Tom Ricketts Honored with Daniel H. Burnham Award for Distinguished Leadership

On Monday, November 17, 2025, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce hosted its 34th Annual Daniel H. Burnham Award Dinner, presented by CIBC, in the Grand Ballroom of Hilton Chicago. This signature event celebrated the enduring spirit of civic leadership by honoring Tom Ricketts, Executive Chairman of the Chicago Cubs and Chairman of InspereX, with the Award for Distinguished Leadership.

The Burnham Award recognizes individuals whose dedication, vision, and service embody Daniel Burnham’s timeless call to “make no little plans.” Tom Ricketts exemplifies these ideals through his business success, his commitment to civic and cultural institutions, and his long-standing efforts to advance Chicago’s economic vitality and community well-being.

A Night to Remember

More than 700 business and civic leaders filled Hilton Chicago’s Grand Ballroom for an evening that reflected the strength, pride, and collaborative spirit of Chicago’s business community. A lively reception opened the night, giving guests the chance to reconnect with peers and partners over cocktails before the formal program began.

Emcee Val Warner of ABC 7 Chicago kicked off the evening by welcoming attendees and setting an energetic tone for the celebration. She then introduced Kevin Li, President and CEO of CIBC Bank USA, who delivered presenting sponsor remarks and emphasized CIBC’s long-standing commitment to supporting civic leadership across the region.

The program continued with remarks from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, both of whom highlighted Tom Ricketts’ contributions to the city, the Cubs’ role in shaping Chicago’s identity, and the importance of public–private collaboration.

Chicagoland Chamber President and CEO Jack Lavin followed, reflecting on how Chicago’s business community are champions for the regional economy, drawing a parallel between Ricketts’ leadership and the resilience, partnership, and ambition that define the city. “And just like Daniel Burnham more than a century ago, we need the business community to lead the way once again. We have a key role to play as ambassadors and as champions for Chicago — to tell our story, to invest in our people, and to not just believe in — but to help build — our city’s future,” Lavin urged.

Guests then enjoyed a break for dinner, accompanied by special performances from Opal Staples and the City Lights Orchestra, whose music brought warmth and celebration to the room. The Hawthorne Scholastic Academy Children’s Choir also performed a memorable rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” a fitting tribute to the evening’s honoree.

Dan Lynch, Chamber Board Chair and United Airlines executive, resumed the program by recognizing Ricketts’ ability to combine business excellence with community impact. He was followed by Philip Clement, President and CEO of World Business Chicago, who delivered a warm and personal introduction of the honoree, sharing stories that showcased Ricketts’ lifelong dedication to leadership, service, and inclusivity.

Tom Ricketts’ Acceptance Speech

Tom Ricketts delivered a heartfelt and thoughtful acceptance speech that reflected both gratitude and a deep sense of civic responsibility. He opened by expressing appreciation for the honor and acknowledging the legacy of the Daniel H. Burnham Award. Quoting Burnham’s famous line, “Make no little plans, they have no magic to stir men’s blood,” Ricketts connected the visionary spirit of the award to his own family’s decision to become stewards of the Chicago Cubs, an undertaking driven by ambition, respect for tradition, and a commitment to Chicago’s future.

Ricketts spoke candidly about the nuances of public–private partnerships, noting that while they can be challenging, they are crucial for building a stronger city. “Daniel Burnham had more than just great quotes — he had great partners,” he said, emphasizing that collaboration remains at the heart of progress.

He then reflected on the collective effort behind the honor, observing, “Looking at the award, they have my name on it, but it’s just a placeholder. It’s a placeholder that represents the hundreds of people that have contributed to everything we’ve been able to accomplish.” Ricketts extended his gratitude to the many partners who support the Cubs’ work—business collaborators, community organizations, the Chicagoland Chamber, and most importantly, his family.

In closing, Ricketts delivered a powerful, optimistic message about Chicago’s strengths and the shared responsibility to protect them. While acknowledging the city’s challenges, he urged unity and forward momentum: “We all know Chicago has its flaws, but we all love our city. While we can discuss amongst ourselves the challenges that the city is facing, hopefully we can keep our differences among us and show a united face.” He highlighted the city’s unmatched assets—from culture, community, and civic engagement to commercial opportunity, abundant natural resources, world-class infrastructure, research institutions, and a dynamic workforce.

“With the people in this room,” he concluded, “we also have a great responsibility. A responsibility not to waste these resources.”

Looking Ahead

The Chamber extends its heartfelt congratulations to Tom Ricketts on receiving the Daniel H. Burnham Award for Distinguished Leadership and thanks all attendees, sponsors, and speakers for making the evening a resounding success. Together, we continue to build a better Chicago, one bold plan at a time.