b"As for our industrial researchofficials.Our members representwe can keep Illinois that special place and educational infrastructure,every community throughout theAbraham Lincoln loved so much and Illinois is home to the Universities ofState of Illinois and each of thesefoster the people that have defined Chicago, Northwestern, University ofcommunities are represented by goodAmericas entrepreneurial spirit.Illinois, Illinois State University andand caring officials who want their the other 74 colleges and universities,communities to prosper.Govern- Dan Wagneralong with major research laborato- ment officials are not ordained intoChairman of the Boardries such as Argonne and Fermi Labstheir positions but rather they areIllinois Chamber of Commerce who receive more National Scienceelected. Foundation funding than anywhereA vast majority of the time busi-in America. It's no wonder Illinoisness works in concert with our elect-is a magnet for employers given theed officials but there are times when high level of education within ourdisagreements arise, and the Cham-workforce.ber vigorously stands up against Clearly the place of Illinoislegislation or regulation to defend the and the people of Illinois are twointerests of our members.A single key fundamentals that the Illinoisbusiness does not have the resourc-Chamber of Commerce promul- es or wherewithal to stand up to gates and promotes to the world. government but thanks to the Pack With such advantages the questionthe Illinois Chamber has a proud arises why did business leaders 105history of promoting, defending, and years ago form the Illinois Chamberprotecting our business community. of Commerce and what keeps theWith these diverse businesses Chamber relevant for our businessmany individual companies can community?Kipling said it best,expand and educate their workforce The strength of the Wolf is the Packthrough incredible networking and the strength of the Pack is theopportunities which would not have Wolf. In other words, the alliance ofbeen possible except for their Cham-our business community (large andber membership.small)brings together such a largeFor the businesses around the and diverse group of interests that weState that are Chamber memberscan represent to our elected officialsThank you for understanding the at the local, state, and national levelstrength of the PACK! of how their proposed legislative andIf you are currently not a Cham-regulatory initiatives could weighber member you will be amazed what down and impede the successfulour new CEO and President Lou execution of our businesses. Sandoval and his entire Chamber The Illinois Chamber providesStaff can do to help you recognize the this unique connectivity of such astrength of the PACK and the impact broad array of interests that we areon your bottom line.a trusted resource and the go toPlease consider joining the organization for many of our electedIllinois Chamber because together SEPTEMBER 20245"