There was electricity in the air at Wintrust Arena as the Chicago Sky faced the WNBA defending champions, Seattle Storm on their first home game no less, while hosting the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce’s Board Meeting and VIP Welcome Reception.
The ILBCC leadership deftly moved through the 22 point agenda to bring the board fully up to speed with the critical accomplishments and initiatives that distinguish them in the wider field of chambers of commerce. They celebrated strategic partnerships, such as the new alliance forged between the Sky, the White Sox, the Chicago Bulls and the Chamber, then moved through the critical objectives that fill the final quarters of 2019 before welcoming the State Treasurer Mike Frerichs and staff to speak to the 27 ILBCC Board Members and Black business owners in attendance about the state’s investments in diverse businesses. It was a lively, interactive and insightful exchange.
The collective, then moved from the formal, closed door conversation to the inviting interior of the arena for the VIP Reception where they welcomed guests from across Illinois abroad. The VIP’s had an opportunity to say hello to three of the team’s owners, John Rogers, Michael and Harvey Alter as well as Mayor-elect Lightfoot who happens to be one of the Sky’s biggest fans and a season ticket holder!
Of course, the energy in the VIP lounge with a host of dignitaries, great food, networking, and comradery was voltaic, only second to an exhilarating team match-up. Even the halftime show was impressive! Courtney Vandersloot was a driving force on the court. Diamond DeShields put up 21 points and Allie Quigly put 25 points on the board and came up clutch in the 4th quarter to help secure the win against the defending WNBA champs. The final score was the Chicago Sky 83 to the Seattle Storm’s 79.
“We applaud the Sky on a great start to the season and consider this a fantastic start to our relationship…the sky’s the limit!” stated ILBCC President/CEO Larry D. Ivory.
Great things are on the horizon for Black businesses and communities so stay tuned and stay engaged! Please know that the Chamber is here for YOU! We want you to plug in and begin your journey of personal and professional growth and development too. That’s very important to us!
Get a bird’s eye view of what’s important to the Black business community by texting ILBCC to 22828 for a free subscription to our Black Business News Journal.
For more information on the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce visit www.ILBCC.org
The Traveler Weekly 