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.

The Civic Committee of the Commercial Club issued a statement in response to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Please read our statement here.

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
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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

President Emeritus, SAIC | Retired Chairman of the Board of Bank of America | Sr. Advisor to President of 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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    Barbara Gaines

    “The Commercial Club of Chicago provides a proverbial “big tent” under which the compassionate leaders of our City can gather, share ideas, and dream of bold new ideas that will address the challenges facing our modern American city.”


    Barbara Gaines
    Artistic Director, Carl and Marilynn Thoma Chair | Chicago Shakespeare Theater

    Member Since 2016

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    Austen Goolsbee

    “With such a collection of civic and business leaders and its range of speakers on key issues, I have found the Commercial Club, basically, indispensable.”


    Austan Goolsbee
    Robert P Gwinn Professor of Economics | University of Chicago Booth School of Business

    Member Since 2017

144

YEAR HISTORY

376

ACTIVE MEMBERS

1,084

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

Civic tech booster P33 adds big names to board

P33's new directors range from startup to Fortune 500 executives, with the goal to elevate Chicago's tech game.

Crains, 02/03/2021

A pandemic is no time to vote on critical education issues

During a hurried session, Legislature can't fairly consider the merits of elected Chicago school board or union rights bills

Chicago Sun-times, 01/10/2021

Without a Plan, the Graduated Income Tax is a Bad Idea

It’s no secret that Illinois’ finances are in big trouble. And yet, there is no comprehensive plan to get the state’s finances under control.

Chicago Tribune, 10/5/2020

O'Hare key to economic recovery

Much of the strength of Chicago's economy rests on its vast transportation network

Chicago Business, 6/04/2020
Critical Issues

Labor leaders join push to oust police union chief

Regional leaders want John Catanzara to resign following remarks on the Jan. 6 Capitol riot

Crains, 1/22/2021

Putting out a pension fire with gasoline

The passage of a sweetened pension deal for Chicago firefighters neatly captures our current predicament.

Crains, 01/15/2021

Fair Transit launches to improve service for southern Cook County

A three-year pilot program cuts fares in half on the Metra Electric and Rock Island Lines. It also increases the hours and frequency of Pace’s Halsted 352 route.

Chicago Sun-times, 01/04/2021

Chicago's Broadband Plan Could be a Model for Other Cities

Kids First Chicago helps develop plan to bridge digital divide for Chicago school children

WSJ, 07/09/2020

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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