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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.

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.

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Ms. Michelle Collins

President, Cambium LLC

Member Since 1998

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Tom Wilson

Chair, President and CEO of The Allstate Corporation

Member Since 2008

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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.

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

COMMERCIAL CLUB NEWS

The Rev. Jesse Jackson remembered as civil rights leader and icon

2/19/26

Voices Of Community Support For The Groundbreaking Of The New Concourse D At O’Hare International Airport

8/18/25

Opinion: 10 principles to steer Chicago to fiscal stability

8/8/25

Opinion: Measuring Chicago’s public safety impact through a business lens

7/25/25