Illinois to host Lt. Governors' conference

CHICAGO – The nation’s “seconds-in-command” will convene in Chicago this summer at a conference expected to generate more than a half-million dollars in economic activity for the state.

Lt. Governor Sheila Simon announced today that she will host the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) annual meeting July 18-20 at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. The NLGA estimates the meeting will generate $612,000 in hotel, food, entertainment, transportation and other expenditures in Illinois.

“More than 200 people are expected to attend the conference, including many of the nation’s lieutenant governors,” said NLGA Director Julia Hurst. “The meeting will focus on issues impacting the economy, and the people of the states and territories, from education to energy, health care and more.”

Lt. Governor Simon is seeking Illinois businesses to sponsor the conference to “showcase the best that Illinois has to offer.” Chicago was selected to commemorate the NLGA’s 50th anniversary as it was the site of the inaugural annual meeting in 1962 when Samuel Shapiro was the Illinois Lieutenant Governor.

“The association is delighted to celebrate its 50th anniversary in the very city in which it was founded – Chicago,” said NLGA Chair and Nebraska Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy. “We thank Illinois Lt. Governor Sheila Simon for hosting this bi-partisan group, and we look forward to the energy that she and the Windy City will add to our gathering.”

The NLGA is a nonprofit, professional organization for elected officials who are first in line of succession to the governors in the United States and five territorial jurisdictions. Since 2000, at least 20 lieutenant governors have succeeded governors, including former Lt. Governor and current Governor Pat Quinn.

“We welcome the opportunity to host these influential policymakers and generate tourism dollars for our state,” said Simon, the NLGA Midwest Regional Chair.

For more information on NLGA, see www.nlga.us or contact 859-283-1400. To inquire about sponsorship, contact 312-814-5240.