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Chamber@Work | Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
March 10, 2015
Public Policy Quick Poll:
To kick off this public policy newsletter, we would really appreciate your insight regarding two critical issues to help us better understand where our members stand on important policy questions and how best to advocate on your behalf.
  1. Does your business provide paid sick leave for employees?
    • Yes.
    • No.
  2. How should Illinois fix its current fiscal situation?
    • Cuts only.
    • New revenue only.
    • A mix of both.
Mayoral and Aldermanic Election Update:
The municipal runoff election is on April 7th. With the mayoral race making national news and 19 still contested aldermanic races, this election will be important in determining the future of the city of Chicago. Mayor Emanuel received 45.64 percent of the votes and led in 37 of the 50 wards; specifically wards 2, 42, and 43. Chuy Garcia received 33.55 percent of the votes and led in 13 of the 50 wards; specifically wards 12 and 22.
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the Chicagoland Chamber PAC endorsed Mayor Emanuel and the Chicagoland Chamber PAC supported Alderman Mary O’Connor (41), Alderman Michele Smith (43), and aldermanic candidate Brian Hopkins (2). The Chamber will continue to support them as they head into the runoff election.
We encourage you to get out and vote on April 7th. You can still register to vote or update your information to be eligible to vote in the runoff election until the end of the day today. Click here to do so.
The runoff election will be held on April 7, 2015. The next City Council meeting is March 18, 2015 at 10 a.m. 
Export-Import Bank Reauthorization:
The Chamber is working on a national level with a coalition of allies including Boeing, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association on ensuring the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank is reauthorized prior to its charter expiring on June 30th.
Most recently, the Chamber attended an informational meeting presented by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition at the Boeing headquarters on February 12th. A variety of business leaders attended to hear Lt. General Christman (Ret.) of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce speak on the economic and national security implications if the Ex-Im Bank is not reauthorized.
The General shared that the reauthorization was always a fairly bi-partisan issue in the past, but in the current political climate that now permeates D.C., it has become a hyper-partisan issue between more liberal Democrats who see it as not protecting workers enough, and the more conservative Republicans who believe it is giving too much power to President Obama.
From 2007 through 2014, the Ex-Im Bank supported $8 billion in export value from 379 Illinois companies, including 244 small businesses. The majority of the bank’s transactions directly benefit small U.S. businesses, as nearly 90 percent support small American companies.
You can view more information on the Ex-Im Bank and how it impacts small businesses here
Cook County Update:
Action was taken on the following item at the last Cook County Board of Commissioners meeting on February 10, 2015: 
15-1232 Wage Theft Ordinance Amendment (Sponsors: President Toni Preckwinkle and Commissioner Jeffrey Tobolski)
On February 10th the Cook County Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance intended to address wage theft. The ordinance prohibits any company or individual found liable or guilty of wage theft from entering into a contract with the County, receiving property tax incentives, and applying for or renewing licenses for five years. It passed with 16 “aye” votes. The Chamber did not take a position on the ordinance.
The next Cook County Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on March 11, 2015 at 11 a.m.
Chicagoland Chamber’s Springfield Legislative Reception:
The Chicagoland Chamber’s President  & CEO, Theresa E. Mintle, will be heading down to Springfield on March 25th and 26th to participate in our legislative reception and meet with the four legislative leaders, other agency heads, and elected officials to further discuss and advocate the Chamber’s legislative agenda.
If you plan to be in Springfield, please stop by the Sangamo Club on Wednesday, March 25th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Patio Room, where we will be hosting a legislative reception with appetizers, beer and wine. This event is free for Chamber members.
If you plan on attending the Chamber's reception, please RSVP by contacting Elise Houren at ehouren@chicagolandchamber.org by Monday, March 23rd.
Chamber Member Spotlight:
As a veteran myself, I’d like to invite you to check out Rags of Honor. It is a great organization that assists veterans who are homeless and chronically unemployed by teaching them silk screening skills to make t-shirts and other apparel to get them back on their feet. If you are thinking of purchasing new t-shirts or other apparel with custom printing for a future work event or other reason, please consider this 100% veteran operation and Chicagoland Chamber member.
Sincerely,  
Michael L. Reever, Esq.
Vice President, Government Relations
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
More Information:
Upcoming Chamber Public Policy Events:
Environment and Sustainability Forum discussion on nuclear energy with Joe Watson, Director of Public Advocacy for Exelon
March 13, 2015 | 8:30AM-10:00AM
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
410 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 900
Chicago, IL 60611
If you have any questions, please contact Elise Houren at ehouren@chicagolandchamber.org or 312.494.6727.
Community Events:
The Illinois Department of Central Management Services to conduct their 2nd Annual Small Business Event, Make a Connection: “Connecting Communities to Illinois Business Opportunities”
Partners: Congressman Danny K. Davis, Senator Patricia Van Pelt,  Representative Pamela Reeves, Representative Arthur Turner, Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele and Alderman Walter Burnett
March 20, 2015 | 8:30AM-1:00PM
Malcolm X College
1900 West Van Buren | Auditorium
Chicago, Illinois 60612
Public Policy Committee
 
Mark Segal, Chair, STI Advisors LLC | Susan Sher, Vice-Chair, University of Chicago Hospital | Wes Lujan, Union Pacific Railroad | Ria Karnavas, UPS | James Kane, Kane & Co. | Anil Anuja, CCJM | Manny Sanchez, Sanchez Hoffman Daniels | Ira Azulay, Immigration Attorneys, LLP | Kevin Scanlan, MCHC | Robin L. Brown, Ingredion Incorporated | Pat Cermak, Wight & Company | Harry Seigle, The Elgin Company | Rick Bodnum, CME Group

Public Policy Division

Michael Reever, Vice President, Government Relations
312.494.6736

Elise Houren, Manager, Government Relations
312.494.6727
 
Chamber Policy Consultant
Joan Parker
Joan A. Parker Government Affairs
312.909.1313
 
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
410 North Michigan Avenue | Suite 900 | Chicago, IL 60611
312.494.6700 | ChicagolandChamber.org
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