MARCH 2026  23 
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Mar. 3 | Recently, the Illinois Chamber’s Senior Director of Government 
Relations, Andrew Cunningham, was invited to speak at the Illinois Concrete 
Pavement Association’s annual meeting in Springfield. Cunningham provided 
a state transportation and infrastructure update to attendees, covering some 
of the major legislative discussions over the past year, including topics like 
mass transit reform, the Road Fund balance, project delivery, and autonomous 
vehicles. Thank you to Executive Director Robert Rescot, Ph.D.,P.E. for the 
invitation and engagement with the Chamber!
OUT AND ABOUT
Feb. 26 | Illinois Chamber Interim President and CEO Dan Wagner had a great 
meeting with Kristin Richards, Casimir Peters, and Andrea Vallejo from the 
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity!
 
These conversations are all about building strong relationships and staying 
connected as we work together to support businesses and communities across 
Illinois.
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Mar. 4 | A wonderful evening at the The Dawoodi Bohras of Chicago Iftar 
Celebration in the Village of Willowbrook.
Interim CEO Dan Wagner had the pleasure of meeting Zaman Mehdi from the 
Consulate General of Pakistan Chicago. The gathering provided a meaningful 
opportunity to foster dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and celebrate shared values.
Thank you to the Dawoodi Bohra community for hosting such a welcoming 
and impactful event!
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Mar. 16 | The Illinois Chamber of Commerce was proud to take part in 
Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations this past Saturday!
Illinois Chamber Interim President and CEO Dan Wagner attended alongside 
Executive Director of the Chamber’s International Business Council Laura Ortega 
Lamela and Chamber Board Member Paul Newman of Motorola Solutions.
Vice Consulate General of Ireland Pádraig Manning welcomed guests and 
introduced Ireland’s Senior Cabinet Minister for Housing, Local Government 
and Heritage, James Browne, who highlighted the strong and longstanding 
relationship between Ireland and the City of Chicago.
St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is all about celebrating tradition and connecting 
with members and partners!

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