MPC's Annual Meeting Luncheon Will Provide a Forum for Gubernatorial Candidates to Address Regional Issues

Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and Republican gubernatorial candidate Judy Baar Topinka will continue the tradition by appearing before an expected audience of 1,000 at Metropolitan Planning Council’s 2006 Annual Meeting Luncheon on Aug. 7

July 10, 2006

(CHICAGO)….. As Democratic Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich makes his bid for four more years, and Republican gubernatorial challenger Judy Baar Topinka aims to take Illinois in a new direction, voters want to know: if elected, what will each candidate do to reduce congestion, increase housing options, improve our schools, and inspire sensible growth? An expected audience of more than 1,000 will have the opportunity to hear candidates address these critical regional issues at the Metropolitan Planning Council’s (MPC) 2006 Annual Meeting Luncheon, Monday, Aug. 7, 11:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago.

“For the third time in as many gubernatorial elections, we’ve invited the candidates for Illinois ’ top office to share their perspective on the issues that MPC and our partners consider paramount to Illinois ’ future,” said MarySue Barrett, MPC president. “We consistently deliver a sensational program at our Annual Meeting Luncheon, and we expect this year’s candidates will follow tradition by sparking lively discussion around the lunch table.”

At the luncheon, MPC also will welcome newly elected members of its Board of Governors, and present its 2006 Burnham Award for Excellence in Planning, which includes a cash prize of $5,000 underwritten by National City Bank.

Founded in 1934, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan group of business and civic leaders committed to serving the public interest through the promotion and implementation of sensible planning and development policies necessary for an economically competitive Chicago region. MPC researches and develops policy recommendations and conducts outreach and advocacy in partnership with public officials and community leaders to enhance equity of opportunity and quality of life throughout metropolitan Chicago.

WHAT:
Metropolitan Planning Council 2006 Annual Meeting Luncheon

WHO:
Democratic Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich (invited)
Republic Gubernatorial Candidate Judy Baar Topinka (confirmed)
MarySue Barrett , President, Metropolitan Planning Council
John A. Buck , Chairman and CEO, The John Buck Company; Outgoing Chair, MPC Board of Governors
John S. Gates, Jr. , Chairman and CEO, PortaeCo LLC; Member, MPC Executive Committee
Joseph Gregoire , President and CEO, Illinois Banking, National City Bank; Co-Chair, MPC Housing Committee
King Harris , Chairman, Harris Holdings, Inc.; Member, MPC Board of Governors
Lee M. Mitchell , Partner, Thoma Cressey Equity Partners; Incoming Chair, MPC Board of Governors
Penny Pritzker , President, Pritzker Realty Group, L.P.; MPC Executive Advisor; Co-Chair, MPC Annual Meeting Luncheon

WHEN:
Monday, Aug. 7, 2006
Reception: 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Lunch: Noon to 1:45 p.m.

WHERE:
Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago, Ill.
Grand Ballroom, East Tower

NOTE: There is no charge for media to attend, however advance registration is appreciated. For more information or to RSVP, contact Mandy Burrell at 312.863.6018 (office), 773.640.1206 (cell) or mburrell@metroplanning.org.