WHAT OUR SUPPORTERS HAVE TO SAY
Jim Edgar, former Governor, State of Illinois
​
Illinois is rich in resources, industry and people. For too long, we have let others define what we are and what we are not. I support the efforts of Elevate Illinois to showcase and reinforce our state’s many positives.
.jpg)
Bob Ontiveros
Founder and retired Chairman, Group O
Founder, Greater QC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Former Board Member of both U.S. and Illinois Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
My story is one of an entrepreneur who started and grew businesses in Illinois and became a regional, state and national civic leader in the process. Being mindful of and supporting diversity and inclusion has been a part of who I am from the very beginning. Adding value to the people and places around me by creating jobs, being a mentor and giving back financially is my life’s mission. I support Elevate Illinois as the organization shares, amplifies and enhances the hundreds of stories like mine from across the state.
.jpeg)
Dominic Watson
President, Springfield Black Chamber of Commerce
Much of Illinois’ rich diversity goes unnoticed. Elevate Illinois looks to change that by celebrating all the differences that make Illinois the awesome melting pot of geographies, people and ideas that it is. Join me in helping to promote all that is good in the state by adding #ElevateIllinois on your positive social media posts starting today!”
Julie Moore-Wolfe, Mayor, City of Decatur
My career has allowed me to work in media, for a not-for-profit Chamber of Commerce, as a government employee and now in the private sector. Through it all, I’ve seen people choosing to focus on what’s wrong in Illinois instead of what’s right. It’s time we come together to build up our state by acknowledging and sharing Illinois’ many positives. Join with me and other citizens concerned about Illinois’ future by supporting the efforts of Elevate Illinois.
Dr. Robert Easter, former President, University of Illinois
Higher education is my life’s work. A Texan by birth, I chose to come to Illinois for my PhD in Animal Sciences and never left. Illinois is home to world-class, post-secondary, educational institutions and some of the finest public and private research facilities in the world. Elevate Illinois will work to shed light on their work.
Jane Hays, businesswoman and philanthropist
It is important to me to support the many businesses, not-for-profits, government officials and everyday citizens that do wonderful things to make Illinois vibrant. Elevate Illinois brings all of their efforts together and will communicate them to the world. I whole-heartedly support this important work.
Todd Sieben, former Illinois State Senator
Illinois has been home for my family for more that 160 years. Our state is rich in resources and history, and we have a great story to tell. I'm glad the leaders of Elevate Illinois are coming together to focus on the positive aspects of our state and all its amazing potential. I support this effort and know that if we work together, we can Elevate Illinois.