The Illinois Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon on Thursday with Gov. Bruce Rauner and Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti speaking about the future of Illinois.
Meghan Woltman, vice president of Government and Community Relations at Advocate Aurora Health and a member of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Board, said the Chamber wanted to help secure a vibrant future for Illinois.
Sanguinetti spoke to the attendees about the need for more pro-business individuals in Illinois.
"We believe in pro-business measures so that Illinois can always remain open," Sanguinetti said. "As your lieutenant governor, I have been able to work alongside Gov. Rauner on pro-business measures."
Sanguinetti said she looked forward to continuing to do more things that were pro-business related.
Rauner thanked attendees for being business builders and creating prosperity in Illinois.
"Your support means the world to us," Rauner said. "Your success is Illinois’ success. The only way we overcome our challenges is by you growing."
Rauner said the upcoming election will be the most important election of our time.
"It will determine our future for decades to come," Rauner said.
Rauner said he was concerned about voter turnout for the election and encouraged business leaders to vote and to encourage their employees to vote.
"Unfortunately, in Illinois, we are so deeply divided and people are so angry and so emotional that many people are at risk of staying home and just saying ‘I’m sick of it, I don’t want to deal with it, I’m too mad, frustrated,'" Rauner said. "We can’t let that happen."
Rauner said if Illinoisans didn't vote, then "the machine wins."
"We’re working 24/7," Rauner said. "This is a labor of love. I will not let us go down this road any farther than we already have."
Rauner said Illinoisans need to stop the insanity of a new income tax hike.
"We need to lower income taxes, not to raise them," Rauner said.
Rauner also said that after the 2020 census, district lines will be redrawn and that they needed a non-partisan map drawn.
Awards Honor Organizations
Awards were also given to several organizations, including the inaugural Champion of Free Enterprise for Employers award to Tony Reinhart with Ford Motor Company.
Illinois Chamber of Commerce Energy Council Executive Director Katie Stonewater guided the Edie Awards, honoring Economic Development in Illinois.
Nicor Gas Customer Development Director Marie LaPorte recognized CSL Behring, Devanco Foods, the Illinois Tollway, John Boos & Company, Magna International and Chicago Regional Growth Corporation with Edie Awards.
Several special guests attending the luncheon included Rauner and Sanguinetti, as well as Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger, Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington), House Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), Sen. Pamela Althoff (R-McHenry), Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington), Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), Sen. Pat McGuire (D-Crest Hill), Sen. Chris Nybo (R-Elmhurst), Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), Rep. Peter Breen (R-Lombard), Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago), Rep. Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago), Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst), Rep. Margo McDermed (R-Frankfort), Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine), Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford), Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) and Rep. Keith Wheeler (R-Oswego).
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