2  ILLINOIS BUSINESS LEADER
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Chamber Aims to Expand Value for Members
LOU SANDOVAL
PRESIDENT AND CEO
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce 
will celebrate its 105th anniversary 
on May 27th, 2024. The Chamber 
was established in 1919 by 24 prom­
inent business leaders from various 
parts of the state with the aim of ad­
vocating for all businesses in Illinois. 
Despite the many changes that have 
taken place in the world over the 
last century, one thing has remained 
constant - the resilience and growth 
of Illinois businesses. As members 
and business owners, you are the 
foundation of our community, and 
we are committed to supporting your 
long-term success for many years to 
come.
	
As President and CEO of the 
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, I 
am honored to serve and expand 
the value proposition for our mem­
bers. Although advocacy remains 
one of our core principles, we strive 
to adapt to the dynamic business 
environment and offer more value to 
all our members, regardless of their 
size. Our focus is on providing tools 
that will enhance the representation 
of businesses across all sectors, with 
inclusivity across the economic spec­
trum. To achieve this, we will work 
through our affiliate member cham­
bers across the state and engage the 
largest special interest group in the 
state - businesses and business own­
ers. We aim to keep them informed 
and active on issues that may hinder 
the business climate in Illinois.
	
As we begin the new year, we are 
filled with excitement and anticipa­
tion for all that 2024 has in store for 
us. We are committed to working 
closely with all of you to achieve 
our shared goals and drive positive 
change. We will be the unifying 
factor in providing opportunities 
to enhance your connections with 
each other in addition to catalyzing 
your business growth. I am excited 
to announce that I will keep visiting 
business companies to gain a deeper 
understanding of your needs and 
how we can serve you better. Your 
success is our top priority, and we are 
committed to providing you with the 
necessary resources and support you 
need to succeed.
	
In the latest issue of the Illinois 
Business Leader, we are privileged to 
feature articles from our esteemed 
members, Nicor and IFMK Law, 
Ltd. Additionally, we will be shar­
ing insights from HeplerBroom on 
insurance coverage for underlying 
BIPA lawsuits. We will also provide 
you with our key takeaways from the 
Governor’s State of the State address 
delivered in February. Lastly, we are 
excited to present the results of the 
latest Independent Contractor survey 
conducted by the Illinois Chamber 
of Commerce in collaboration with 
Chamber Member, Doordash.
	
We look forward to the import­
ant work ahead and to a bright future 
for Illinois businesses. 
Yours in Fellowship,
Lou Sandoval
President and CEO
Illinois Chamber of Commerce 

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