The Illinois Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon was held on September 28, 2023, at the Doubletree Hilton in Oak Brook. This year’s event brought in over 400 attendees to fill the seats to capacity.
The morning kicked off with a networking reception before moving everyone into the Grand Ballroom for the full program and lunch. Dan Wagner, Vice Chair for the Chamber’s Board of Directors, opened the program by welcoming the DuPage County Sheriffs Office color guard to present the colors and the pledge of allegiance.
This year’s event included a tribute to President and CEO Todd Maisch, who passed away on June 1, 2023. The room was filled with friends, colleagues, and members from across the state who came to honor Todd’s legacy. Todd’s wife, Kim Clarke-Maisch, was presented with the Legacy of Leadership Award on Todd’s behalf. A tribute video was then played, made up of memories from many of Todd’s closest friends and colleagues.
A plated lunch was served to give all a chance to share their own memories of Todd at their tables. Dan then thanked our event sponsors and recognized the dignitaries in attendance. He then brought up Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza for a conversation with Kelly Edwards, Secretary of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She regaled the audience with stories of her career and accomplishments, along with her vision for the future of Illinois.
Each year, the Illinois Chamber honors one of our strongest supporters with the Tony Reinhart Champion of Free Enterprise Award. This award recognizes the partnership that is necessary for successful business advocacy. While many committed individuals work on behalf of a better economy in our state, it is important to recognize those who consistently rise to the challenge and help make Illinois a better place to work and live. The award was presented this year to Peter Steinmeyer. As Chair of the Amicus committee, Pete works with Keith Staats and the members of the committee to determine whether and when the Chamber will file amicus briefs in the Illinois appellate or supreme court. He has volunteered countless hours of his and his colleagues’ time to advise Illinois Chamber staff on important issues.
Laurie Silvey, Vice President of Business Services, is the current chair for the Illinois committee for Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve. She was honored to present a Corporate Statement of Support with G Joseph Cosenza and the Inland Real Estate Group. Joe proudly signed to show their strong appreciation for the military, both veterans and reserve component servicemembers.
Dan then returned to the podium to welcome our keynote speaker, G. Joseph Cosenza, who is Vice Chairman, Director and one of the four original principals of the Inland Real Estate Group, LLC. Joe had a lot of stories to tell about his storied career along with the many honors he and the company have received. He kept the audience enthralled and finished his portion with a Q&A segment answered from the attendees.
Before the event ended, the Illinois Chamber staff brought up Jeanette Anderson, who recently celebrated 40 years on staff to be recognized for her long and dedicated time at the Illinois Chamber. She began as the receptionist and finished her career as Administration and Membership manager. She was honored for her 40 years of service with a gift and applause from the audience.
Dan concluded the event by thanking all our sponsors and the day’s distinguished speakers. He thanked everyone for coming and hoped to see everyone again next year! The Annual Luncheon will be held in late September 2024.
