2-20-08

U.S. Healthcare Reform: Perspectives and Recommended Actions

On February 20, 2008, Robert L. Parkinson, Jr., Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Baxter International Inc., provided an exceptional overview of “U.S. Healthcare Reform: Perspectives and Recommended Actions” to our 800 plus members and guests that attended that Healthcare Reform Summit.

2-20-08

Universal Healthcare: Impact on Stakeholders

On February 20, 2008, moderator Ian Morrison, Ph.D., Internationally noted Healthcare Futurist and Author, led panelists Andrew M. Appel, CEO, Chairman Aon Re Global, Aon Consulting; John A. Edwardson, Chairman and CEO, CDW Corporation; Dean Harrison, President and CEO, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare; John B. Menzer, Vice Chairman and CAO, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; William Novelli, CEO, AARP; and Scott P. Serota, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, in discussions on universal healthcare. The panelists discussed what universal healthcare means to consumers and the best business practices and innovative approaches employers are using to create the best value proposition for employees and their families. The discussion explored the importance of healthcare to employees and also what healthcare means to employers.

2-20-08

The Future of Healthcare: The Quest for Value for All Americans

On February 20, 2008, Ian Morrison, Ph.D., Internationally noted Healthcare Futurist and Author, shared his insights on “The Future of Healthcare: The Quest for Value for All Americans.” Dr. Morrison discussed models of change, the quest for value, and health reform and the quality and current state of healthcare in the U.S. at the Healthcare Reform Summit.

1-11-08

Economic Outlook for 2008 and Beyond

On January 11, 2008 the Economic Outlook 2008 Luncheon featured panelists Jack Ablin, Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer, Harris Private Bank; Diane C. Swonk, Chief Economist & Senior Managing Director, Mesirow Financial; Dr. Robert "Bob" Froehlich, Chairman of the Investment Strategy Committee, Deutsche Asset Management; and was moderated by Terry Savage, Financial Columnist, Chicago Sun-Times.

12-12-07

Risk Management: Privacy and Insider Threats

At the December 12, 2008 Technology Conference moderator Erik Garr, Partner, Diamond Management and Technology Consultants, led panelists William Boni, Chief Information Security Officer & Director of Information Protection Services, Motorola, Inc.; Brian Hengesbaugh, Partner, Baker & McKenzie; Timothy Zoph, Chief Information Officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, in a discussion entitled “Risk Management: Privacy and Insider Threats”. The panelists provided an exceptional look into issues of security and privacy, and the balance between providing information for customers while ensuring that the information is an asset for the business, and protected so that it does not become a liability.

11-28-07

Reinventing Yourself to Stay Competitive in Today's Marketplace

On November 28, 2007, V. James Marino, President & Chief Executive Officer of Alberto-Culver Company, discussed the company’s history, global competitive environment and strategies for success. Mr. Marino presented a compelling argument on how Alberto-Culver can compete successfully against multi-billion dollar global giants.

11-08-07

Can You Be an Entrepreneur in a Corporate Setting or Do You Have to Get Out?

On November 8, 2007 moderator Sharon Brady, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Illinois Tool Works Inc., led panelists Carolyn Gable, President & Chief Executive Officer, New Age Transportation Distribution & Warehousing, Inc.; Kathryn Hayley, President & Chief Executive Officer, Aon Consulting U.S.; Alice M. Peterson, Founder & President, Syrus Global, in a discussion entitled “Can You Be an Entrepreneur in a Corporate Setting or Do You Have to Get Out?” This program focused on entrepreneurs in the corporate world, women effecting change with an “intra-preneurial” spirit, and explored how companies create a climate of strategic innovation, with an eye toward forward-thinking hiring and promotion practices.

11-05-07

Private Equity, the Liquidity Crunch and the State of the Global Economy

At the Finance Committee Breakfast on November 5, 2007, John Snow, Chairman of Cerberus Capital Management and Former Secretary of U.S. Treasury, shared his insights on “Private Equity, the Liquidity Crunch and the State of the Global Economy”. Our 400 plus members and guests were captivated by Secretary Snow’s presentation on private equity and the pivotal role it can play in the marketplace. Secretary Snow shared that Cerberus Capital’s investment in Chrysler has created a different, more effective environment where key managerial decisions, such as the recent cut of Chrysler’s fourth quarter production, can be made in a matter of minutes rather than weeks or months.

10-16-07

Preparing for Success: Networked Economy 2.0

At the October 16, 2007 Technology Conference moderator John Gentry, Partner and Managing Director, CSC Consulting, led panelists Paul Manikiewich, CTO, Alcatel-Lucent; Bahman Koohestani, Senior Vice President & CIO, Orbitz Worldwide; Karenann Terrell, CIO, Baxter International Inc., in a discussion entitled “Preparing for Success: Networked Economy 2.0”. The panelists provided expert insights into the issues regarding the implications of extending the enterprise beyond the four walls of the organization and the boundless collaboration between business partners within their respective ecosystems. They highlighted how networked economy is creating a new breed of senior managers, business applications, and enabling technology that supports enterprise.

09-20-07

The Impact of the Global Age Wave on Capital Markets

On September 20, 2007 moderator Diana Farrell, Director, McKinsey Global Institute, led panelists Peter G. Peterson, Senior Chairman & Co-Founder, The Blackstone Group; Abigail Johnson, President, Fidelity Employer Services; Todd Groome, Advisor, The Monetary & Capital Markets Department, International Monetary Fund, in a discussion titled “The Impact of the Global Age Wave on Capital Markets”. The discussion explored the impact of shifting demographics on business and society, and how aging populations will affect global savings, market dynamics, liquidity, risk, and future levels of household wealth and income.

06-05-07

IT Organizations Creating Value

On June 5, 2007, top IT experts from different industries conducted an in-depth and candid discussion on how organizations can add value by utilizing partnerships between IT and lines of business. Participants included: William Grubbs, Executive Vice President, Spherion Corporation; Mike Fuqua, Senior Vice President, Strategic Development, Global Crossing; Garry Kelly, Chief Information Officer, United Airlines; Frank Modruson, Chief Information Officer, Accenture.

06-05-07

The City That Works Meets the Global Economy

At our last Global Leaders Luncheon of the season, Mayor Daley delivered a passionate and inspirational address on how “The City that Works Meets the Global Economy,” highlighting the CPS education system and the 2016 Olympics bid. His discussion resonated well with our 1,100 plus members and guests leaving them with a better understanding of the true and meaningful partnership between government, business and the community at large.

05-16-07

Negotiation Challenges for Women Leaders; Cooperative vs Competitive

In today's complex world the ability to negotiate successfully is no longer a luxury but a necessity. What specific challenges do women face while negotiating and how can women learn to be better negotiators in the business world? Popular studies indicate that although there tend to be very few differences in negotiating styles between men and women, women are more likely to be more cooperative than competitive in situations that require negotiation. This panel of female executives for whom negotiation is key to their career will give advice on how you too can successfully make your case, and win on your own terms. Discussion will include personal success stories, advice and a lively Q & A session.

03-08-07

Managing the Energy Portfolio

This year’s Annual Meeting and Luncheon featured David J. O’Reilly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chevron Corporation. Mr. O'Reilly's timely remarks on the fundamentals of managing the energy portfolio resonated well with our 600 plus members and guests leaving them with a better understanding of how energy efficiency; protection of core investments; investing in alternatives; and the challenge of environmental stewardship help strategically develop pragmatic solutions to address today’s energy marketplace.

02-15-07

UPS at 100: Where Do We Go From Here?

Our members and guests had the unique opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of UPS with Michael L. Eskew, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of UPS. Mr. Eskew shared the company’s history and how it continues to transform itself to meet technology and market challenges. He also offered insights into UPS’s vision to remodel itself into a “one-to-one” business where customer experience is used as a measure for innovation.

01-25-07

Women In Global Business and Leadership

On January 25, over 800 members and guests attended the third Women’s Leadership Breakfast of the 2006-2007 season. Moderator Jill Smart kept the morning running smoothly with her candid remarks and upbeat enthusiasm. Bonnie Smith of Abbott provided great insight into the value of IT in building a global marketplace. In addition, Ilene Gordon of Abbot, discussed the expanding opportunities available for women today as compared to when she started 30 years ago were a testimony to the strides being made here and abroad for professional women. Lastly, Diane Schueneman of Merrill Lynch reminded guests about the importance of being in tune with a client’s needs, despite cultural barriers, and enforced the idea that in all businesses, both global and domestic, client service is always valued.

01-12-07

2007 Economic Outlook Forecast

The 2007 Economic Outlook Forecast featured panelists Alan Murray of The Wall Street Journal, Diane Swonk of Mesirow Financial, Dr. Robert "Bob" Froehlich of Deutsche Asset Management, and moderator Terry Savage, Financial Columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. The panelists offer insights on what is coming around the corner for the economy in 2007 and painted a bright picture for the year ahead. They examined the economic impact of the political climate in Washington, the drawbacks of the availability of easy money and credit to U.S. citizens, and the current trends in international investment.

12-08-06

Technology Outlook 2007 Conference

This conference was focused on what is ahead in technology for Chicago businesses. The discussion incorporated key findings of a recent technology survey, spearheaded by CSC, of Chicago-based businesses and explored three key areas: applications capabilities which are likely to see business benefits in the coming year; challenges and opportunities of the new generation of mobile technologies; and strategies for attracting technology businesses and investment to our economy. The conference featured William Avery of Brunswick Corporation, Linnea Conrad of Goldman Sachs & Co., James O'Connor, Jr. of Motorola, Inc. and was moderated by John Gentry of CSC Consulting.

11-15-06

Transatlantic Partnership Breakfast

During the breakfast session, Ambassador Bruton of the European Union and Ambassador Gray of the United States enlightened over 300 members and guests with their first-hand insight into the role of politics in the transatlantic partnership and the affect they have on the business, social and economic relations of this alliance. Ambassador Bruton spoke candidly about the strong impact that the European Union marketplace has on the economies of Illinois, the United States, and throughout the world. He emphasized the E.U.’s commitment to the Doha Round and the potential he sees for a new world trade agreement. Ambassador Gray discussed the importance of not taking the $2.5 trillion transatlantic partnership for granted. In addition, he offered his reflections on standardizing regulations to avoid economic loss and emphasized the need to research and utilize alternative energy sources in addressing the ecological challenges of the future.

11-15-06

Transatlantic Partnership Mid-Morning Session

The mid-morning panelists highlighted the benefits that this important partnership has had for their respective companies and their innovative ideas for sustaining and strengthening it. Bob Parkinson of Baxter International Inc. reflected healthcare’s role in the relationship and how further cooperation will help make manufacturing and delivery of healthcare products more efficient. Declan Kelly of Financial Dynamics called for a need for all companies to designate themselves as global entities and to adapt to local nuances and culture to better serve foreign markets. David Speer of Illinois Tool Works Inc. provided thoughtful insight into the need for a centralized E.U. patent system, indicating that doing so would make European production much more efficient. Lastly, Paul Zeven of Royal Philips Electronics commented on the need for a cohesive regulatory system within the partnership, and identified China as a growing powerhouse and ideal business market.

10-12-06

Positioning IT at the Leadership Table

Not all CEOs value Information Technology in the same way, and not all technology executives are equipped with the experience and leadership skills required to be an equal contributor at the executive level. A panel of leading experts from Capgemini, OfficeMax, Hospira, and State Farm Insurance Companies, explored how CIO's can successfully leverage the enterprise-wide nature of IT to collaborate with cross functional executives to deliver strategic business results. The discussion centered on positioning IT as a driver of broader organization change and establishing IT executives as core members of the executive team.

01-30-06

Communications - The Blogging Boom

Blogs are becoming a popular source of information about American businesses, their products and services and how they treat customers and employees. This phenomenon is altering the traditional media landscape and forcing organizations to create new strategies to manage their corporate reputation and brand. These personal web sites are easy to create, easy to access and feature passionate and trusted authors who have the ability to influence the opinions of others - in real time. Businesses must recognize that this is not a passing fad and learn how to capitalize on these digital conversations to protect their brands, improve loyalty, combat threats and seize new opportunities.