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Community Corner

Chamber to honor Outstanding Leaders Under 40

America has always placed the hope and trust of its future in its youth.

With a huge potential for growth in the 21st century, the Chicago Southland continues to attract the creative, energetic and industrious young adults who can turn hope into reality.

"I'm a flag-waver of opportunity as to what can be done in this country and in the Southland," says Chamber Chairman-elect Jeff Arseneau.

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In June, the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce launched its first quest to identify "Outstanding Leaders Under 40," those who most embrace the trust of the generations before them. Arseneau chaired the search committee.

Eleven extraordinary young adults stood out from the many whose names were submitted.

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Chamber leaders will announce this year's "Outstanding Leaders Under 40" at the Oct. 12 Regional Consensus Luncheon at Holiday Inn-Tinley Park Convention Center, 18501 S. Harlem Ave.

The 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. event is open to the public. (Because of the Columbus Day holiday, the monthly luncheon will be on Tuesday.)

In addition to the awards presentation, two high power executives from the Southland will speak briefly about the keys to success: Patrick Ormsby is president and CEO of Bimba Manufacturing Co. in Monee, and Jack Lanigan Jr., is president and CEO of Lanco International Inc., in Hazel Crest.

In 1954, Jack Lanigan Sr., an industrious World War II veteran, launched Mi-Jack Products for inventive construction solutions.

Based in Hazel Crest, Mi-Jack is now a division of Lanco.

More than 50 years after Lanigan started construction giant Mi-Jack, youthful innovators gravitate to the Southland.

"We were overwhelmed with the number of good candidates nominated for this young leaders award, and as we went through all the qualified people, we wished we could give everyone an award," Arseneau said.

Chamber Board Chairman Maureen Kelly echoed Arseneau's comments.

"Selection was a very difficult process with so many outstanding nominees. The selection committee applauds all of them and recognizes the vast talent and potential we have within the Southland region," she said.

"We look forward to announcing and publicly recognizing (the honorees) at the Regional Consensus Luncheon.

"Also, we strongly encourage those who were not selected this year to continue with their efforts. We hope to include them in our "Outstanding Leaders under 40" in the future," she said.

Arseneau added, "One of the resounding traits for (the honorees) was a passion for getting involved and making a difference, not only in their own professions. They also found time and passion to make a difference in their communities.

"These are the tenets we are working to honor and hold up as examples for other young leaders to follow."

The nominees, including the top 11, represented a "pretty good mixture of men and women and a very diverse group, representative of the Southland," he said.

In addition, names came from a cross section of community leaders in all professions.

"I think (today's over 40 leaders) are going to see the emergence of a re-energized young population following in the business community.

"These individuals are stepping forward as examples of what can be done in this country and right here in the Southland."

Reservations for the Regional Consensus Luncheon are $25 for members, $35 non-members at (708) 957-6950 and at the Chamber website, www.chicagosouthland.com.

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