2005-2006 Season
On June 7, 2006, Julie Harris, Chief Development Officer and Partner at DiamondCluster International, helped engage the audience in an informative discussion on the changing and global workforce. Peter Hirano, Senior Vice President of Convergys Corporation discussed key elements of leveraging and applying diverse strategic capabilities of the workforce. James Shanks, Executive Vice President, CDW Corporation, delivered practical advice on how to keep the younger workforce engaged and motivated. Toby Redshaw, Corporate Vice President, I.D.E.A.S., Motorola, provided his insights on workforce agility, "what it means, and why people should care." On May 24, 2006, Gerard Arpey, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of American Airlines, delivered a frank and highly informative presentation on the challenges facing the airline industry and on American Airlines' strategy for addressing them to ensure its competitiveness and the high quality of service. On April 27, 2006, David Speer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Illinois Tool Works Inc., provided a keen understanding of customer needs, the 80/20 process, and the importance of globalization and international markets with ITW's three guiding principals of decentralization, simplistic focus, and continuous innovation, to a receptive audience of over 350 members and guests. On April 11, 2006, Miles D. White, Chairman and CEO, Abbott, was honored as The Executives' Club of Chicago's International Executive of the Year. Mr. White's commitment to solving social issues and upholding Abbott's three guiding principals; awareness, recognition and giving back, helped to pave Abbott's road to success and will continue to ensure it's business longevity in a most competitive global market. Janet Kennedy, General Manager, Midwest Region, Microsoft Corporation, moderated an informative panel discussion on “Capitalizing on Information to Drive Innovation” by weaving the panelists’ presentations into a productive dialogue of best practices and innovative solutions. Chuck Pol, President, BT Americas, presented the importance of collaboration and business partnerships and the role they play in stimulating innovation. Hill Hammock, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, LaSalle Bank Corporation led an engaging discussion on risk-taking and its role in innovation and organic, customer driven growth. Paul Camuti, Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Corporate Research, used his expertise in the field of research and development to provide insights on staying competitive in a globalized economy while maintaining leadership in innovation and developing high-end engineering and technical skills. On March 21, 2006, Mark Hurd, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett-Packard Company, captivated an audience of 750 plus members and guests with Hewlett-Packard’s commitment to creating additional value in the most competitive technology market by providing products, services and solutions of the highest quality to drive customer loyalty, bringing in new talent, and rethinking “the HP way.” Gardner Carton & Douglas, along with the Young Leaders Committee, joined together on March 9, 2006 in sponsoring the Spring Young Leaders Evening Reception, “Never Eat Alone: Building Relationships for Your Career and Life Success,” featuring Keith Ferrazzi, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrazzi Greenlight. Mr. Ferrazzi spoke to a sold-out crowd of over 215 Young Leaders, members and guests on developing and maintaining professional relationships. Young Leaders participated in interactive breakout sessions, large group discussions, and connected with fellow club members. The program received tremendous positive feedback. Each program attendee received a signed hardcover copy of Mr. Ferrazzi’s New York Times Bestseller, Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time, compliments of Board Member Craig Duchossois of Duchossois Industries. On March 2, 2006, James Skinner, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of McDonald's Corporation, shared the challenges faced by a world renowned quick service restaurant corporation and presented the value of brand trust with theory of MAConomics to a receptive audience of over 350 members and guests. Andrew Serwer, Editor-At-Large, Fortune Magazine, moderated an informative panel on February 23, 2006 titled "The Future of Financial Services" with our speakers Edward Liddy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Allstate Corporation, Norman Bobins, President and Chief Executive Officer, LaSalle Bank Corporation, and Henry Paulson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Goldman Sachs Group, leaving our members and guests with a chance to better understand globalization, Sarbanes Oxley, investment risks, and the issues surrounding institution size. Dan Allison, Vice President, U.S. Region for Global Sales & Client Solutions, EDS, joined the Club on February 16, 2006 for the Joint Committee Breakfast and Panel Discussion , entitled "Reinventing Yourself to Stay Competitive in a Global Marketplace". Mr. Allison was joined by expert panelists who included, Paul Zeven, Chief Executive Officer, North America Region, Royal Philips Electronics, David Abney, President, UPS International, and Dr. J. Carlos Rivero, President, U.S Operations, Mercer Delta Consulting. Paul Rand, Partner, Global Chief Development & Innovation Officer, Director, Global Technology Practice, Ketchum joined the Club on January 31, 2006 for the Communication Committee Breakfast and Panel Discussion , entitled "The Blogging Bloom and Its Implications for U.S. Business and Consumers". Mr Rand was joined by expert panelists who included, Jon Iwata, Senior Vice President, Communications, IBM Corporation, Carole Brown, Chairman, Chicago Transit Authority, Managing Director & Head of Central Region, Lehman Brothers, David Weick, Senior Vice President, Information Services & Chief Information Officer, McDonald’s Corporation and Stephen Baker, Senior Writer, BusinessWeek and Co-author, Blogspotting.net Blog. Diane Swonk, Managing Director and Chief Economist, Mesirow Financial, contended that though the economy may be going through a “mid-life crisis,” the best is yet to come with at least another four years of economic expansion. Terry Savage, Financial Columnist, Chicago Sun-Times, moderated an informative panel discussion on the future of the economy leaving our members and guests with a chance to better understand the potential for real economic growth in the New Year. Alan Murray, Assistant Managing Editor, The Wall Street Journal, promoted an improved understanding of the impact of the current political atmosphere in Washington D.C. and gave warning to a “crisis in confidence” created by the transition of leadership at the Federal Reserve Bank. Samuel Zell, Chairman, Equity Group Investments, L.L.C., reassured our members and guests that there is no national housing price bubble and that although there may be a slow down in residential housing, there will be little or no downturn in commercial real estate, proving that the overall economy is in very good shape. John Gentry, Partner and Managing Director - Chicago Office of Computer Sciences Corporation and Co-Chair, Technology Committee of The Executives' Club of Chicago, joined the Club on December 6, 2005 for the Technology Conference, entitled "Technology Outlook for 2006 -- Chicago Focus". Mr. Gentry moderated an insightful dialogue between the audience and guest speakers who included John P. Golden, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of IT and World Operations of CNA Financial, Daniel Hill, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Exelon Corporation and Steven Rubinow Chief Technology Officer of Archipelago Holdings Inc. Mr. Gentry also presented the findings of Chicago Technology survey and organized a well directed and informative discussion around them. Richard F. Syron, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freddie Mac, addressed the members and guests at the Special Holiday Luncheon on December 6, 2005, entitled "Housing and The Broader Economy in Perspective". Mr. Syron reassured the Club's members and guests that there is no nationwide housing bubble and that government-sponsored enterprises are not a source of systemic risk, but are in fact a source of stability for housing and the broader economy. The Honorable George H. Walker, American Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary, joined the Club for a special breakfast on December 1, 2005. He led an enthusiastic discussion on the plentiful investment opportunities in Hungary and Hungary's desire to collaborate with Chicagoland organizations and institutions. His Excellency, András Simonyi, Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary to the United States, joined the Club for a special breakfast on December 1, 2005. He addressed our corporate and civic leaders on Hungary's upcoming transition to the Euro and their desire to play a significant role in future trade and investments with the US. Robert L. Parkinson, Jr., Chariman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Baxter International Inc., joined the Club on November 29, 2005 to deliver a presentation entitled "Educating Business Leaders for the 21st Century." Mr Parkinson, Jr. presented the challenges facing U.S. higher education and the need for MBA programs to ensure that the United States remain competitive in the global market place though integrative thinking, global awareness and attention to "soft skills" to a receptive audience of over 300 members and guests. John Rowe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Exelon Corporation, joined the Club on November 17, 2005, for a luncheon entitled "Kilowatts and Carbon: Investing in an Affordable Low-Carbon Energy Future." Mr. Rowe provided insights on how to deal with global climate changes from the perspective of an energy provider offering an appreciation for the power of efficiency. Cheryl Francis, Vice Chairman of Corporate Leadership Center, moderated the November 4, 2005 Woman's Leadership Breakfast Series and Panel Discussion “Dropping in/Dropping Out: Stepping On or Off the Career Ladder." Ms. Francis, along with panelists, Joy Cunningham, Senior Vice President, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and Northwestern Memorial Hospital; Carrie Hightman, President, SBC Illinois; and Mary Laraia, Senior Group Vice President, Community and Sustainable Development, LaSalle Bank collectively emphasized the importance of the need to tend to the main priorities in life, the necessity of "going with the flow" and listening to advice from role models in making decisions to "step on or off the career ladder." Michael McKee, International Economics Editor of Bloomberg News joined the Club on November 1, 2005, for the breakfast meeting entitled "Managing in a Crisis." Mr. Mckee joined expert panelists who included J.T. Battenberg lll, Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Delphi Corporation, Robert L. Dilenschneider, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dilenschneider Group, Inc.and Ralph F. Hake, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Maytag Corporation to discuss ways to protect companies from crisis and also divulged helpful advice as to how to deal with a crisis. Biff Ruttenberg, President of Atlas Partners at the October 27, 2005 Breakfast Meeting entitled "Block 37", moderated an insightful dialogue on the future plans for the now vacant Block 37 in Chicago's Loop between the audience and guest speakers who included Nori Greenstein, Assistant Commissioner Department of Planning & Development, City of Chiacgo and Steven Jacobsen, Executive Vice President of The Mills Corporation. John P. Golden, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Information Technology and Worldwide Operations of CNA Financial, was awarded the 2005 CIO of the Year Award. Mr. Golden was recognized by The Executives' Club of Chicago and AITP-Chicago for his outstanding leadership in the industry in the area of IT and business management. Rudy Puryear, Director and Head of Information Technology Practice for the Midwest at Bain & Company, at the October 19th, 2005 Technology Conference. Mr. Puryear moderated the panel and weaved the panelists' presentations into a well-directed and highly engaging discussion on aligning business and IT strategies in a world with constant change. Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast Corporation, joined the Club on October 19, 2005 for a luncheon and discussion entitled, "Broadband and the 21st Century of Entertainment Communications." Mr. Roberts shared his views on the importance of Broadband and the 21st century of entertainment and communications. Dick Lamont, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Spherion, attended the Joint Committee Breakfast and Panel Discussion on October 6, 2005. Mr. Lamont delievered a presentation entitled "Sourcing Talent for Your Organization: Putting Your Finger on the Right Recruits." Desiree Rogers, President of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas Peoples Energy Corporation and Board member of the Executives' Club of Chicago, spoke at the September 29, 2005 Young Leaders Reception "Career Success Stories." Ms. Rogers candidly shared her personal career experiences with the audience of young members and guests. Ms. Rogers also shared her stories of overcoming
Janet Kennedy, General Manager, Midwest Region, Microsoft Corporation, moderated an informative panel discussion on “Capitalizing on Information to Drive Innovation” by weaving the panelists’ presentations into a productive dialogue of best practices and innovative solutions. Chuck Pol, President, BT Americas, presented the importance of collaboration and business partnerships and the role they play in stimulating innovation. Hill Hammock, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, LaSalle Bank Corporation led an engaging discussion on risk-taking and its role in innovation and organic, customer driven growth. Paul Camuti, Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Corporate Research, used his expertise in the field of research and development to provide insights on staying competitive in a globalized economy while maintaining leadership in innovation and developing high-end engineering and technical skills.
On March 21, 2006, Mark Hurd, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett-Packard Company, captivated an audience of 750 plus members and guests with Hewlett-Packard’s commitment to creating additional value in the most competitive technology market by providing products, services and solutions of the highest quality to drive customer loyalty, bringing in new talent, and rethinking “the HP way.”
Gardner Carton & Douglas, along with the Young Leaders Committee, joined together on March 9, 2006 in sponsoring the Spring Young Leaders Evening Reception, “Never Eat Alone: Building Relationships for Your Career and Life Success,” featuring Keith Ferrazzi, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrazzi Greenlight. Mr. Ferrazzi spoke to a sold-out crowd of over 215 Young Leaders, members and guests on developing and maintaining professional relationships. Young Leaders participated in interactive breakout sessions, large group discussions, and connected with fellow club members. The program received tremendous positive feedback. Each program attendee received a signed hardcover copy of Mr. Ferrazzi’s New York Times Bestseller, Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time, compliments of Board Member Craig Duchossois of Duchossois Industries.
Andrew Serwer, Editor-At-Large, Fortune Magazine, moderated an informative panel on February 23, 2006 titled "The Future of Financial Services" with our speakers Edward Liddy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Allstate Corporation, Norman Bobins, President and Chief Executive Officer, LaSalle Bank Corporation, and Henry Paulson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Goldman Sachs Group, leaving our members and guests with a chance to better understand globalization, Sarbanes Oxley, investment risks, and the issues surrounding institution size.
Paul Rand, Partner, Global Chief Development & Innovation Officer, Director, Global Technology Practice, Ketchum joined the Club on January 31, 2006 for the Communication Committee Breakfast and Panel Discussion , entitled "The Blogging Bloom and Its Implications for U.S. Business and Consumers". Mr Rand was joined by expert panelists who included, Jon Iwata, Senior Vice President, Communications, IBM Corporation, Carole Brown, Chairman, Chicago Transit Authority, Managing Director & Head of Central Region, Lehman Brothers, David Weick, Senior Vice President, Information Services & Chief Information Officer, McDonald’s Corporation and Stephen Baker, Senior Writer, BusinessWeek and Co-author, Blogspotting.net Blog.
Diane Swonk, Managing Director and Chief Economist, Mesirow Financial, contended that though the economy may be going through a “mid-life crisis,” the best is yet to come with at least another four years of economic expansion. Terry Savage, Financial Columnist, Chicago Sun-Times, moderated an informative panel discussion on the future of the economy leaving our members and guests with a chance to better understand the potential for real economic growth in the New Year. Alan Murray, Assistant Managing Editor, The Wall Street Journal, promoted an improved understanding of the impact of the current political atmosphere in Washington D.C. and gave warning to a “crisis in confidence” created by the transition of leadership at the Federal Reserve Bank. Samuel Zell, Chairman, Equity Group Investments, L.L.C., reassured our members and guests that there is no national housing price bubble and that although there may be a slow down in residential housing, there will be little or no downturn in commercial real estate, proving that the overall economy is in very good shape.
Richard F. Syron, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freddie Mac, addressed the members and guests at the Special Holiday Luncheon on December 6, 2005, entitled "Housing and The Broader Economy in Perspective". Mr. Syron reassured the Club's members and guests that there is no nationwide housing bubble and that government-sponsored enterprises are not a source of systemic risk, but are in fact a source of stability for housing and the broader economy.
The Honorable George H. Walker, American Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary, joined the Club for a special breakfast on December 1, 2005. He led an enthusiastic discussion on the plentiful investment opportunities in Hungary and Hungary's desire to collaborate with Chicagoland organizations and institutions.
John P. Golden, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Information Technology and Worldwide Operations of CNA Financial, was awarded the 2005 CIO of the Year Award. Mr. Golden was recognized by The Executives' Club of Chicago and AITP-Chicago for his outstanding leadership in the industry in the area of IT and business management.