We are in the midst of celebrating the first anniversary of rocky moments in American and global economic history. It was on September 7, 2008 when giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed in government conservatorship and September 15 was the date that Lehman Brothers filed for Chapter 11 protection after failing to find a buyer. The days and weeks that followed these events were remarkable days of volatility and uncertainty that shook investors, business owners and consumers.

The pain that started a ripple on Wall Street at unprecedented speed turned into a tsunami that affected businesses across our nation and paralyzed global commerce. While job losses are easing and consumer confidence is rising, it remains a difficult time for businesses and you want to know what to expect in the future.

The Chamber is pleased to bring you an opportunity to hear from leading industry experts at our 2010 Regional Economic Forecast, from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at Hotel Arista. This year’s panelists, whose insight and analysis will provide you with tactical information you can use in your business, are:

• John P. Calamos, Sr., Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Calamos Investments;
• Pat Callan, President of the Illinois Association of REALTORS; and
• Daniel Sullivan, Sr. Vice President – Director of Economic Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Over the past few months, I’ve asked a variety of Members what economic information you needed to better run your business. For the most part, your questions have focused around general economic trends, investment opportunities and insight into the real estate market. In turn, we’ve gone out and sought the experts who can provide you with the best analysis and insight to answer your questions.

Tickets for the event are $79 for non-members and just $59 for Members. The forecast is a great event to bring your colleagues and clients to, and you can get a 15% discount by reserving a table of ten for $500. Seating is limited, so be sure to save the time on your calendar and save a seat by registering online early. There is a tendency to look back at where we have been and say, “had I only known then,” but none of us have the benefit of a crystal ball. However, the business leaders I look-up to, aren’t spending their time these days looking back and remembering the good old days; they are focusing on how they can best position their business to capitalize on the opportunities that recovery will bring.

We’d like to thank Calamos Investments for their hospitality and sponsorship of the 2010 Economic Forecast. It is through their support that we are able to provide a premium program at such an affordable price. Stay tuned in the weeks ahead for more information about this great program and mark your calendars for the morning of October 21.

Sincerely,


John Schmitt
President & CEO
(630)544-3370