SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (September 15, 2025) — On Thursday, September 18, 10:30AM-1:30PM, it is my privilege to invite you to our upcoming Illinois Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon at the Hilton Chicago (720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60605), our state’s premier gathering of business leaders, policymakers, and community partners. Each year, this event serves as a platform to address the issues shaping Illinois’ business climate, celebrate our shared successes, and set the stage for the work ahead.
This year’s program will be both timely and inspiring. Attendees will gain insights from the leadership of Ameren Illinois, Peoples Gas, and Nicor during our Energy Panel, where innovative approaches to Illinois’s evolving energy landscape will be explored. We are equally honored to host a fireside chat with Don Thompson, Founder and CEO of Cleveland Avenue, who will share leadership lessons from his distinguished career. Additionally, Chamber leadership will provide an update on our priorities and our vision for creating a stronger, more competitive economy across Illinois.
Speakers include:
- Don Thompson, Founder and CEO Cleveland Avenue
- Maria Bocanegra, President, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas
- Leonard "Lenny" Singh, Chairman and President, Ameren Illinois
- Meena Beyers, VP of Business and Community Development, Nicor (Moderator)
- Lourdes Duarte, Co-Anchor WGN Evening News and Lead Investigative Reporter, WGN (Emcee)
- Lou Sandoval, President and CEO, Illinois Chamber of Commerce
- Dan Wagner, Chairman of the Illinois Chamber Board of Directors
You can find out more information on the event, including the agenda, here:
