Commercial Club of Chicago facts for kids
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| Established | 1877 |
|---|---|
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Location |
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Region served
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Chicago metropolitan area |
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Chair
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Jennifer F. Scanlon, |
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Vice Chair
|
E. Scott Santi |
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President
|
Kelly R. Welsh |
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Revenue (2020)
|
$3.5m USD |
| Expenses (2020) | $3.6M USD |
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Staff (2020)
|
14 |
The Commercial Club of Chicago is a special group that doesn't aim to make money. It was started in 1877. Its main goal is to help the Chicago area grow and become a better place for everyone. They work to improve both the economy and the community life in and around Chicago.
Contents
History of the Club
The Commercial Club was formed in 1877. It came about after a big workers' strike across the country, which started with railroad workers. Over time, other important groups joined the Commercial Club. In 1907, the Merchants Club became part of it. Later, in 1933, the Industrial Club of Chicago also joined.
Important Members and Their Impact
Many famous and influential people were active members of the club. These included George Pullman, who was known for his railway cars, and Marshall Field, who owned large department stores. Other key members were Cyrus McCormick, George Armour, and Julius Rosenwald.
One of the club's biggest achievements was supporting Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago. This plan, created in 1909, was like a detailed map for how the entire Chicago region should grow and develop in the future. It helped shape the city we see today.
Club Activities and Community Work
The Commercial Club has always been involved in making Chicago better. They supported projects to keep streets clean and paved. They also worked on plans to reduce smoke pollution and improve city sanitation. The club helped create more city parks and playgrounds for everyone to enjoy. They also supported the idea of creating the Cook County Forest Preserve district, which protects natural areas.
Social Improvements Supported by the Club
Beyond city planning, the club also cared about social issues. They looked into ways to help young people who were getting into trouble. They also worked on improving relationships between different groups of people. The club even thought about how to help older people, like with ideas for pensions.
The Commercial Club started with just 17 founding members in 1877. Today, Jennifer F. Scanlon is the current chair, and Kelly R. Welsh is the current president.
