MPC also will recognize Andrew J. McKenna and Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Special events with awards
(Chicago) … Rapid change is challenging cities and regions across the country, but technology is helping leaders spot emerging trends and develop informed, creative solutions to pressing issues. How governments, businesses and nonprofits use digital to re-imagine their operations will be the focus of a presentation by Margo Georgiadis, President, Americas, Google, at the Metropolitan Planning Council’s (MPC) 2013 Annual Luncheon. The event, “Accelerating Change,” will take place Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, at noon, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
“We all want to understand how technology can ensure that the Chicago region not only keeps pace with change, but also becomes a global leader in this transformational era,” said MPC President MarySue Barrett. “As a top executive at one of the world’s most innovative technology companies, Ms. Georgiadis will shed light onhow government, business and community leaders can make the most of technology so that our region effectively responds to and prepares for emergent social and economic trends.”
MPC will also present two awards at the luncheon. Long-time Chicago businessman and civic leader Andrew J. McKenna will receive the Champion Fighter Award for his tireless efforts to ensure a sustainable, equitable and competitive future for the Chicago region. The Champion Fighter Award, presented in the past to notable business and civic leaders, places special emphasis on community engagement and philanthropy. From leadership of Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago to the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, Mr. McKenna’s commitments span an impressive range of city and regional organizations. His strong record of giving back to the community sets the gold standard for others.
Alongside Mr. McKenna, MPC will honor the Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) with the 2013 Burnham Award for Excellence in Planning. Since 1988, MPC has presented the Burnham Award to a plan that measurably creates more livable communities, addresses human capital, improves regional mobility or makes government more efficient. This year, MPC will present DCASE with the award for the Chicago Cultural Plan 2012. The Plan, which represents the City’s first concerted neighborhood arts effort since the Harold Washington administration, was developed after rigorous public participation and has already led to an impressive list of accomplishments, including implementation of arts education strategies across the Chicago Public Schools and improved connections between chambers of commerce and neighborhood cultural capacity.
PNC Bank is the Presenting Sponsor of MPC’s 2013 Annual Luncheon.
The Allstate Insurance Company, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, BMO Harris Bank, The Crown Family, Globetrotters Engineering Corporation, The Harris Family Foundation, McDonald’s Corporation, Regional Railroads (BNSF, CN, CSX, Union Pacific) and Walgreens are Lead Sponsors of the event. Benefactors of the event are Bank of America; The Boeing Company; Rita and John Canning; Cole Taylor Bank; ComEd, an Exelon Company; DSC Logistics; Andrea and Jim Gordon, The Edgewater Funds; John S. Gates, Jr.; Sun-Times Foundation; and Wintrust Financial Corporation.
A full list of sponsors is available here: http://www.metroplanning.org/2013annualluncheon
WHAT:
“Accelerating Change”
Metropolitan Planning Council 2013 Annual Luncheon
WHO:
Keynote Speaker:
Margo Georgiadis, President, Americas, Google
Awardees:
Andrew J. McKenna, Chairman, McDonald's Corporation and Schwarz Supply Source
Chicago Cultural Plan 2012, Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Presenters:
Dr. Byron Brazier, Pastor, Apostolic Church of God; invocation
John Tolva, Chief Technology Officer, City of Chicago; keynote moderator
Joseph A. Gregoire, Former State Chairman, Illinois Banking, PNC; Presenting Sponsor, MPC 2013 Annual Luncheon; Chair, MPC Board of Governors; Burnham Award presentation
Lester Crown, Chairman, Henry Crown & Company; Champion Fighter Award presentation
WHEN:
Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Reception 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
WHERE:
Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr., Regency Ballroom, West Tower
REGISTER:
Tickets may be purchased through MPC’s website at http://www.metroplanning.org/2013annualluncheon.
Media may attend the event free of charge, but should register with MPC Communications Assistant Ariel Ranieri, aranieri@metroplanning.org, 312.863.6020 (office), or 312.315.9027 (cell).
About MPC
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. Follow @Metroplanners on Twitter, or visit our website at www.metroplanning.org.
About PNC Bank
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management; asset management and global fund services. Follow @PNCNews on Twitter for breaking news, updates and announcements from PNC.