The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce welcomed more than 500 business, civic, and government leaders to its 122nd Annual Meeting of Membership presented by AT&T on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. At a time of continued economic uncertainty and opportunity, the annual gathering reinforced the Chamber’s role as a unifying force advancing a pro-growth agenda to strengthen the region’s economic future.
The program opened with Dan Lynch, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs at United Airlines, who welcomed attendees, expressed appreciation for the members and sponsors whose support makes the Chamber’s work possible. Lynch also underscored the importance of collaboration between business and government leaders. Reflecting on the Chamber’s work and the broader business climate, he noted, “This is a time that demands clarity, connection, and leadership.”
Eileen Mitchell, President of AT&T Illinois and a member of the Chamber’s Executive Committee, delivered remarks on behalf of the presenting sponsor. She highlighted AT&T’s continued investment in infrastructure and digital equity across Illinois, emphasizing how connectivity supports economic growth, workforce development, and opportunity.
Many public officials were in attendance, reflecting the strong partnership between the business community and government leaders across the region. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle both addressed attendees, underscoring the importance of collaboration to drive economic growth and expand opportunity. Their remarks emphasized continued momentum across key sectors, including infrastructure, tourism, and innovation, while reinforcing a shared commitment to ensuring that economic progress reaches communities across Chicagoland.
Chicagoland Chamber President and CEO Jack Lavin reinforced the importance of collaboration and acknowledged the elected officials and civic leaders in attendance. He reiterated the Chamber’s role in bringing together the public and private sectors to advance economic opportunity and position Chicagoland for long-term success.
Dan Lynch continued the theme of growth and shared responsibility in his Chair’s Report, as he reflected on the Chamber’s progress over the past two years. He highlighted the organization’s work to advocate for pro-growth policies, convene business leaders, and elevate the voice of the private sector in key policy discussions. “The commitment of the people in this room is what gives me confidence, not only in the Chamber, but in Chicago,” Lynch said. “We are a business community that leads, invests, and builds.” He emphasized that, despite economic challenges, the business community remains committed to driving growth and opportunity throughout the region.
Jack Lavin then framed the current moment as one defined by both challenge and urgency, pointing to rising costs, regulatory pressures, and broader economic uncertainty facing businesses. “We gather today at a pivotal moment for our city, one marked by growing uncertainty and complexity,” Lavin said. “Through periods of prosperity and times of adversity and uncertainty, the Chamber has been the voice of business in Chicago and your champion for more than 122 years.”
Lavin emphasized a clear and consistent message throughout his remarks: growth must remain the region’s top priority. “We have one organizing principle that unites all of us – we want to Grow Chicago,” he said.
He highlighted the Chamber’s advocacy efforts over the past year, including work on transit reform, opposition to burdensome taxes and regulations, and support for balanced fiscal policy. Lavin also pointed to several transformative investments shaping Chicago’s future, including large-scale developments along the Chicago River, the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, and projects focused on revitalizing key corridors across the city.
Among those projects is the 1901 Project, a multi-phase, multi-billion-dollar redevelopment centered around the United Center campus on Chicago’s West Side. Positioned as a transformative investment for the city, the development aims to create thousands of jobs, drive economic activity, and open new opportunities for small businesses and local entrepreneurs, while reimagining the surrounding neighborhood as a vibrant mixed-use district.
The program concluded with a keynote conversation featuring Danny Wirtz, Chairman and CEO of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Michael Reinsdorf, President and CEO of the Chicago Bulls, moderated by ABC 7 Chicago’s Ravi Baichwal. The discussion explored the inspiration behind the 1901 Project and why now is the right moment for a major investment on the West Side, along with the broader role developments like this play in strengthening Chicago’s competitiveness for talent, tourism, and business investment. The conversation also emphasized community engagement and long-term impact, focusing on how collaboration and thoughtful planning can shape neighborhoods and create lasting economic opportunity.
As Chicago continues to navigate an evolving economic landscape, the 122nd Annual Meeting of Membership served as a clear call to action. Across every part of the program, one message stood out: sustained growth, strong partnerships, and a unified business community are essential to Chicago’s future.
The Chamber remains committed to leading that effort by bringing together leaders, advancing pro-growth solutions, and ensuring that Chicagoland remains a global hub for business, talent, and investment.
Join the Chamber, as it continues its work to keep Chicago a global hub for business, talent, and investment.
Check out more photos from the Chamber’s 122nd Annual Meeting of Membership.
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Since its beginnings as the Chicago Commercial Association and Industry in 1904, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce has worked tirelessly to deliver value for its members and the region’s economic prosperity by fostering connections, advocating for reform, and developing critical thought leadership, making Chicagoland a world-class place to live and work.
Be part of the momentum shaping Chicago’s future—join the Chamber today.