By: Laurie Silvey, VP Business Services, President Center for Business Management, Illinois Chamber of Commerce
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce held its 2022 Annual Luncheon on October 6, 2022, featuring a great program. The event took place at the Palmer House Hilton, filling the room with nearly 380 attendees from across the state.
The day began with a networking reception before everyone moved into the Grand Ballroom for the jam-packed line-up. Dan Wagner, Secretary for the Board of Directors, opened the agenda with the pledge of allegiance and welcoming remarks. He then handed the mic over to Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch who introduced the panelists for the Future of Energy panel discussion.
Balvy Bhogal-Mitro, vice president of strategic and corporate planning for CITGO spoke about the company’s petroleum overview and CITGO’s footprint in Illinois. She looked at the projected U.S. energy consumption over the next 30 years and their investments to reduce emissions in the last 15 years.
Paul Segal, chief executive officer at LS Power discussed the difficulty of energy transitions and the platforms utilized by LS Power with an eye to lower emissions, affordability, and sustainability. He discussed LS Power’s commitment to Illinois with gas plants and renewable energy facilities.
Jill Graftenreed, director of program management office/governance within Boeing’s Global Enterprise Sustainability organization spoke on Boeing’s efforts toward sustainable airspace. She discussed the fleet renewal, operational efficiency, renewable energy and advancements in technology.
Following dessert and coffee, Maisch returned to the stage to introduce special guests and recognize our sponsors. Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch and Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie took the microphone for their comments to the audience.
Laurie Silvey, vice president of business services, is the current chair for the Illinois committee for Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve. She presented three awards to Illinois Chamber members. Motorola Solutions received an Above & Beyond award in recognition for their generous pay policies for reserve component servicemembers when activated.
United Airlines was honored with an Extraordinary Employer Support Award. The award recognizes sustained employer support of reserve components over a period of many years. United received a Pro Patria award in 2015 and has continued strong support of its reserve component servicemembers.
Hanson Professional Services Inc. received the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award in 2011. They have continued to support reserve component servicemembers as well as acting as an advocate for employers who hire them.
Todd Maisch then presented Jim Kaitschuk of the Illinois Sheriffs Association with the 2022 Tony Reinhart Champion of Free Enterprise award for making Illinois a safer place to work and live.
Maisch then invited Charles Evans, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago on stage for a Q & A session. They discussed a multitude of topics regarding the economy and inflation. It was a very informative and interesting conversation.
The event was then closed out with a final thank you to those in attendance, our esteemed group of speakers and to our sponsors. Next year’s Annual Luncheon will be held on September 28.
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