standardization is quickly improving the formal recognition of the Business Analyst role and its value in today's organizations. The Chicagoland Chapter offers members educational resources, networking opportunities, and a dynamic knowledge base for new and experienced Business Analysts alike, beginning with an introduction to best practices from the BABoK (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge). | 
