Early 1900s │1920s │1930s │1940s │1950s │1960s │1970s │1980s │1990s │2000s
The Executives’ Club of Chicago has a long, rich history of dynamic individuals and influential events that have shaped this organization. As the Club approaches its Centennial, it continues to grow in numbers and influence.
Early 1900s
In the early 1900s a group of men, calling themselves The Executives’ Club of Chicago began meeting to discuss business, make contacts, and share experiences.
1920s
As American’s economy blossomed in the 1920s, so did The Executives’ Club. Membership was open to men “holding an executive position, either as an owner, partner, department manager, or official of the company he represents.” By the end of the decade, there was a waiting list for membership. Though membership was limited to males, the Club started Ladies’ Day programs where invitations were extended to women.
The Club met weekly in the Hotel Sherman. Speakers in those earlier years were not only business leaders. More often they were employers, philosophers, sports figures, writers, and celebrities. The discussions highlighted both domestic and international issues.
1930s
The Club celebrated its 20th anniversary in the 1930s and began to articulate its mission, vision, and values as an organization. One clear priority was education. The Club saw itself as “a continuing school that keeps its members up-to-date, not only in business and financial affairs, but in the culture side of life.” Programs often included presentations by noted academic figures and thought leaders.
Ladies’ Day became part of a regular program series, speakers included female aviator Amelia Earhart. The Club also expanded opportunities networking opportunities for its members.
In the 1940s, the world was at war. The Executives’ Club of Chicago put its full support behind the war effort. The war and global concerns dominated regular meetings. Journalists, politicians, and military leaders were frequent speakers. The Club also began reaching out within the Chicago community, working with other organizations to promote civic causes and programs.
Membership in The Executives’ Club of Chicago reached more than 3,000. Formal committees were also established – the composition of which continued to evolve over the decades as circumstances and the needs of members dictated.
Furthering its focus on education, the Club began inviting groups of area high school and college students to attend meetings and met with presenters, a practice that continues to this day. To symbolize enlightenment and education, the Club changed its logo to feature a torch and the “EC” for the Executives’ Club.
The Club’s agenda reflected the changing times, as members heard from speakers with a wide range of views. The speakers’ list included global leaders, politicians and government officials, and corporate executives. The Executives’ Club also celebrated its 50th anniversary with Mayor Richard J. Daley presiding.
During the decade, as part of its ongoing commitment to education, the Club also began offering college scholarships to area high school students.
Following up on themes introduced during the previous decade, Executives’ Club speakers discussed war and peace, dissent, drug abuse, corporate social involvement, the environment and the economy.
More and more Club meetings were devoted to business issues and challenges. An increasing number of corporate leaders came to hear visionaries like RCA Chairman Robert Sarnoff, who discussed the concept of satellite television. H. Ross Perot reported on his company, Electronic Data Systems. In 1974, Richard Nixon became the first President of the United States to address The Executives’ Club while in office.
In the 80s women were elected to serve as officers of the Club for the first time. In 1984, Diane Mayne was named Chairman and Helen Thatcher was chosen Secretary. In 1985, Kaarina Koskenalusta was named the Club’s first female President and CEO.
A revised constitution was adopted, stating that the Club’s purpose was “to conduct meetings at which its members may hear speakers of outstanding achievement and platform ability; to afford opportunity for informed and tolerant discussion; to promote business security and general well-being of its members; and further the preservation of and adherence to the Constitution of the United States.”
The club also inaugurated special Washington briefings, where members traveled to the nation’s capital to meet with senior government officials.
In response to the needs of members doing business in an increasingly competitive business environment, The Executives’ Club of Chicago undertook a major reorganization. It articulated its mission to become “the number one forum in America for thought leadership on business issues.”
One major priority was globalization. Club leadership delegations traveled to the Peoples Republic of China, Russia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, and Poland. At each destination, members met with senior government officials and business leaders to create strategic alliances and business partnerships.
Second, the Club offered corporate memberships for the first time. Under the plan, companies could appoint a number of executives as corporate members, each of whom enjoys many of the benefits of individual membership - including access to all of the Club’s members; invitations to meetings, receptions, trade and investment missions; and the opportunity to serve on committees and special interest groups.
The beginning of the 21st century arrived and the dot-com economy soon ended, marking the collapse of stock prices, downsizing and business failure. Signs of a troubled economy began to loom large over the U.S. and world enterprise. Paralyzed by the terrorist strikes on the United States on September 11, 2001, the country’s attention shifted its focus from economic issues to war and anti-terrorism efforts taking place both on the domestic and global front. Meanwhile, the state of the economy worsened. Americans pulled together in unparalleled efforts to rebuild and restore their sense of community and to protect their essential freedoms.
Given the complexities of the current business, economic and political area, the The Executives’ Club has recommitted itself to core strategies it believes will have a revitalizing effect on the business and political environment and has re-energized its own effort to unify the local, national and international communities.
The Club also continues to examine its program portfolio and adjusts to changing times. In 2002 the Technology Conferences were launched, offering a deeper dive into the complex and ever-changing issues of the technology age. In 2004, the Club introduced a Women’s Leadership Breakfast Series, showcasing many talented women who are leading Chicago businesses. Later that year, the Board addressed the need to build a legacy for the Chicago business community, and a pipeline of future Club leaders, by launching the New Leaders Circle Development Program. Specifically targeted to the future generation of leadership, the program attract several hundred of Chicago’s most energetic future leaders.