End of Session Recap | Hosted by Business Works

Description

Decisions made in Springfield directly impact your business, whether it’s taxes, regulations, or workforce issues.

This is your chance to connect with local State Representatives and Senators to ask questions, gain insight, and advocate for your business.

The Q&A will focus on business-related topics, followed by time to speak one-on-one with elected officials, take photos, and build meaningful connections that can influence your future.

Please note: To make the upcoming panel session efficient, the Chamber requests submitting questions in advance. Questions should pertain to business matters exclusively and be provided during registration for the event. 

Moderator:

Matt Shipley, Indian Prairie School District #204

NACC Business Works Chair

Panelists:

Senator, Laura Ellman 

Laura Ellman serves as State Senator to the 21st district, which includes all or part of the communities of Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Lisle, Naperville, Warrenville and Wheaton. In the Senate, Laura serves as Chair of the Environment and Conservation Committee and Vice-Chair of the Financial Institutions Committee. She is also assigned to the committees of Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, Appropriations and Transportation. In addition to her work in the state legislature, Laura works as an assessor for the National Laboratory. Prior to being elected in 2018, Laura worked in the fields of manufacturing and engineering dealing with regulations and policies for more than 25 years. As a long-time Naperville resident, she has enjoyed the community as a place to raise both of her children with her husband, Pete, as well as volunteer her time with organizations such as Feed My Starving Children and Habitat for Humanity.

Senator, Seth Lewis 

Seth Lewis was elected to the State Senate in November of 2022 after serving two years in the House of Representatives. Prior to his service in the General Assembly, Senator Lewis was a trustee for the Bartlett Fire Protection District. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Iowa and previously served as the Chief Operations Officer and Vice President of Operations for a small manufacturing business in Melrose Park. In addition to his current work in the Senate, he is an independent business owner and agent with State Farm Insurance. He has coached youth baseball, football, and basketball, and is a former Little League Board member and Board President. Senator Lewis and his wife Bhavna live in Bartlett, and together they have two adult sons.

Assistant Majority Leader, Linda Holmes

Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes was elected to represent the 42nd legislative district in 2006. As a former small business owner for two decades, she brings a business-conscious perspective to the legislature; ensuring state government protects the hard-working people of Illinois. She is a dedicated and hard-working public official who's early involvement as a community activist also allowed her to experience first hand the challenges people face in Illinois. Holmes has been the Chief Sponsor on a myriad of legislation during her time in office that impacts job growth, education and quite importantly, health care. Most recently a new law spearheaded by Leader Holmes and goes into effect September 12, 2026, gives Illinoisans access to a full range of end-of-life options

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No refunds or credits will be issued. Minimum number registration is required for NACC programming to move forward. Attendees will be notified via email if there are any changes to program. We apologize for any inconvenience.