‌

IL Chamber Advocacy | Fall 2022

CHAMBER SPEAKS TO MEDIA PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS ENERGY INITIATIVES CHAMBER COUNCIL UPDATES CHAMBER STAFF NEWS CHAMPIONS OF FREE ENTERPRISE Senator Sally Turner honored by Illinois Chamber Aug. 1, 2022 | “Senator Turner has distinguished herself as a leader and rising star in her caucus with a keen awareness of the economic needs of Central Illinois. We look forward to seeing what she accomplishes in the years ahead,” said Maisch. Full Story Here

Maisch Speaks to Media on Chamber Issues

July 11, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch spoke to The Center Square on how important it is for companies to sponsor immigration benefits for their new and existing employees especially while the country is experiencing job shortages Read More July 21, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch responds to Elyse Kelly with The Center Square on the newest study that ranks Illinois 8th in the nation for unfilled job openings. Read More Aug. 10, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch spoke to Elyse Kelly with The Center Square on the impacts the state is experiencing with GDP falling at an annual rate of 0.9% - making it the second consecutive quarter of negative GDP growth in the U.S. Read More Sep. 6, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch spoke to Brenden Moore with The Pantagraph about the Chamber’s opposition to the proposed “Workers’ Rights” Amendment. "What we think, though, is that because it is so difficult to amend the constitution, that organized labor is trying to lock in the status quo for generations to come," Maisch said. Read More Sep. 25, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch responds to Chicago Tribune on the "Workers' Right Amendment." If this is in the constitution for 10 years, there’s an open invitation for labor lawyers to take the language and push it to the absolute limits,” Maisch added. #VOTENO Read More

July 14, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch spoke on Bishop On Air about the recently-released inflation numbers and what it could mean for Illinois businesses and consumers. Watch Video Here July 22, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch joined Brandon Pope TV with On The Block to discuss the importance of voting "No" on the proposed "Workers' Rights" Constitutional Amendment that will be on the ballot this November. Aug. 3, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch joins Patrick Pfingsten on The Illinoize's livestream/podcast to discuss big business leaving Illinois, unemployment insurance, and how rural downstate communities can be revitalized. Aug. 30, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch spoke to Cole Henke with WCIA on the Chamber’s position regarding the workers right amendment that will be on the November ballot. Sep. 8, 2022 | Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch spoke to Mike Miletich on the Chamber's steady stance to vote no on the "workers' rights" amendment come this November and the hurt it would bring to workers in the long run, if passed. Watch Video Here Sep. 23, 2022 | Thank you Citizens Club of Springfield for welcoming Chamber President & CEO Todd Maisch as a participant for a panel discussion on the so-called Workers' Rights Amendment which will be on the ballot in November. #voteno

Chamber Leads Initiative to Address Prescription Drug Costs

Aug. 8, 2022 | Help Prevent Prescription Drug Cost Increases – Illinois lawmakers came close to passing legislation that would increase the cost of prescription drugs, and we need to make sure they don’t try it again. If these bills (SB 2008 & HB 3630) become law, they will hurt businesses by making it more expensive to provide healthcare to employees. That’s why the Illinois Chamber is leading a new initiative to urge lawmakers to find real solutions to address prescription drug costs, instead of implementing misguided government mandates that do nothing to improve access or affordability. Learn More Here

Energy Initiatives

Aug 15, 2022 | "It’s time we recognize how our federal government’s energy policies impact our energy security, for Illinois’ citizens and businesses throughout the state...." Read Commentary Here

Infrastructure Council Holds Virtual Spring Meeting

Sep. 9, 2022 | Illinois Chamber’s Executive Director of the Infrastructure Council, Andrew Cunningham said the following… “It’s unfortunate, then, that these infrastructure advances are being met with a potentially big step backward due to Congress. On the fast-track for a vote in September in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is a bill, the Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act, that would essentially re-regulate the nation’s freight railroads, giving the government vast oversight of day-to-day rail operations.” Read Full Report Here

Sep. 16, 2022 | Thank you, Terminal Railroad Association of St Louis for inviting the Chamber’s Executive Director of Infrastructure Council, Andrew Cunningham to the grand reopening celebration of the Merchants Bridge in Granite City. The 133-year-old bridge is one of the most critical freight connections on the Mississippi River linking the eastern and western U.S. rail networks.

Tax Institute and IDOR Present Update

July 5, 2022 | Illinois Chamber’s Executive Director, Tax Institute, Keith Staats’ CPA Society’s Insight magazine is now published. In this column, Staats discusses whether the Leveling the Playing Field for Illinois Retail Act has actually "leveled the playing field" in the 18 months since enactment. Read More Aug. 11, 2022 | Illinois Chamber’s Executive Director of Tax Institute, Keith Stats provided an Illinois legislative update to the Council on State Taxation’s (COST) legislative committee.

July 26, 2022 | Illinois Chamber’s Executive Director of Tax Institute, Keith Staats hosted and presented a 2-hour webinar “Illinois Income Tax: What Illinois Companies Need to Know” to Chamber members and other interested parties. July 29, 2022 | Illinois Chamber’s Executive Director of Tax Institute, Keith Staats, provided an in-house training “Illinois Update” to Tax Institute member accounting firm FGMK at their Bannockburn office with the presentation webcast to their Chicago office. Sep. 7, 2022 | Illinois Chamber’s Executive Director of Tax Institute, Keith Staats attended the quarterly meeting of the Oak Brook Area Chamber of Commerce and gave a brief presentation to the members – “An Illinois Update.” Sep. 12, 2022 | Illinois Chamber’s Executive Director of Tax Institute, Keith Staats met virtually with Illinois State Treasurer Candidate Representative Tom Demmer to discuss issues related to the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act that are under the purview of the Treasurer.

Summer Technology Meeting

Aug. 30, 2022 | We had a great crowd at our Summer Technology Council Meeting held in our Chicago office. A special thank you to our guest speakers House Cybersecurity Chair Lamont Robinson, DoIT Secretary Ricker and Assistant Secretary Ragle for an informative presentation! #technology

Chamber Staff Changes and Educational Events

Aug. 23, 2022 | llinois Chamber's VP of Business Services, Laurie Silvey had the privilege to attend the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Conference in Nashville, TN. What an incredible 3-day conference with great ideas to bring back to the office!

Aug. 24, 2022 | Illinois Chamber's Director of Communication and Advocacy, Darbi Durham attended the NASC-ASCP Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. The conference allowed state chamber CEO's and staff to discuss trends, exchange ideas, and develop ways to increase Chamber growth.

Sep. 2, 2022 | The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Danielle Blake as our new Vice President of Membership Services Read More

Champions of Free Enterprise

The Chamber is proud of the many accomplishments of these effective leaders ...

Chamber Hears from Environmental Expert

Sep. 14, 2022 | Dr. Kevin O'Brien spoke to the Illinois Chamber’s Environmental Committee (EAC) on Wednesday, September 14 in Champaign at Fehr-Graham on the topic of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). Dr. O'Brien's presentation included an overview of how carbon is captured, how the carbon is put to use once captured, and where the carbon can be stored. He also shared that the interest and financial viability of these projects is promising as a result of additional funding from the Inflationary Reduction Act (IRA). Thank you to all attendees and to Fehr-Graham for hosting the meeting!

Business Leader Magazine

Sep. 30, 2022 | The Fall edition of the Illinois Business Leader magazine is now available! Be sure to catch up on what our members and council directors have been up to. Read Entire Magazine Here

Chamber Members Making Headlines Second Quarter

July 7, 2022 | Illinois Chamber member Ameren Illinois announced their financial assistance efforts for disabled veterans and active-duty service members who are facing financial challenges due to inflation and the rise of energy costs. "Our hope is that these grants provide some economic relief to disabled veterans and those who continue to serve our country,” said Joe Solari, vice president of Customer Experience for Ameren Illinois. Read More

July 12, 2022 | Illinois Chamber member DoorDash is expanding their team! If you are interested in this rapidly growing industry, hold the desired skillsets, and want to share your unique perspective in your career - #DoorDash is the place for you. Read More

July 14, 2022 | Thank you Chamber Board member Del Wilkins with Canal Barge Company, Inc. for inviting Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch to the 12th Annual Rail & Maritime Summit! Read More

July 26, 2022 | Congratulations to Chamber members Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern Medicine for being ranked among the top 20 hospitals in the country according to the U.S. News & World Report. Thank you both for your continuous care in serving patients each and every day. Read More

July 26, 2022 | Adriana DiNenno, People Wellbeing Co-chair and Mental Health Advocate talks about Employee Wellbeing and Mental Health-HR Data Labs Season 3 Episode 11. Adriana reminds us when it comes to employee wellbeing it’s OK to not be OK. Read More

July 27, 2022 | Illinois Chamber member Google announced their intent to purchase the James R. Thompson Center in the Loop. "The way we see it, the Thompson Center is more than just a building," said Google President of Global Client and Agency Solutions, Karen Sauder. Crain's Chicago Business calls the move “one of the biggest downtown real estate deals in the past decade.” Read More

Aug. 3, 2022 | Be sure to tune into Illinois Chamber member Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB)'s newest PSA video on building fire sprinkler systems, inspections, testing, and maintenance.  Watch Here

Aug. 3, 2022 | Illinois Chamber Board member, Tyson Foods announced their expansion of Tyson’s Caseyville facility this morning that’s expected to bring $180M investment and create 250 new jobs starting at $21/hr. The expansion is set to be completed summer of 2023! Thank you, #Tyson for making Illinois a better place to work and live! Read More

Aug. 19, 2022 | Illinois Chamber member Nicor Gas committed $500,000 to be divided over five years to the award-winning career academy, Quad County Urban League. The six-week program will prepare students for entry-level work in the natural gas industry and will be offered free of charge! Thank you, #Nicor for making Illinois a better place to work and live! Aug. 23, 2022 | Illinois Chamber Member Archer Daniels Midland Company is working to reduce the carbon footprint by switching to sustainable and eco-friendly packaging. #ADM began manufacturing natural starch substitutes for the millions of tons that it takes to create paper globally every year to reduce energy consumption. Thank you, #ADM for making Illinois a better place to work and live! Read More

Sep. 7, 2022 | Illinois Chamber member Springfield Clinic announced their $50 million state-of-the-art pediatric center underway on Old Jacksonville rd. The 40,000-square-foot center broke ground at the beginning of the year and is scheduled to be completed fall of 2023. Read More

Sep. 8, 2022 | DE&I Intentions vs. Actions... Salary.com conducted a study to understand the difference between the intentions to make progress on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and the actions organizations take to close those gaps. Read More

Sep. 28, 2022 | We are thrilled to see Chamber member Instacart expanding its work on food access and nutrition. #Instacart Health is a bold step toward healthier outcomes for countless families across the country. Read More

Chamber Driving the Discussion First Quarter 2022

In the third quarter of 2022, we spoke to radio, television, and print media outlets, delivering pro-business values to audiences across Illinois. JULY 2022 Businesses helping immigrant employees with citizenship to retain workers Illinois Chamber warns job cuts could follow record inflation, urges policy makers to prepare Illinois Chamber warns job cuts could follow record inflation, urges policy makers to prepare Study puts Illinois employers eighth most hard up filling empty jobs                                                  AUGUST 2022 Senator Turner honored by Illinois Chamber As recession grips U.S., certain Illinois industries see slowdowns Turner 'humbled to be named the Illinois Chamber of Commerce's "Freshman of the Year"' Illinois might technically be in recession, but not all industries are shrinking Todd Maisch: It’s time to take thoughtful action that won’t worsen our nation’s energy crisis Rep. Elik Receives ‘Freshman of the Year’ Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Elik named Freshman of the Year As recession grips U.S., certain Illinois industries see slowdowns Turner 'humbled to be named the Illinois Chamber of Commerce's "Freshman of the Year"'                                                  SEPTEMBER 2022 U.S. Chamber Endorses Rep. Darin LaHood for Illinois’ 16th Congressional District McClure receives Chamber award Illinois Chamber of Commerce opposes workers’ rights amendment Senator McClure recognized for business support Op-ed: A bill proposed in Congress puts advancements in freight railroad network at risk Illinois Chamber of Commerce opposes workers’ rights amendment Workers' Rights Amendment' would codify unions' gains in Illinois Pritzker, Bailey fray turns to a new subject: Union rights Candidates for state treasurer share their plans for the office Treasurer’s Race: Frerichs touts investment gains, Demmer sees opportunity for GOP check Feds snag another Illinois pol A Workers’ Rights Amendment Will Be on the Illinois Ballot. Here’s What It Does Voters to cast ballot on Workers' Rights Amendment Workers' Rights Amendment Will Appear on Illinois Ballots. Here's What It Is Collective bargaining amendment brings national labor fight to Illinois ballot Rep. Keicher named Champion of Free Enterprise by Illinois Chamber of Commerce

ILLINOIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.ilchamber.org

‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌