Make No Little Plans

The Commercial Club of Chicago works to shape Chicago’s future to make our region a better place for everyone to live, work, and do business.

Upcoming Program

"The Economy 2022:  Forecasting the Impact of Inflation, the War in Europe, and the COVID-19 Pandemic"

See our "Upcoming Events" page for more information!

Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago

Focus Fuels Progress.

The Civic Committee works with business leaders, public officials, and other civic and community organizations on game-changing initiatives to promote the social and economic well-being of our region.

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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

Our work continues through the efforts of our affiliated organizations – extending our impact on the City, region, and State.

Civic Consulting Alliance

Kids First Chicago

P33

WHO WE ARE

We are senior leaders spanning the business, education, civic, and cultural sectors — unified by our excitement for the future of Chicago.

MEET THE MEMBERS
Ms. Michelle Collins

Ms. Michelle Collins

President, Cambium LLC

Member Since 1998

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Mr. Newt Minow

Senior Counsel, Sidley Austin LLP

Member Since 1974

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Mr. Walter Massey

Senior Advisor to the President, The University of Chicago

Member Since 1983

WHERE WE MAKE AN IMPACT

DIVE INTO INITIATIVES TO MOVE THE REGION FORWARD.

EXPLORE INITIATIVES

Veterans Working Group

We’re helping our companies hire, retain, and support returning veterans.

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    Lester Crown

    “For 142 years, the Commercial Club has been the voice and vision of the business and professional communities in Chicago. It has recommended and then collaborated with the political leadership of the City and State to advance those projects that helped make Chicago a great city. Don Perkins advanced this concept when he developed the Civic Committee as an action arm of the Commercial Club in 1983.”


    Lester Crown
    Chairman Emeritus,  Henry Crown and Company

    Member Since 1972

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    “One of the many strengths of Chicago is its diverse and engaged business community. The Commercial Club is an extraordinary venue for us to gain insight in order to help strengthen the fabric of our city.”


    Valerie Jarrett
    President, Barack Obama Foundation | Senior Distinguished Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School

    Member Since 1998

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    “The Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago provides the experience, perspective and connections that have made our philanthropic efforts and community partnerships at Peoples Gas so successful. It is an absolutely critical resource for leaders of area companies who want to make a real difference in the communities they serve.”


    Charles Matthews
    President and Chief Executive Officer, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas

    Member Since 2016

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    “The Commercial Club brings together hardworking leaders across Chicago with a shared commitment to use their power for good. Together, members connect, collaborate and influence positive change that fuels the bright future of our city.”


    Mary Dillon
     Chief Executive Officer, Ulta Beauty

    Member Since 2011

144

YEAR HISTORY

370

ACTIVE MEMBERS

1,095

MEETINGS OF COMMERCIAL CLUB MEMBERS
LEARN ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Commercial Club in the News

Leadership Transition at the Civic Committee and Commercial Club of Chicago

02/23/2022

How are we doing wooing techies?

An ad campaign by Penny Pritzker's P33 and World Business Chicago touts the city. Is it working?

Crains, 09/01/2021

Governor Pritzker Announces New Initiative to Improve Transportation Infrastructure, Save Taxpayer Dollars

Governor Pritzker today signed House Bill 253 into law.

ILLINOIS.GOV, 08/24/2021

Good job on the finances, Illinois. Next up: Chicago

The city and state can create a new narrative of transparency and fiscal restraint, move beyond annual budget crises and begin planning for the long term.

Crains , 08/06/2021
Critical Issues

Advocates Push for Noncitizens to Vote in Illinois School Board Elections

As advocates celebrate Chicago’s first-ever elected school board, some are turning their attention to the next task: fighting for noncitizens to be able to vote

SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY, 08/20/2021

Chicago poised to win big in infrastructure deal

The $1 trillion plan should provide money to rebuild roads and bridges, expand O'Hare, modernize Union Station, replace lead water pipes, extend the Red Line and much more.

CRAINS, 07/29/2021

Ill. gets 1st credit rating upgrade since Ryan

Long known for financial instability, Illinois on Tuesday got its first credit rating upgrade in more than two decades on the strength of the state’s latest budget.

Chicago Tribune, 06/29/2021

Health care coalition finds its footing in social justice fight

Hospitals and clinics are reviewing their internal policies and procedures in the midst of a transformative moment for the industry and the country.

Crains, 05/27/2021

CONTACT US | 21 South Clark Street Suite 4301, Chicago, IL 60603 | (312) 853-1200 | Fax (312) 853-1209

CIVIC COMMITTEE 
CIVIC CONSULTING ALLIANCE
KIDS FIRST CHICAGO
P33

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