The Illinois Chamber's Annual Meeting and Luncheon
September 18,2025
Hilton Chicago Continental Room, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60605
1030am to 11:30am - Join us for the Networking Reception/Expo
11:30am - Luncheon begins
Fireside Chat with Don Thompson
Don Thompson
CEO, Cleveland Avenue
Don Thompson brings his signature blend of savvy business acumen and warm personal touch to his role as CEO and Founder of Cleveland Avenue (CA), LLC. Founded in 2015, with his life partner and wife, Liz Thompson, CA is a prominent Chicago-based investment firm specializing in lifestyle consumer brands and companies that positively disrupt large and growing markets.
The Thompsons concurrently formed The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education which is committed to supporting and mentoring students and professionals as they progress from the classroom to the boardroom through philanthropy and education support services.
Mr. Thompson launched his own recipe for success at CA following over 25 years of climbing the ranks at McDonald's, where he departed after successfully running the company as President & CEO.
Thompson not only invests in but also mentors entrepreneurs by combining his electrical engineering background, global leadership, and business expertise with his passion for customer innovation to create a powerful environment of analytical thinking and creativity.
Thompson is also at the intersection of potential and purpose by cultivating a culture that stays true to his foundations of faith, family, service, philanthropy, diversity, and inclusion. Thompson is a member of the Commercial and Economic Clubs of Chicago, World Business Chicago, the Arthur M. Brazier Foundation, and serves on the National Football League (NFL) Diversity Advisory Committee as well as is a Trustee of The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education.
Cleveland Avenue and the Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education have received numerous awards and recognition for their social impact, including the Baumhart Center at Loyola University Chicago Social Impact Award. Additionally, Mr. Thompson has been honored with the National Black MBA Association's Outstanding Leadership Award, been inducted into the Chicago Innovation Hall of Fame, and received 1871's Momentum Chicagoness Award.
Emcee
Lourdes Duarte
Co-Anchor WGN Evening News and Lead Investigative
Reporter, WGN
Lourdes Duarte is a four-time EMMY Award winner. She co-anchors the WGN Evening News
at 4pm and is one of the station’s lead investigative reporters. Prior to her role on the
evening news, Lourdes co-anchored the top-rated WGN Morning News. She also hosts
WGN’s public affairs program Adelante Chicago.
Thank you to our sponsors
Business Supporters
Community Partners
Exhibitors and Exhibitor Level Sponsors
Illinois Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve
WS Darley
Sponsorships Available - Call Laurie Silvey for more information (217) 991-8598 or lsilvey@ilchamber.org