By: Darbi Durham, Director of Communication and Advocacy, Illinois Chamber of Commerce & Andrew Cunningham, Manager of Legislative Relations, Illinois Chamber of Commerce
On March 2nd the Illinois Chamber of Commerce held its’ 5th Annual Chamber Day at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel where we were honored to welcome the Mayor of Springfield, Jim Langfelder, House Speaker, Emanuel “Chris” Welch, and finally, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin to the event. Senate President Harmon and Senate Republican Leader McConchie gave brief virtual addresses as they were not in town for Session this week.
We thank the 100+ attendees from across the state for their participation throughout the day.
Each of the guest speakers engaged our attendees on various topics including unemployment insurance, Governor Pritzker’s proposed budget, and discussions on crime. Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch provided a presentation on the status of the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, while the Chamber Executive Council Directors gave a legislative update from their field of expertise. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce informed attendees on the latest federal happenings, both politically and legislatively. Illinois Sherriff’s Executive Director, Jim Kaitschuk educated our attendees on the public safety in our surrounding communities.
House Speaker Welch gave a speech that touched on his willingness to work with others who sometimes hold different policy positions than himself and his caucus. He noted that his attendance at Chamber Day 2022 was a product of this mindset. He also added that he was willing to take tough questions from the crowd even if that meant giving answers that some may not like. We appreciated his openness.
Speaker Welch took questions from attendees on far ranging topics from small business grants to criminal justice reform. President & CEO Maisch and Speaker Welch held a short public dialogue as well.
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin provided the attendees insight into the 2022 legislative session by touting his support for UI trust fund deficit assistance and the efforts of his members to achieve lasting economic reforms. Leader Durkin also touched on the issue of crime. Leader Durkin also participated in a Q&A session with President& CEO Maisch. We appreciate Leader Durkin’s continued work on behalf of the Illinois business community.
Lastly, Illinois Sherriff Association’s Executive Director, Jim Kaitschuk informed our attendees on the public safety in our surrounding communities followed by a Q&A segment. Kaitschuk expressed the issues of community and police safety are a societal issue not solely a political one. Police no longer know what to expect and there is nothing routine about situations. He expressed how the fix will not be a quick one. It will take funding of police force, but also building back a respect of authority and policies that provide real consequence for law breakers as well as giving police the ability to perform their duties to the best of their capacity.
At the Illinois Chamber, we will continue to advocate for the business community and business-friendly legislation. We hope to work collaboratively with Speaker Welch alongside the General Assembly to better the state’s economy and job climate.
We want to thank our keynote speakers, sponsors, and attendees that made this event possible. We look forward to what next year has to bring!
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