On January 27, Ray Kinney, co-owner of Minuteman Press and the Maclyn Group, had the honor of introducing Mayor A. George Pradel as a “friend of the business community,” just prior to the Mayor’s State of the City Address. The 18th annual event was hosted by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by BMO Harris Bank and held in the main ballroom of the Marriott Naperville.
After Kinney’s brief energetic remarks, Mayor Pradel said he would “take lessons for enthusiasm and love” from the longtime Naperville resident who has been an active volunteer in Jaycees, Exchange Club and Rotary, just for starters. Then the mayor ran through the highlights of 2012, emphasizing many community groups’ commitment to working together with City Council, city staff as well as with 350 volunteers on the city’s boards and commissions.
Mayor Pradel recognized the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce as it begins its 100th year. And he added that the city’s progress is “thanks to hard work of past leaders.”
He introduced former Mayor Peg Price, pictured here along side of him, the only woman yet to serve as Naperville’s mayor. He also recounted a recent conversation with former Mayor Chet Rybicki, the man who was leading the city at the time of its Sesquicentennial in 1981 when the Riverwalk was started.
As the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates 100 years in business, the annual luncheon again worked to bring its diverse membership base together with fellow business professionals, elected officials and residents. As has been tradition, the mayor, attired in a top hat and tuxedo, focused on community achievements from the past year. Pradel was happy to report many successes that have Naperville experiencing “economic stability and pride.”
The luncheon event attracted a full house while cameras were flashing and NCTV17 videotape was rolling.