NEWS RELEASE

 

June 28, 2007

 

For Immediate Release

 

Contact:  Doug Whitley, President & CEO, 312-983-7103

         or   Deb McCarver, Director of Communications, 217-522-5512

 

 

 

Illinois Chamber Board Elects New Directors, Issues Position on Cook County Co2 Emissions Law

CHICAGO, IL – The Illinois Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors held board, officer and committee chair elections at its annual meeting earlier this month and voted to oppose a proposed air pollution permit ordinance in Cook County, according to Joseph Dively, Chairman of the Chamber Board.

 

After hearing a presentation on how climate change concerns may influence regulations at all levels of government, the Board discussed the proposed Cook County ordinance to require air pollution permits for sources of certain air pollutants. Agreeing that imposition of county-level air permits and fees on top of existing stringent state standards would create an undue burden on Cook County business and industry, the Board voted to oppose adoption of such a program. The resolution concludes with the observation that such fees would effectively be a new business tax.

 

The election, re-election, and retirement of directors and officers was the other primary focus of the June meeting. The following officers were re-elected for the 2007-2008 term: Chairman Joe Dively, Consolidated Communications, Mattoon; Vice-Chairman Calvin Butler, RR Donnelley, Chicago; Treasurer George “Bill” Beck, Beck Transportation, Mt. Vernon; and Secretary Roger Walcott, Peabody Energy, St. Louis.

 

Committee Chairs elected for 2007-2008 are: Mike Moses, S&C Electric, Chicago, Audit Committee; Monica Mueller, Motorola, Schaumburg, Government Affairs Committee; Joanne McMahon, GE, Barrington, Legal & Judicial Review Committee; and Gina Forcucci, Amcore Bank, NA, Lombard, Membership & Business Services Committee.

 

Executive Committee District Representatives for 2007-2008 are Jay Koch, EcoDigital Development Group, Woodlawn; Mary Crego, State Farm, Bloomington; James Bruner, United Contractors Midwest, Springfield; Taylor Davis, John Deere, Moline; Mary Culler, Ford, Downers Grove; and Karen Melchert, CNA, Chicago.

 

Newly elected to the Board of Directors are: Douglas P. Crew, Caterpillar, Peoria; Mike Aiello, RW Troxell, Springfield; Bob Cusick, Hanson Professional Services, Springfield; Paul Wickland, Tempco Electric Heater Corporation, Wood Dale; Karla Olsen Teasley, Illinois American Water, Belleville; Raymond Kovach, Columbia College, Chicago; and Nahlah Daddino, Advocate Health Care, Oak Brook.

 

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The following retiring board members were honored for their past service as they leave the Chamber Board: Arthur “Hy” Bunn, Bunn Corporation, Springfield; Steve Crain, Crain Enterprises, Mound City; Tim Elder, Caterpillar, Peoria; Bob Fry, CIGNA HealthCare, Chicago; Terry Gloriod, Illinois American Water, Belleville; Jim Kaput, ServiceMaster, Downers Grove; Tony Mitchell, Advocate Health Care, Oak Brook; Sergio “Satch” Pecori, Hanson Professional Services, Springfield; Brian Peterson, ADM, Decatur; and Eric Winston, Columbia College, Chicago.

 

 

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The Illinois Chamber of Commerce promotes the interests of Illinois business by working to improve the state’s business climate. The Illinois Chamber aggressively advocates legislation and public policies that support economic growth and is a source of timely and reliable information on matters important to its members, Illinois employers and the general public. The Illinois Chamber also provides effective programs and services to its 3,500+ members to meet their business needs, including immediate answers to tax and human resources concerns and access to training and consulting services.