b'CONNECTINGHighlightsThe Illinois Chamber of Commerceyear to Kelly Edwards.Kelly joined Annual Luncheon took place thisthe Illinois Chamber of Commerce year on September 19 at the Marri- Board of Directors in March of 2022. from Annualott Marquis Hotel. This years eventAfter her first meeting, former Pres-brought in over 400 attendees toident & CEO, Todd Maisch, knew Luncheon 2024 enjoy the day.Kelly had the drive and dedication to The morning kicked off with ajoin the Illinois Chambers Executive networking reception before mov- Committee. She was nominated in ing everyone into the Ballroom forJune of 2022 and currently serves as the full program and lunch.OurSecretary of the Board. Kelly is the emcee for the day, Lourdes Duarte,epitome of what this award means. opened the program by welcomingShe is tireless in her efforts to move the attendees and bringing up Danthe Chambers mission forward.Wagner, the Chairman of the IllinoisLaurie Silvey, Vice President Chamber Board of Directors to theof Business Services, is the current podium.He kicked off the programchair for the Illinois committee for by introducing the Chicago PoliceEmployer Support of the Guard & honor guard to present the colorsReserve.She presented three Above and the pledge of allegiance. Board& Beyond Awards to IL Chamber member Kelly Edwards sang themembers who are strong advocates national anthem. and supporters of their reserve com-Next, Lt. Governor Juliana Strat- ponent servicemember employees.ton spoke briefly about the strengthAwards were accepted by Natalie of Illinois businesses. President andHiggins for Deere & Company, Jason CEO Lou Sandoval then welcomedJahnke, Advocate Health Care, and elected officials and VIP guests be- Kim Godden, Superior Ambulance.fore inviting all to enjoy their lunch.Lourdes then returned to the po-Following a delicious lunch,dium to welcome our keynote speak-State Treasurer Michael Frerichs tooker, David M. Foulkes, Chief Executive the stage to speak about the I-CashOfficer and Director for Brunswick program and was able to return someCorporation.David spoke about the cash to some of our members. journey that Brunswick Corporation Natalie Higgins of John Deere accepts theEach year, the Illinois Chamberhas had through the years.He kept Above & Beyond Award for her company.honors one of our strongest support- the audience enthralled and finished ers with the Tony Reinhart Cham- his portion with a Q&A segment pion of Free Enterprise Award.Thiswith the audience. award recognizes the partnership thatLourdes concluded the event by is necessary for successful businessthanking all our sponsors and the advocacy.While many committeddays distinguished speakers.She individuals work on behalf of a betterthanked everyone for coming and economy in our state, it is importanthoped to see everyone again next to recognize those who consistentlyyear! The Annual Luncheon will be rise to the challenge and help makeheld in late September 2025.Illinois a better place to work and live. The award was presented this 8ILLINOIS BUSINESS LEADER'