As The Executives’ Club nears its 100th anniversary in 2011, the Club continues to offer relevant, timely, and provocative programs reflecting the business world’s best thinking, in a variety of forums that meet the needs and interests of our corporate and individual membership.
Our ten yearly Global Leaders Luncheons, presented in partnership with the Wall Street Journal, attract marquee name speakers to Chicago. Powerful and influential Chief Executives such as Steve Ballmer of Microsoft Corporation; Jeffrey R. Immelt of GE; Samuel J. Palmisano of IBM Corporation; and Anne M. Mulcahy of Xerox Corporation have all addressed The Club’s membership in recent years.
The quarterly Chicago CEO Breakfast Series features Chief Executive Officers of the most formidable Chicago-land based companies whose innovative strategies have enabled their companies to compete successfully in the global marketplace. Some past Chicago CEO speakers included: Irene Rosenfeld of Kraft Foods Inc.; John Rowe of Exelon Corporation; James Skinner of McDonald’s Corporation; and Miles D. White of Abbot Laboratories.
The Executives’ Club continuously examines our program portfolio and adjusts to changing times. In 2002 our quarterly Technology Conferences were launched, offering a deeper dive into the complex and ever-changing issues of the technology age.
Again addressing the needs of membership, in 2004 we introduced a Women’s Leadership Breakfast Series, showcasing many talented women who are leading Chicago businesses – providing a forum to share their experience and perspectives. The series continues to attract over 1,000 members and guests.
Later in 2004, the Board of Directors 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.
Several of the nine committees host quarterly Joint Committee Breakfast Briefings with expert speakers and panelists to address industry-specific topics.
Each season at least one Global Conference is held to honor an international guest and/or to explore a key topic of global interest. Most recently Global Conferences have included programs on business sustainability and healthcare reform, as well as special programs honoring H.E. Christine Lagarde, French Ministry of Economy, Industry and Employment; and H.E. Shri Kamal Nath, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry.
In addition, twice annually all members are invited to an evening Reception hosted by the Board of Directors. These Receptions provide exceptional relationship building opportunities with the Board and other Club leaders and members.