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.

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

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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
Headshot for Michelle Collins

Ms. Michelle Collins

President, Cambium LLC

Member Since 1998

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Tom Wilson headshot

Tom Wilson

Chair, President and CEO of The Allstate Corporation

Member Since 2008

Image of Walter Massey

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 are 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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    “Big ideas and bold action are required to make meaningful change. You have to believe in people. The Commercial Club believes in the power of people to make Chicago and society better, giving all of us the opportunity to make a difference.”


    Tom Wilson
     Chair, President And CEO of the AllState Corporation

    Member Since 2008

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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, Foot Locker

    Member Since 2011

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YEAR HISTORY

383

ACTIVE MEMBERS

1,108

MEETINGS OF COMMERCIAL CLUB MEMBERS
LEARN ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

COMMERCIAL CLUB IN THE NEWS

Opinion: Keep ShotSpotter — or find something better

Read more here

CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS 02/16/2024

CIVIC COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES CO-CHAIRS FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE

Read more here

09/07/2023

Urban and Economic Policy Leader Erika Poethig Joins Civic Committee

Read more here

08/14/2023

Statement of the Civic Committee and Commercial Club on the Passing of Jim Crown

Read more here

06/26/2023

Commercial Club of Chicago Congratulates Next Mayor Brandon Johnson

Read more here

04/05/2023

Chicago biz community's still got it, new Commercial Club chief says

Read more here.

CRAIN'S, 10/20/2022

Civic Committee Gets First Female Chair

Read more here.

CRAIN'S, 07/20/2022

The Commercial Club of Chicago and Civic Committee Announce New Chairs

Read Press Release

07/19/2022

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 | 190 South LaSalle Street Floor 39, Chicago, IL 60603 | (312) 853-1200 | Fax (312) 853-1209

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CIVIC CONSULTING ALLIANCE
KIDS FIRST CHICAGO
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