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.

The Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago has consistently focused on the State’s serious financial issues and the need to develop a comprehensive plan to solve them and change the negative narrative about Illinois. Our statement and policy position outline why the Civic Committee is opposed to the proposed referendum to permit a graduated income tax.

Please read our full statement and policy position.

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

387

ACTIVE MEMBERS

1,082

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

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

1 Year In: P33 Is Boosting Chicago’s Tech

 

How P33 Is Giving A Boost To Chicago’s Tech Ecosystem

Forbes, 08/27/2020

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

'Fair tax' flop Leaves Budget Issues

The Financial Squeeze on the state and its agencies tightens as voters say "no" to new taxes 

Crains, 11/04/2020

CTA presents unbalanced 2021 budget

CTA proposes $1.6B budget without service cuts or fare hikes, hoping for federal stimulus

The Daily Line, 10/26/2020

Chicago groups launch COVID-19 data portal

P33 builDs platform with partners to track and monitor COVID-19 cases in Chicagoland

Chicago Inno, 8/5/2020

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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