From the President’s Desk: Boundless Opportunity

Since this is my first time writing to you, I’d like to start by saying I am very excited to begin serving as President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. The list of companies in the Chamber’s Member Directory and on our Board of Directors is awe-inspiring. From the newest and smallest firms to the largest and most iconic, with all of us working together the opportunities are boundless for every one of us. I will work with each of you to leverage them to grow your business and the Chicago region’s economy.

I learned many years ago of the power and strategic forethought of the Chicagoland Chamber. As Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, I worked with the Chamber to incubate the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, which led to the founding of 1871. We also partnered to establish the award-winning Disabilityworks program, which provides job training for people with disabilities and promotes their hiring. 

As for my approach today, I’ve heard loud and clear that talent acquisition is a top concern of Chamber members. I will see to it that we address this in effective ways. The Chamber will also be an independent voice for the business community, will create strategic connections for members, and will highlight our community’s innovators and thought leaders.

I am looking to listen and learn from you. Please always feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts. I want to know how the Chamber can best support your business. My email is jlavin@chicagolandchamber.org. My phone number is 312.494.6776. I would be happy to hear from you.

As an opportunity for us to meet in person, I will be at these Chamber events in January. If possible, please come say hello.

As all parts of the region, country and globe get more connected – and as populations shift toward the largest metro-areas – Chicago is positioned to benefit in profound ways. We have a chance to be one of the few global hubs that has a cutting-edge workforce, the most advanced educational institutions, modern infrastructure in all its forms, and a diversity of culture, recreation and entertainment. We can be a center of economic dominance and have the highest quality of life.

I look forward to making Chicagoland the best place to create jobs, new business opportunities, and to live and work.

Best Regards,

Jack Lavin

President & CEO

Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce