Jerry Roper, former president and chief executive of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, was honored with the Chicagoland Chamber PAC’s inaugural PAC Advocacy Champion Award on Friday.
The CCC said almost 150 people attended the event, which took place downtown at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Several elected officials were among the attendees, including Alderman Tom Tunney (44th), Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. (27th) and Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs).
“We are excited to honor Jerry for his advocacy, dedication, and continued work to champion the business community and help keep our region economically competitive,” Karen Melchert, chair of the PAC, said in a press release.
Roper served as the CCC’s president and chief executive from 1993 through 2013 and is credited with growing the organization into what it is today, according to the chamber. CCC spokesman Sam Kraft told the Daily Whale that Roper was responsible for a number of the organization’s “public policy accomplishments.”
“The Chicagoland Chamber PAC seeks to make an impact in the electoral process by supporting candidates who are strong leaders for the business community and who are focused on moving Chicago and the region forward,” current CCC President and CEO Theresa Mintle said in the release. “Jerry Roper has been instrumental in the success of the Chamber PAC over the years.”
-Tom Butala