The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce welcomed hundreds of business, civic, and government leaders to its 121st Annual Meeting of Membership on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty and opportunity, the event served as a powerful reminder of the Chamber’s role in uniting public and private sector stakeholders around a shared vision for growth, stability, and prosperity across the region.
The program opened with remarks from Dan Lynch, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs for United Airlines, who welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude to members for their ongoing support and investment in the Chamber’s mission. He also recognized AT&T as the event’s presenting sponsor, commending the company’s longstanding commitment to the business community. Lynch then introduced Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who addressed the audience with optimism about Illinois’ economic trajectory.
The Governor highlighted the State’s recent progress on key financial and business initiatives, including sustained credit rating upgrades and balanced budgets. “From cutting red tape, to expanding incentive programs, to smart investments for the future, we have launched a whole-of-government approach to ensure your businesses can continue to grow and prosper,” Pritzker said. His remarks underscored a commitment to making Illinois a welcoming environment for employers and entrepreneurs alike.
Following the Governor’s remarks, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jack Lavin took the stage to thank Governor Pritzker and other elected officials in attendance, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, both of whom would speak later in the program. Lavin emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration across sectors to navigate current economic complexities. “The Chamber is proud to serve as a connector, advancing pro-growth solutions that strengthen our economy,” said Lavin. “Our future depends on strong partnerships between business and government, where policy, innovation, and investment work hand in hand. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive economy for everyone who calls Chicagoland home.”
Eileen Mitchell, President of Midwest States at AT&T and a member of the Chamber’s Executive Committee, took the stage to represent the presenting sponsor. She reflected on how the Chamber’s Annual Meeting brings people together with a shared sense of purpose and possibility, and highlighted AT&T’s impact across Illinois. “Over the last five years, AT&T invested nearly $4.8 billion dollars in our network infrastructure across the state,” Mitchell shared. “And that includes more than $2.9 billion dollars right here in Chicagoland.” Her remarks illustrated the essential role infrastructure plays in connecting communities and fueling economic growth.
Returning to the stage, Dan Lynch offered additional reflections on his first year as Chair, pointing to a surge in member engagement and enthusiasm. He described recent events such as the Burnham Award Dinner and The Exchange at Soldier Field as moments that showcased the Chamber’s vibrancy. “In my first year, I’ve seen the business community coalesce around this organization in a way that’s truly inspiring,” said Lynch. “There’s a real sense of momentum across the organization right now—and that’s why I’m optimistic about our future.”
That momentum was reinforced in Jack Lavin’s annual President’s Report, where he acknowledged both the headwinds and the resilience of Chicago’s business community. He framed the moment as one of both challenge and opportunity. “We gather here today at an historic inflection point for our City and State marked by growing uncertainty and complexity,” Lavin said. “Consumers and business owners see the storm clouds on the horizon and are looking for leadership and solutions. And for more than 121 years, the Chamber has been your champion to lead our regional economy through times of adversity and uncertainty. We’ve stood up, we’ve spoken out, and we’ve pushed forward—no matter the challenge. Because we know: when the business community succeeds, Chicago succeeds.”
Lavin then recapped the Chamber’s accomplishments over the past year and reaffirmed its role as a champion for businesses large and small. “The Chamber stands ready. Our work matters now more than ever, and we will continue to be your champion. So, we ask you: join us. Because together, we will ensure that Chicago remains a world-class city that inspires us to new heights and brings prosperity for decades to come.”
The meeting concluded with a keynote address by Chris Smith, Chief Government Affairs Officer at Ford Motor Company. Smith brought a national and global perspective to the conversation, addressing the far-reaching implications of shifting federal tariff policy and the pressure it places on American manufacturing and innovation.
“Chris joins us at a critical moment in our nation’s history,” Lavin noted in his introduction. “As the federal government’s unpredictable tariff policy has reshaped global commerce and challenged the auto industry’s ability to innovate and compete, he is uniquely positioned to offer insight—not just for Ford’s strategy, but for our regional economy here in Chicagoland.”
Smith also reflected on Ford’s long-standing roots in the region, with the company’s South Side Assembly Plant recently celebrating its 100th anniversary. He emphasized Ford’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and the future of American manufacturing—values that align with the Chamber’s broader vision for economic progress.
As Chicago continues to navigate a complex and rapidly changing economic landscape, the 121st Annual Meeting of Membership served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when business, government, and civic leaders come together in common purpose. The Chamber remains committed to leading that charge.
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 121st 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 tiredlessly 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.