Chicago, IL – The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce today announced the semi-finalists for the 2016 James Tyree Emerging Business Leadership Award, which is given annually to an up-and-coming Chicago entrepreneur and includes a $50,000 reward, compliments of Mesirow Financial and The PrivateBank.

The semi-finalists for the 5th Annual Tyree Award are:

The top 12 semi-finalists were narrowed to six via an audience vote during a live pitch event on April 14 at Mesirow Financial.  The semi-finalists were selected by Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce staff out of a diverse pool of applicants from a variety of industries.

Next, a panel of judges will meet to independently review and score the finalists’ original applications to narrow the field to three.  The recipient of the award will be announced at the Chamber’s 112th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 7, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

The Tyree Award is given annually to a fast-growing Chicago business with philanthropic values. The Chicagoland Chamber and Mesirow Financial launched the award in 2012 in memory of Jim Tyree, former Chairman and CEO of Mesirow Financial and Chairman of the Chicagoland Chamber from 2007-2010.

About the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce represents over 1,000 member companies, their 400,000 employees, and over $24 billion in revenue. We combine the power of our membership with our legacy of leadership and business advocacy to drive a dynamic economy. We focus on delivering value for our members, making Chicagoland a world-class place to live and work. Visit ChicagolandChamber.org.