MPC also will recognize Magellan Development Group’s Lakeshore East with 2011 Burnham Award for Excellence in Planning
(Chicago) … Pioneers of the Big Box retail concept are shifting their focus to small-format stores in urban locations, and Chicago has become a key battleground. How this shift effects economic development in Chicago, its suburbs, and other regions will be the focus of a moderated discussion with Thomas A. Mars, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, Walmart U.S., at the Metropolitan Planning Council’s (MPC) 2011 Annual Luncheon. The event, “What, Where and How? Rethinking the Retail Landscape,” is Monday, June 27, 2011, at noon, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
“We want to understand the ramifications of this economic shift on the built environment, community development strategies, and the regional economy,” said MPC President MarySue Barrett. “As one of the authors of Walmart’s national urban strategy, Tom Mars is uniquely positioned to provide our engaged audience with insight into this evolving trend.”
At the luncheon, MPC also will honor Magellan Development Group, winner of MPC’s 2011 Burnham Award for Excellence in Planning, for Lakeshore East. The 28-acre, 5,000-unit development is the culmination of more than four decades of work to convert the Illinois Central rail yard, located between the shores of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River in downtown Chicago, into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood.
PNC is the Presenting Sponsor of MPC’s 2011 Annual Luncheon and proud sponsor of the 2011 Burnham Award. The Allstate Insurance Company, ComEd, an Exelon Company, The Crown Family, and King Harris/Harris Family Foundation are Co-Chair Sponsors of the event.
WHAT:
“What, where and how: Rethinking the retail landscape”
Metropolitan Planning Council 2011 Annual Luncheon
WHO:
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Thomas A. Mars, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Walmart U.S.
Moderated by: Jesse Ruiz, Vice Chair, Metropolitan Planning Council Board of Governors; Partner, Drinker Biddle & Reath
MarySue Barrett, President, Metropolitan Planning Council
Joseph A. Gregoire, Regional President, Illinois Banking, PNC; Member, MPC Board of Governors; Presenting Sponsor, MPC 2011 Annual Luncheon
King Harris, Chair, Metropolitan Planning Council Board of Governors; Chairman, Harris Holdings, Inc. (via video)
WHEN:
Monday, June 27, 2011, noon to 1:30 p.m.
The luncheon will begin promptly at noon.
WHERE:
Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr., Regency Ballroom, West Tower
REGISTER:
Tickets may be purchased through MPC’s web site.
Media may attend the event free of charge, but should register with MPC Assistant Communications Director Mandy Burrell Booth, mburrell@metroplanning.org, 312-863-6018 (office), or 773-640-1206 (cell).
Since 1934, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) has been dedicated to shaping a more sustainable and prosperous greater Chicago region. As an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, MPC serves communities and residents by developing, promoting and implementing solutions for sound regional growth.