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Dear Members:
I’m pleased to report that in addition to
surviving several of the worst Chicago weather days in my
lifetime, I have also survived my first few days at 1871 in my
new role as CEO. Though I haven’t seen many of your smiling faces
so far this week, I’m sure we’ll all be coming out from under the
covers as the temps warm into the high 20s over the next few
days!!
I couldn’t be more excited about our upcoming 1871
“alumni” recognition press event on the 14th from
9-10am. We’ll showcase 25 of our graduate companies and highlight
their growth and progress to date. It should be a great time (the
Governor will be joining us as well), so please come over to the
auditorium to show your support for your fellow community
members.
As I move forward in this new role, one of my
immediate goals is to attract and add some additional talent to
our operating team at 1871. I’m very excited to let you know that
we have made our first new hire – our Chief Operating Officer –
and the good news – especially given the weather – is that the
trip from his old position to 1871 is just a few short blocks
from City Hall.
Tom Alexander, the Mayor’s Deputy Director of
Communications, will be joining us at 1871 at the beginning of
February. Tom has extensive experience in communications at the
city, county, state and federal levels as well as in the private
sector (U of C) and he’s been an active participant in the
Mayor’s and the City’s very supportive dealings with 1871 since
its inception. In addition, he has been one of the City’s primary
point persons for high-level corporate relations and job creation
initiatives that are absolutely central to our mission at 1871.
And finally, he has a particular interest in broadening the reach
and diversity of our offerings at 1871 as well as the diversity
of our member population.
I think that Tom will be an important contributor
to 1871’s continued growth and success. I’m very excited about
this appointment, and I hope you are too. Here’s to great things
ahead!
Best,
Howard
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