Boeing knew.
On September 4, 2001, the Boeing Company moves its world headquarters from Seattle to Chicago. The decision to leave Seattle, announced on March 21, 2001, affects about 1,000 jobs. Chicago is chosen because it is "a location central to our operating units, customers and the financial community – but separate from our existing operations" (Seattle P-I), according to Chief Executive Officer Phil Condit. Seattle had been Boeing's home since its founding in 1916.
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/on-this-day-boeing-moves-corporate-headquarters-to-chicago-in-2001/827067193/