Illinois Chamber of Commerce Week

Governor's 2011 Proclamation

Whereas, chambers of commerce work with Illinois businesses, merchants, and industry to advance the civic, economic, industrial, professional, and cultural life of our state; and

Whereas, chambers of commerce have contributed to the civic and economic life of Illinois for 172 years, since the Galena Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1838; and

Whereas, this year marks the 91st anniversary of the founding of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the state's leading broad-based business organization which serves as the unified voice for business; and

Whereas, chambers of commerce encourage the growth of existing industries, services, and commercial firms and encourage new businesses and individuals to locate in Illinois, acting as a liaison with the State of Illinois, local governments, schools and the business community; and

Whereas, this year marks the 95th anniversary of the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE), a career development organization for chamber of commerce professionals; and

Whereas, Illinois is the home to international chambers of commerce, the Great Lakes Regional Office of the United States Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and more than 400 local chambers of commerce:

Therefore, I, Governor Quinn of the State of Illinois, proclaim September 12 -16, 2011 as Chamber of Commerce Week in Illinois.