On Tuesday, November 5th the Better Government Association held it’s Annual Luncheon at the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Chicago.
A pre-event reception hosted by Kirkland & Ellis LLP saw some of Chicago’s most influential philanthropists and civic leaders.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot kicked off the event by making a speech about ethics reforms in her new administration. Lightfoot is a former BGA board member and said, “We may not always agree, but we’re united in our core values of integrity.”
BGA President & CEO David Greising welcomed attendees and gave a brief recap of the BGA’s activities since the last luncheon. “We constantly are seeking impact in everything we do,” said Greising. “Impact starts with changing public perception and ultimately leads to structural reforms. Time and again, the BGA’s investigations do just that.”
The BGA honored former President & CEO Andy Shaw with the 2019 Daniel L. Goodwin Watchdog Award for his service in both the journalism and nonprofit sector. Daniel L. Goodwin, Chairman and CEO of The Inland Group, LLC presented the award.
After lunch, Greising sat down with Scott Simon, Host of NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday and former BGA intern. Simon tickled the audience with stories of him sifting through the garbage of Cook County Board President George Dunne to find documents for a BGA investigation. “There’s no place like the political rough and tumble of Chicago,” Simon said.
A life-long Chicago Cubs fan, Simon was honored by Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts with a custom white jersey numbered 16 for the year the team won the World Series.
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PHOTOS
SPECIAL THANKS
Free Spirit Media, Kyle Flubacker Photography, and PJH and Associates.
Our pre-lunch sponsor Kirkland & Ellis LLP.
Our co-chair sponsors: John A. Canning Jr., The Inland Group, LLC, Joe Mansueto, and Steve Miller.
Our platinum sponsors: August Bechtner, PGB, Mary and Paul Finnegan, Jim and Karen Frank, GCM Grosvenor, and the Kovler Family Foundation.
All other event sponsors.
