IL Chamber Advocacy | Winter 2024

Oct. 9, 2024 | The Illinois Chamber’s 14th Annual Workers’ Compensation Conference kicked off in Lisle, Illinois on Wednesday, October 9th. The conference hall was abuzz with excitement as attendees gathered to hear from a great lineup of exceptional speakers.

Following the panel discussions, attendees dispersed into breakout sessions to participate in more personalized and interactive discussions. Thereafter, the keynote address was delivered by a renowned expert in workers’ compensation law, Michael Brennan, Chairman of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission setting the tone for an informative and engaging afternoon.

The conference was filled with various informative panel discussions throughout the day, covering a wide range of topics. Attendees actively participated in breakout sessions, exchanging valuable insights and sharing experiences. The day concluded with exciting drawings and door prizes from our exhibitors. We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event a success.

First and foremost, we want to express our gratitude to the panelists and our keynote speaker for sharing their expertise and knowledge. We also extend our thanks to our Chamber sponsors, ISIA, exhibitors, and the Illinois Chamber staff for their unwavering support and dedication. This event wouldn't have been possible without the collaborative efforts of all involved.

We eagerly anticipate what next year will bring and look forward to continuing this tradition of insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities.

Dec. 4, 2024 | We had an exceptional day at our New Laws Forum! Thank you, Jeff Risch with Amundsen Davis, LLC, for providing insight into new laws and legal developments affecting all Illinois employers in 2025 and beyond.

Attendees also had the opportunity to listen to Kassandra Silva, Senior Policy Advisor with Michael Best Strategies, share her expertise and knowledge on new and updated Illinois laws.

We rounded off the day by listening to a panel of HR professionals discuss how the laws have and will affect their businesses. This Illinois Chamber of Commerce is grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event a success!

Chamber Collaboration and Congratulations

Oct. 29, 2024 | Catch Illinois Chamber President Lou Sandoval live on WJPF with Tom Miller as he discusses his recent trip to Southern Illinois with the Marion IL Chamber of Commerce and the plan for the Legislative Session.

Listen In

Nov. 5, 2024 I The Illinois Chamber is proud to be a part of the recent Great Lakes Chambers Meeting. President Sandoval joined chamber leaders from the Great Lakes -U.S & Canada to discuss the bilateral trading relationship.

As we elect the next president and legislative representatives today, they will be part of the 2026 review of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA). With critical trading relationships with the Great Lakes States and Canada, we will need to have productive input from business groups that frame out the strength of this agreement and its economic impact.

Thank you to Daniel Tisch, APR, FCPRS, ICD.D from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for your work in convening the first of many meetings and to Laura Dawson of the Future Borders Coalition for the data driven approach. The I ndiana Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, The Business Council of New York State, Inc., PA Chamber of Business and Industry, and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) participated in the meeting.

We are truly Stronger Together!

Nov. 6, 2024 I A Letter from Illinois Chamber President Sandoval on the need to come together and focus on a Pro-Growth, Pro-Business, and Pro-Illinois approach.

Now, more than ever- we are stronger together.

Read Letter

Nov. 26, 2024 | IL Chamber President and CEO Lou Sandoval was recently interviewed by podcaster Enrique A . on the Developing The Leader Within Podcast.

Here, he shared insights on the importance of centering on Values when building a business or organization and how that fosters organizational resilience. He also gave tips on how founders and business leaders can incorporate these insights into leveraging strengths to create a world-class Customer Experience.

Listen In

Dec. 2, 2024 | The Illinois Chamber of Commerce recently had the opportunity to convene a group of legislators to tour Chamber Member John Deere’s Technology Innovation Center in Chicago’s West Fulton Market Area.

President Lou Sandoval was joined by Senate Leader Willie Preston, Senator Omar Aquino, Leader Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr., Rep Jawaharial Omarr Williams, Rep. Theresa Mah, Ph.D. And Rep. Lakesia Collins. Balazs Martonffy, PhD, Consul General of Hungary also joined the group to learn about reciprocal trade opportunities.

Thank You to Natalie Higgins and Aaron Wetzel for sharing the accomplishments that John Deere has achieved in contributing to Illinois’ economy.

The group learned of Deere’s digital transformation journey, development of their data driven agtech and the innovation that continues to make them a global leader in agriculture, tech and construction.

Oct. 10, 2024 | Congratulations to Chamber Board Chairman Dan Wagner for receiving the Denny Hiffman Inspiring Leader Award today at the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce’s Inspiring Leaders Luncheon! This was well deserved, Dan!

Oct. 11, 2024 | Congratulations to Illinois Chamber President Lou Sandoval on his recognition on BoardProspects' list of "100 Hispanic Board Members Making A Difference."

One key strength of President Sandoval, as an advocate for all Illinois Businesses, is his understanding of the critical factors facing businesses of all sizes. His presence in board rooms provides key insights that help craft economic growth strategies for various sectors.

We are happy to have him leading the cause.

Read Full List Here

Oct. 29, 2024 | The Illinois Chamber is thankful for the work of the Marion IL Chamber of Commerce, led by Karen Mullins.

The Marion Chamber and Senator Dale Fowler hosted Illinois Chamber President Lou Sandoval over the past two days. He shared the Chamber 2.0 vision with a group of business leaders and learned of the opportunities they are facing in the current Illinois Economy.

President Sandoval is already planning his return trip to this dynamic part of the state. Thank you to Senator Fowler and the Marion Chamber for your welcoming hospitality!

Nov. 19, 2024 | It was great to be able to join a round table of business leaders for a discussion with Judge Eileen O'Neill Burke today and hear her approach to tackling the challenges in Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office with her new role as State’s Attorney-elect.

When businesses thrive, people thrive, and communities thrive. Our current trajectory of uncertainty in safety impacts investment in our city and state. It’s due time we enforce the laws we have.

Thank you to Illinois Chamber Board Chair Dan Wagner for the invitation. Extra big ‘Thank You’ to fellow SICP parent, Bob Loquercio and Tom Loquercio for hosting this gathering. It was great to see board member Kimberly Pate Godden as well as our Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.

Great to meet Perry Mandera, Robert Byrnes, Clinton Wagner, Mike McGrath Jr., Jason Larson and many others.

Nov. 22, 2024 | Illinois Chamber Supports Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park at South Works

Chamber President Lou Sandoval issued a letter of support for the South Works Quantum Campus which was up for review at the Chicago Plan Commission.

Sandoval, a former resident of South Chicago, grew up one block from the old South Works project and above and beyond his connection to the storied site, serves on the board of a Charter School in the neighborhood focused on STEM education. The location will economically transform the community which has struggled since the steel mill closed in the early 90s.

Following a positive reception, the plan has advanced to the City Council’s Zoning Committee for further evaluation.

Full Statement Here

Nov. 18, 2024 | Congratulations to all the Business Leaders recognized in Crain's Chicago Business list of 2024 Notable Latino Leaders, including Chamber President Lou Sandoval. He is joined by over 100 leaders from diverse sectors, including private, non-profit, and government leadership.

Read More in this Week's Issue

Dec. 12, 2024 | The Illinois Chamber of Commerce joined a diverse group of Chamber Executives from around the country at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce policy summit in Washington, DC.

Andrew Cunningham, Executive Director of Transportation and Infrastructure was joined by President Lou Sandoval to obtain some great new policy ideas to help advocate for Illinois businesses.

During this administration transition in Washington, the role of State Chambers will increase in importance as legislators extend the reach of governance. Such moves stand to adversely impact the ability to maintain a pro-growth business climate. There is no better time than now to engage with the Illinois Chamber.

Dec. 12, 2024 | The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is thankful to our friends at Chamber Member Jenner & Block for hosting our Q4 Board Meeting.

Highlights of the meeting included a special presentation from Mark Harris Director of Pritzker Tech Talent Labs and Discovery Partners Institute and Lou Meshulam Head of Cloud at SAP . The Board learned of the wonderful work that DPI is doing to upskill and place the workforce of the future. Their impact has been felt by having 56% of the cohort participants represent marginalized communities and scaling the capabilities of the participants for placement in such companies as John Deere, Zebra Technologies, and SAP (to name a few). They have also helped participants scale their income 4x in these high demand jobs of the 21st century.

Our fearless Board Chair, Dan Wagner had the pleasure of honoring Past Board Chair Ann S. Deters with the Todd Maisch Legacy Award for her meritorious service during an unpredented and challenging term in the leadership of the chamber. Congratulations and Thank you Ann!

The Board was also updated on the tactical rollout of the 2025-2030 Strategic plan by President Lou Sandoval. This plan will continue the transformation underway of “Chamber 2.0” and help drive the Pro-Growth, Pro-Business and Pro-Illinois initiatives of the Chamber.

Thank you to our wonderful Staff and Board members for your unwavering hard work and service on behalf of the businesses of the State of Illinois, what you do matters and business needs you! The Future is bright!

Dec. 15, 2024 | The Illinois Chamber of Commerce was proud to have supported our Transportation members in the Create Project and to be on hand this past Friday as Governor JB Pritzker led celebration of this first phase of the project the 75th Street Corridor - Forest Hill Flyover.

Gov. Pritzker was joined by Senator Richard Durbin, Congressman Jesus Chuy Garcia, Office of Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, President Toni Preckwinkle, IDOT Secretary Omer Osman, and many other dignitaries at the state and local levels.

Multimodal Transportation is a core strength of the State of Illinois and vital to Illinois Business.

$1.5 Trillion in Goods moves by road, rail, air or water through Cook County. More than double the State’s GDP.
29% of the Nation’s Freight Rail Cars move through the Chicago Region.
47% of the nation’s intermodal containers move through the Chicago region.

They must continue to do so safely and efficiently, and the Forest Hill Flyover will ensure this. At the same time, it will stimulate the short term by creating jobs to complete the project on the Southwest Side of Chicago.

President Lou Sandoval is Thankful to our member partners for supporting this initiative: Tim Butler at the ILLINOIS RAILROAD ASSOCIATION, Tom Livingston with CSX, Kevin Donahue with CN, Peter Skosey with BNSF Railway, Tom Evenson with Union Pacific Railroad, and many more!

"The Forest Hill Flyover represents a great collaboration between the private and public sector," said Lou Sandoval, President & CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. "Business runs on Rail, and we look forward to continuing the progress."

Bridge Builder Awards

Oct. 16, 2024 | The Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Lou Sandoval and Director of Government Affairs Keith Wheeler were joined by Jeanie Mayer, Executive Director for the Hampshire, IL Area Chamber to present State Representative Jeff Keicher, with the IL Chamber’s Bridge Builder Award and the Champions of Free Enterprise Award for the 103rd General Assembly.

The Bridge Builder award is given to one member of both the Democrat and Republican Senate and House caucuses who exemplify bi-partisan leadership in working across the aisle to create a business environment that is conducive to growth.

Thank you Rep. Keicher for your leadership! The State of Illinois is better for your efforts.

Oct. 18, 2024 | The Illinois Chamber of Commerce was proud to present the 2024 Bridge Builder Award to State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel at the Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce office this week. Presenting the award were President Lou Sandoval and Keith Wheeler, Director of Government Affairs.

Many thanks to Tasha Marsaglia Executive Director and team for your hospitality. To the PSACC Board Members who took time out of their day to attend including Andrea Ferak, Tracy Rae Crow, Tracey Lane, Matt Schimanski, Anna Hullinger, and Adam Underhill.

The Bridge Builder award is given to one member of both the Democratic and Republican Senate and House caucuses who exemplifies bi-partisan leadership in working across the aisle to create a business environment that is conducive to growth.

Congratulations to Senator Cappel! We truly appreciate your leadership and sincere approach to working in a bi-partisan fashion for the betterment of the State of Illinois.

Nov. 14, 2024 | Congratulations to Senator Jil Tracy on receiving the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Bridge Builder and Champions of Free Enterprise Awards.

Illinois Chamber President Lou Sandoval was joined by Bruce Guthrie, President of the Quincy (IL) Area Chamber of Commerce, to present the award to Senator Tracy, along with Keith Wheeler, Executive Director of Government Affairs, and Andrew Cunningham, Council Director for the Illinois Chamber.

The Bridge Builder Award is a new award for 2024. It is given to one member of the Democratic and Republican Senate and House caucuses who exemplifies bipartisan leadership in working across the aisle to create a business environment conducive to growth.

Congratulations to Senator Tracy! We truly appreciate your leadership and sincere approach to working bipartisanally for the betterment of the State of Illinois.

Dec. 5, 2024 | Congratulations to State Representative Eva-Dina Delgado (IL-3) on receiving the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Bridge Builder Award. Illinois Chamber President Lou Sandoval was joined by Pamela Maass Executive Director of the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce to present the award to Rep. Delgado, along with Keith Wheeler Executive Director of Government Affairs for the Illinois Chamber.

Post Election Insights

Dec. 3, 2024 | What Impact will the National Election have on Illinois Business? That was the theme of the recent Post Election debrief held by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

Our Moderator, Lissa Druss, Cav. OSI of Strategia Consulting introduced our panel consisting of former Democrat Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, Co-Chair of Mercury Public Affairs, LLC (who recently acquired Serafin & Associates, Inc.) and Hon. Rodney Davis former Republican Congressman and Head of Government Affairs for U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Key Take-Aways:

• Pocket-Book Issues prevailed in major demographic shifts within swing states.

• 2017 Tax Cuts will help business owners with pass-through deductions, countering other statewide taxing impacts.

• Support of First Responders and rule of law concerns factored heavily in local Chicago Ward results with impact in key areas, Beverly, Portage Park, Bridgeport and other neighborhoods where large demographic swings were seen.

There was some great dialogue on the take-aways from the election and the need to address fiscal issues in the State of Illinois. With a $3.1B budget gap it is incumbent on leaders to be pragmatic and gleam insights from the national election to govern, building relationships with the incoming administration.

Thank you to Board Chair Dan Wagner and The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. for hosting. It was great to see board members Raymond Drake and Del Wilkins.

Thank you to our chamber colleagues Dave Carlin, CEO of Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce, and Kaylin Risvold, CEO of Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. Last but not least, it was great having Shia Kapos from POLITICO Illinois attend.

Nov. 9, 2024 | It was great to be able to support Illinois Chamber of Commerce board member Greg Hart of the The Skala Group LLC as he joined a panel on the post-election insights at City Club of Chicago.

It was an engaging discussion on what the results of the election might signal for both parties and the impact to Chicago, the state and Region.

The panel included Christian Perry - City of Chicago Anne Caprera - CoS for Gov. JB Pritzker, Paris Schutz of Fox 32 Chicago with expert moderation from Daniel Gibbons, CEO of the City Club.

International Business News

Oct. 11, 2024 | The International Business Council recently hosted a second round of meetings with Kazakhstan investment corporation to discuss Agriculture Sector collaborations with member companies.

The Meeting took place at the Illinois Chamber’s downtown Chicago office and is part of the Council’s initiative to support the future of Illinois agriculture future and strengthen its international profile through trade ventures.

For more information about this initiative and how to get involved, please contact the International Council Director Laura Ortega Lamela.

Dec. 2, 2024 | The Illinois Chamber was honored to have been invited as guests of Consul General Listyowati to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the United States and Indonesia.

The celebration was extra special because it also commemorated the 79th Anniversary of the Independence Day if the Republic of Indonesia. 🇮🇩

President Lou Sandoval was joined by Laura Ortega Lamela, Director of the International Business Council as a display of Indonesian culture and cuisine helped mark the happy occasion.

Nov. 1, 2024 | It was a pleasure for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to have been able to meet with Roberto Velasco Alvarez, Head of the North American Unit for Mexico.

IL Chamber President Lou Sandoval was joined by a group of business leaders including Mr. Ralph Biedermann, from the US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, Mid-America Chapter, Ms. Karla Ruth Orozco Toledano of World Business Chicago and Mr. Alberto Villarreal, Managing Director of Nepanoa.

The group had a. vibrant discussion on the future of binational trade, the new leadership in Mexico and discussion around the future of the USMC trade agreement.

Thank you to Consul General Reyna Torres Mendivil for convening this forward-looking discussion.

Nov. 15, 2024 | The Illinois Chamber’s International Business Council, in collaboration with our Global Partner, the Consulate General of Argentina, recently hosted a Business Roundtable with a delegation of executives from Argentina's Technology Sector. The event allowed the visiting executives to learn more about the innovation and technology ecosystem in Illinois and strengthened their collaborative efforts with the region's tech infrastructure.

Speakers included Matthew Wren, CEO of WRAR Chicago, Caroline Sanchez Crozier, Founder of LatinXDLN, and visiting delegates Pablo A. Abdian, CEO of AI firm Celara Labs, and Lucio Moya Farina, CEO of software developer Khem Labs.

The roundtable was followed by an exclusive Wine Tasting Reception masterfully provided by Wines of Argentina. This reception featured an incredible display of Argentina's many wine regions.

Dec. 8, 2024 | The Illinois Chamber was honored to join a group of legislators and elected leaders from the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago as honored guests of Taiwan Consulate Director General Dennis Yen-Feng Lei, President Robert Lu, the Board of directors and members of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office(TECO) in Chicago and the Taiwanese American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Chicago (TACCGC).

The occasion was the Annual Celebration Dinner held at the Metropolitan Club of Chicago to celebrate the partnership between TECO in Chicago and TACCGC to foster cooperation and to enhance economic and cultural ties between Taiwan and the United States.

The Group learned of the diverse Trade Relationship between Taiwan and the State of Illinois valued at over $4B dollars.

The Chamber plays an intricate role in expanding the trade relations between Illinois Companies and our foreign trade partners and looks forward to being a voice of impact in these growing trade relations.

Illinois Chamber Foundation Initiatives

Oct. 10, 2024 | The Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation proudly announces the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

“As community leaders, we understand that informed citizens are the backbone of a thriving democracy. The Civics Bee not only encourages knowledge of our state government and civic responsibilities but also fosters engagement among our youth," said Lou Sandoval, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. “By investing in civic education, we empower the next generation to be active participants in shaping their communities and ensuring a brighter future for the State of Illinois.”

Chamber Members in the News

Oct. 7, 2024 | Congratulations to Chamber member Advocate Health for your recognition of Best Children’s Hospitals! Read More

Oct. 18, 2024 | Great story of how Illinois Chamber board member Rudy Flores and Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce are working to create awareness around an outdated ordinance impacting businesses and business growth in their area. This dry precinct ordinance has a storied history dating back to 1907 in one precinct of the 47th Ward of Chicago. The ordinance creates disparity, while challenging restaurants who are already facing tough market conditions since the pandemic. Keep up the great work, get out and vote to change this outdated ordinance. Read More

Oct. 21, 2024 | The U.S. Chamber of Commerce legal team continues the battle. Read More

Oct. 25, 2024 | Just in time for Halloween, here's a great story from The Wall Street Journal on Chamber Member Ferrara Candy Shop regarding their super-hot creation Nerds Gummy Clusters.

With over $500M in sales this year, the creative story behind this brand is a great testament to creativity and innovation for a brand that was acquired in 2018 and needed a new twist. Read More

Nov. 1, 2024 | Congratulations to Illinois Chamber Board Member Neli Vazquez Rowland, recipient of the 2024 US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award!

Nov. 5, 2024 | The Illinois Chamber was glad to join over 50 state chambers and business organizations in a letter last week urging Boeing and the Machinists Union to find a resolution and end this costly strike. Glad to say, an agreement has been reached. The Union voted to end the strike. Read More

Nov. 14, 2024 | With close to $9 Billion in economic impact to the State of Illinois, Illinois Chamber member John Deere continues to be a driver of the economy to the quad cities region. Hundreds of local suppliers, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), and community associations see the impact of their direct/indirect investment of over $70 M locally. Read More

Nov. 20, 2024 | As a vital part of the State of Illinois' infrastructure, water and continued access to it is determined by investments for service and delivery. We are thankful for Illinois Chamber member Illinois American Water for their continued focus on upgrading systems to ensure that water supply keeps flowing in Alton, IL.

Dec. 17, 2024 | Congratulations to Advocate Health Care on their new location on the Southeast side of the Chicago Market in Chicago's 7th Ward, which is very close to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP). The momentum continues to build with the Quantum campus. Congratulations to Related Midwest on attracting the expansion of this vital community facility.

ILLINOIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ilchamber.org