2004-2005 Season
H. Lee Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wal-Mart, delivered a powerful presentation entitled "The Wal-Mart Effect" which outlined Wal-Mart's commitment to the strengthening and development of local neighborhoods and resonated well with over 900 members and guests attending the luncheon. Mr. Scott's remarks can be found here. Craig S. Donohue, Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, joined the Club on May 6th, 2005, for the Chicago CEO Breakfast Series, entitled, "The Future is in Futures." Mr. Donohue spoke on the development of the market, and how CME has progressed to both innovate to help shape online trading, as well as building on the relationships that allowed them to become leaders. Craig Barrett, CEO of Intel Corporation, joined the Club on March 18, 2005 for a luncheon and discussion entitled "Digital Transformations." Mr. Barrett focused on the role of education in positioning America for a bright future, as well as suggesting new ways to maintain global competitiveness. Jeffrey Rodek, at the March 18, 2005 Technology Conference held at the Hilton Chicago, moderated an insightful dialogue between the audience and guest speakers who included Gebhard Rainer, Michael S. Mensik, John Von Stein, and Lloyd F. Love in an educational discussion of IT Compliance laws, and the specifics of Sarbanes-Oxley. Tonise Paul, President & CEO of BBDO Chicago addressed more than 100 of the Club's young leaders and members of 15 diverse co-sponsoring organizations at the Young Leaders Committee "Career Success Stories" Evening Briefing on March 16, 2005. The Executives' Club of Chicago Finance Committee Luncheon featuring Dr. Ben Bernanke, Governor, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, March 8, 2005. The Mid-America Club, Chicago, IL. John D. Cruickshank, Publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times, joined the Club on March 4th, 2005, for its Chicago CEO Breakfast series, entitled “What To Do When Your Hair Is On Fire.” Mr. Cruickshank spoke on cause of both the local and national success of the paper by focusing on redesigning the paper’s format, overcoming internal obstacles, and increasing its reader base through adhering to high quality investigative reporting. Sidney Taurel, Chairman, President and CEO of Eli Lilly and Co., joined the Club on February 16, 2005 for a Health Care Panel Discussion on "U.S. Health Care Reform: The Role of the Market." The discussion that followed the luncheon program offered an insightful view of the current state of health care, as well as the direction it needs to grow to be mutually beneficial for businesses and patrons alike. Panelists discussed the important role communication plays in the success of today’s corporations to an audience of over 250 members and guests at a Communications Committee Breakfast & Panel Discussion, “Communicate or Die: Navigating the Changing Corporate Landscape” on February 10, 2005. On January 27, 2005, the Club’s International Committee held a breakfast and panel discussion titled, “EU Enlargement: Current Developments on Taxation Policies and Their Implications to US Investment.” The discussion emphasized the need for strong cooperation and open dialogue between the United States and Europe. The close to 100 members and guest in attendance especially enjoyed the panels’ insightful comments on the economic implications of European unification, including its effects on taxation policies. The program, sponsored by The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency and Sara Lee, was moderated by Jeremy Grant, Correspondent, Chicago and Midwest, Financial Times. The International Committee is sponsored by Baker & McKenzie. Speakers shared their small business personal success stories to an audience of over 200 members and guests at a Joint Committee Breakfast Meeting & Panel Discussion, “Small Business Chicago: Lessons Learned from our Entrepreneurial Success Stories” on January 26, 2005. On January 19, 2005, The Women’s Leadership Series held its third breakfast of the season titled, “Thanks, But No Thanks: You are My Role Model, But I Don’t Want to be You.” Panelists shared their personal experiences and insights on decisions made to stay in or leave the corporate world, as well as provided guidance to companies to better help women stay the course and benefit from the talent of a diverse workforce, to a sold-out crowd of close to 700 Club members and guests. The program, sponsored by Bank One and Ernst & Young, was moderated by Laurel G. Bellows, Principal/Attorney, Bellows and Bellows, P.C., Attorneys at Law. On January 11, 2005 The Executives’ Club of Chicago held its annual Economic Outlook luncheon, “The Economic Outlook for 2005 and Beyond,” which focused on cultivating a more diversified portfolio and maximizing returns at a time in which the US economy is in a state of uncertainty. Moderator Terry Savage, Financial Columnist at the Chicago Sun-Times helped focus an insightful discussion into the growing investment opportunities in defense, construction, and transportation. On December 7, 2004 the High Tech Conference series held it's annual "High Tech 2005 and Beyond," focused on future innovations in security, internet connectivity and Bluetooth technologies, and outlined the development of 'proactive computering.' Moderator, Mary Ann Wangemann, EDS Fellow at EDS, led the panel and helped create an interactive, energetic, and in-depth discussion of the issues and innovations that will take place during and beyond the next year. Frederick Smith, Chairman, President and CEO of FedEx Corporation, presented their goal of “Staying Competitive in the Global Marketplace” to 600 plus members and guests on Tuesday, December 7, 2004. He focused on the major trends that play a key role in the establishment of the FedEx Corporation and its evolution into other sectors of the delivery industry. The audience also related to FedEx’s commitment to technology and innovation to aid in the reduction of costs and appreciated Smith’s honest feedback on the risks FedEx has faced as result of its national and global advances. James W. Owens, Chairman and CEO of Catepillar, Inc. joined the Club and its guests on December 3, 2004 for a breakfast meeting entitled, “Caterpillar: Leadership in the Global Marketplace.” Mr. Owens honest insight into the companies’ goals for growth both nationally and globally was a welcome addition to the Club’s Chicago CEO Breakfast Series. On November 30, 2004 The Executives’ Club of Chicago hosted a Special Dinner featuring Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer. In a presentation entitled, "Beyond Information Technology: Using Innovation to Drive Your CEO's Agenda," his electrifying and inspirational remarks showed Microsoft’s commitment to innovation, to building strong relationships in both the business and civic communities, and to eliminating the digital divide. Edward Zander, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Motorola addressed 800 plus audience members on November 17, 2004 in a presentation entitled, “Innovating in America.” His presentation outlined the brief history of Motorola’s personal communications, as well as introduced one of their new designer products. His focus on integrated communications and education was an engaging addition to the CEO Luncheon Series. On November 3, 2004 The Women's Leadership Series held its second breakfast of the season titled, "Line or Staff: Are There Two Roads to the Top?." During the program, panelists discussed traditional and non-traditional paths to the top, including, the dynamics of crossing over to a line position to over 525 members and guests. The program, sponsored by Bank One and Ernst & Young, was moderated by Club Chairman, Jonathan P. Ward, Chairman & CEO of The ServiceMaster Company. The first High Tech Conference of the 2004-2005 season, “Outsourcing and the Modern Business Model: A True Value Proposition,” addressed the timely issue of Global Outsourcing in the workplace. Moderator, Michael Gorriarán, Co-Chair of The Executives’ Club Technology Committee and General Manager, Midwest District of Microsoft Corporation, led the panel in a discussion on the best practices and lessons learned in IT& BPO. An Instant Polling System, sponsored by Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw, helped to give the conference an added dimension of audience interaction. See the home page for the Outsourcing Survey Results. Ivan Seidenberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Verizon Communications addressed 900+ audience members on October 26, 2004 in a presentation entitled, “Respectfully Submitted: A Growth Agenda for a Transforming Economy.” He stressed how innovation is a key element in growth of jobs, competition and ultimately the nation’s economy; and how the reduction of costs by the government will allow innovation throughout the country to thrive. With the upcoming elections drawing near, Ivan Seidenberg’s presentation was a well-received addition to The Executives’ Club of Chicago’s CEO Luncheon Series. On October 13, 2004, the Civic Affairs, Finance and Professional Committees presented a breakfast and panel discussion on “Tort Reform: Its Economic Impact Nationally and in Illinois” during which experts from Chicago and Washington, D.C. came together to tackle both sides of the tort liability debate and discussed the future of the civil justice system from the local and national viewpoints. Moderated by Dr. David Van Zandt, dean of the Northwestern University School of Law, the panel featured Stan Anderson of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Tom Demetrio of Corboy & Demetrio, Cam Findlay of Aon Corporation and Jackson Williams of Public Citizen’s Congress Watch. At the October 8, 2004 CEO Breakfast, Norman Wesley, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Fortune Brands, offered an insightful presentation on building innovative and leading consumer brands, as well as Fortune Brands’ three pillars of management: growth, costs and people. On September 28, 2004, The Executives' Club of Chicago opened its 2004-2005 CEO Luncheon Series, with a luncheon featuring Robert Nardelli, Chairman, President and CEO of The Home Depot. His presentation, "Leadership and Business: Building Value - Sharing Values," focused on the company's innovative business cycle, robust growth strategy, enhanced shopping experience, and distinctive and innovative merchandise. With their continued commitment to their customers and employees, The Home Depot’s sustainable growth and expansion throughout the world is testimony to Nardelli’s leadership. On September 21, 2004 The Women's Leadership Series kicked off with the first program titled, "Personal Risk Taking: How Much Should One Put on the Line." During the discussion, panelists shared their strategies and experiences on successful risk taking; including when and how to challenge the status quo; how to promote and advance new ideas;and how to be a forerunner for change. The program, sponsored by Bank One and Ernst & Young, was moderated by Linda Heagy, Managing Partner at Heidrick & Struggles, LLC, and had over 550 members and guests in attendance.
H. Lee Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wal-Mart, delivered a powerful presentation entitled "The Wal-Mart Effect" which outlined Wal-Mart's commitment to the strengthening and development of local neighborhoods and resonated well with over 900 members and guests attending the luncheon. Mr. Scott's remarks can be found here.
Jeffrey Rodek, at the March 18, 2005 Technology Conference held at the Hilton Chicago, moderated an insightful dialogue between the audience and guest speakers who included Gebhard Rainer, Michael S. Mensik, John Von Stein, and Lloyd F. Love in an educational discussion of IT Compliance laws, and the specifics of Sarbanes-Oxley.
The Executives' Club of Chicago Finance Committee Luncheon featuring Dr. Ben Bernanke, Governor, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, March 8, 2005. The Mid-America Club, Chicago, IL.
Panelists discussed the important role communication plays in the success of today’s corporations to an audience of over 250 members and guests at a Communications Committee Breakfast & Panel Discussion, “Communicate or Die: Navigating the Changing Corporate Landscape” on February 10, 2005.
Speakers shared their small business personal success stories to an audience of over 200 members and guests at a Joint Committee Breakfast Meeting & Panel Discussion, “Small Business Chicago: Lessons Learned from our Entrepreneurial Success Stories” on January 26, 2005.
On January 19, 2005, The Women’s Leadership Series held its third breakfast of the season titled, “Thanks, But No Thanks: You are My Role Model, But I Don’t Want to be You.” Panelists shared their personal experiences and insights on decisions made to stay in or leave the corporate world, as well as provided guidance to companies to better help women stay the course and benefit from the talent of a diverse workforce, to a sold-out crowd of close to 700 Club members and guests. The program, sponsored by Bank One and Ernst & Young, was moderated by Laurel G. Bellows, Principal/Attorney, Bellows and Bellows, P.C., Attorneys at Law.
On January 11, 2005 The Executives’ Club of Chicago held its annual Economic Outlook luncheon, “The Economic Outlook for 2005 and Beyond,” which focused on cultivating a more diversified portfolio and maximizing returns at a time in which the US economy is in a state of uncertainty. Moderator Terry Savage, Financial Columnist at the Chicago Sun-Times helped focus an insightful discussion into the growing investment opportunities in defense, construction, and transportation.
On December 7, 2004 the High Tech Conference series held it's annual "High Tech 2005 and Beyond," focused on future innovations in security, internet connectivity and Bluetooth technologies, and outlined the development of 'proactive computering.' Moderator, Mary Ann Wangemann, EDS Fellow at EDS, led the panel and helped create an interactive, energetic, and in-depth discussion of the issues and innovations that will take place during and beyond the next year.
On November 30, 2004 The Executives’ Club of Chicago hosted a Special Dinner featuring Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer. In a presentation entitled, "Beyond Information Technology: Using Innovation to Drive Your CEO's Agenda," his electrifying and inspirational remarks showed Microsoft’s commitment to innovation, to building strong relationships in both the business and civic communities, and to eliminating the digital divide.
Edward Zander, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Motorola addressed 800 plus audience members on November 17, 2004 in a presentation entitled, “Innovating in America.” His presentation outlined the brief history of Motorola’s personal communications, as well as introduced one of their new designer products. His focus on integrated communications and education was an engaging addition to the CEO Luncheon Series.
On November 3, 2004 The Women's Leadership Series held its second breakfast of the season titled, "Line or Staff: Are There Two Roads to the Top?." During the program, panelists discussed traditional and non-traditional paths to the top, including, the dynamics of crossing over to a line position to over 525 members and guests. The program, sponsored by Bank One and Ernst & Young, was moderated by Club Chairman, Jonathan P. Ward, Chairman & CEO of The ServiceMaster Company.
The first High Tech Conference of the 2004-2005 season, “Outsourcing and the Modern Business Model: A True Value Proposition,” addressed the timely issue of Global Outsourcing in the workplace. Moderator, Michael Gorriarán, Co-Chair of The Executives’ Club Technology Committee and General Manager, Midwest District of Microsoft Corporation, led the panel in a discussion on the best practices and lessons learned in IT& BPO.
An Instant Polling System, sponsored by Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw, helped to give the conference an added dimension of audience interaction. See the home page for the Outsourcing Survey Results.
Ivan Seidenberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Verizon Communications addressed 900+ audience members on October 26, 2004 in a presentation entitled, “Respectfully Submitted: A Growth Agenda for a Transforming Economy.” He stressed how innovation is a key element in growth of jobs, competition and ultimately the nation’s economy; and how the reduction of costs by the government will allow innovation throughout the country to thrive. With the upcoming elections drawing near, Ivan Seidenberg’s presentation was a well-received addition to The Executives’ Club of Chicago’s CEO Luncheon Series.
On October 13, 2004, the Civic Affairs, Finance and Professional Committees presented a breakfast and panel discussion on “Tort Reform: Its Economic Impact Nationally and in Illinois” during which experts from Chicago and Washington, D.C. came together to tackle both sides of the tort liability debate and discussed the future of the civil justice system from the local and national viewpoints. Moderated by Dr. David Van Zandt, dean of the Northwestern University School of Law, the panel featured Stan Anderson of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Tom Demetrio of Corboy & Demetrio, Cam Findlay of Aon Corporation and Jackson Williams of Public Citizen’s Congress Watch.
At the October 8, 2004 CEO Breakfast, Norman Wesley, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Fortune Brands, offered an insightful presentation on building innovative and leading consumer brands, as well as Fortune Brands’ three pillars of management: growth, costs and people.