September 24, 2026 l Hilton Chicago Continental Room, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60605

The Annual Luncheon is the Chamber’s signature event, bringing together business leaders from across the state who share a common goal: creating a business climate that fosters inclusive growth and prosperity for everyone. This event provides a platform to highlight issues that are important to the business community and to elevate them on the public agenda.

1030am to 11:30am - Join us for the Networking Reception/Expo
11:30am - Luncheon begins

Keynote Speaker
Ken Wegner, President and Owner of The Jel Sert Company

Ken Wegner oversees the company’s operations, growth strategy, and manufacturing leadership from its headquarters in West Chicago, Illinois.
He joined Jel Sert in 1985 as Director of Purchasing and was named President in 1997. Since then, Wegner has helped scale the business across its core categories, including powdered drink mixes, freezer bars, and dessert mixes, while expanding the company’s capabilities as a leading contract manufacturer for major nutrition and food companies.
Today, the Jel Sert Company’s family of beloved brands includes Otter Pops, Fla-Vor-Ice, Pop-Ice, Kool Pops, Wyler’s Italian Ices, Wyler’s Light, Flavor-Aid, Super C, Royal, All Sport, and Pure Kick. Under Wegner’s guidance, The Jel Sert Company has emerged as the top producer of powdered drink sticks in North America and one of the world’s leading producers of freezer bars.
A third-generation member of the founding family, Wegner continues to build on the company’s 100-year legacy by delivering high-quality, high-value products.

Our Emcee
Lourdes Duarte

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. She has emceed the Illinois Chamber Annual Luncheon for the past two years.