2  ILLINOIS BUSINESS LEADER
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
President Lincoln’s wise words 
resonate deeply with the mission of 
the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, 
where businesses collaborate to 
achieve together what they cannot 
accomplish alone.
	
Consider the diverse industries 
we represent: advanced technology, 
agriculture and food processing, ar-
chitecture and engineering, banking, 
energy generation and distribution, 
healthcare, insurance, law, manu-
facturing, maritime, professional 
services, freight transportation, 
railroads, utilities and much more. 
The “Who’s Who” of the companies 
from these industries have proudly 
been members of the Illinois Cham-
ber of Commerce since its inception 
in 1919. Beyond this, the Chamber 
is honored to be a partner organi-
zation for the Illinois Association of 
Chamber of Commerce Executives. 
We have members in every State 
House and Senate District, and every 
Congressional District, serving as the 
sounding board for our elected offi-
cials from Chicago to the Metro East 
to Cairo and everywhere in between.
	
People often ask how the Cham-
ber can effectively represent such a 
dynamic network of businesses and 
Chamber leaders from all parts of the 
State. The answer lies in the diversity 
of our governing Board of Directors 
and our amazing, dedicated staff, 
whose sole mission is to wake up 
every day and provide value for our 
membership. Our staff works tire-
lessly throughout the year, especially 
during the Illinois General Assembly 
legislative session, evaluating well 
over 5,000 pieces of legislation to 
assess their impact on business and 
the future viability of our economy.
	
Through our partnership with 
UnitedHealthcare, the Chamber is 
able to provide significant health 
insurance savings to our vast net-
work of small businesses and local 
chambers of commerce, who in turn 
provide for their employees. We 
keep our members informed about 
the latest business topics and trends 
through webinars and in-person 
seminars. Our partnership with the 
U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal 
Reform includes an Amicus Brief 
Committee to support our members 
in their time of need in the courts. 
Additionally, our International Busi-
ness Council membership provides 
access to a global network, helping 
our members create new markets and 
gain a competitive edge.
	
It is truly an honor for me to 
serve as the Chair and interim CEO 
and President of the Chamber. Work-
ing alongside our professional staff 
and dedicated volunteer Board of 
Directors, I am confident that there is 
nothing we cannot achieve together. 
I wish you all success as we continue 
our mission to make Illinois the best 
state in the union for doing business.
	
We are always looking to wel-
come new members into the Cham-
ber Family. Please feel free to reach 
out, and we would be delighted to 
add more diversity to our fold.
DAN WAGNER
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
INTERIM CEO/PRESIDENT
A Message From the Chairman & Interim CEO
“The legitimate object 
of government is to do 
for a community of 
people whatever they 
need to have done,  
but cannot do at 
all, or cannot do so 
well, for themselves 
in separate and 
individual capacities.”
– Abraham Lincoln

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