Spring made an early start this year with temperatures in March reaching the high 70's while enjoying the sounds of Ron and Pat announcing Cubs games. Those signs are surely indications that our weather is improving. Much like our attendance has improved and continues to grow at our regular monthly meetings.

Carl Tannenbaum, Chief Economist for LaSalle Bank, returned on January 24th to speak to a sizable audience regarding his Economic Forecast for 2007. On February 21st, Jeanne Gang, of Studio Gang Architects, delivered a memorable presentation on her Aqua Tower project, leading the audience through the creative process that represents one of the most unusual structures to grace the Chicago skyline. Dan McCaffery of McCaffery Interests followed up on March 21st with his breathtaking vision of an entirely new South Side community situated at the old U.S. Steel Southworks site.

Rolling out great programs has allowed the CBC to attract 18 new members this year - a notable accomplishment…we're not done yet! Three of our biggest events are just now queuing up for the months remaining on our calendar before the long meeting break during the summer months occurs.

Our first TableTop Tradeshow will make its debut on April 18th as our premier networking event of the year. Exhibitors will set up during the morning in order to welcome guests, as usual, at our 11:30 a.m. meeting start time. We will enjoy a delightful continuous luncheon as guests roam the room to visit booths and make contacts while prize raffles will keep the energy flowing. Booths are selling quickly, so reserve your

space now if you wish to exhibit. Likewise, please book your luncheon reservations if you wish to attend as a guest…we'd like our exhibitors to enjoy a nice crowd together with a productive and festive atmosphere. During a brief program at the TableTop Tradeshow, we'll conduct our brief Annual Meeting and the CBC election for new Officers and Directors.

May 16th will herald the advent of our annual Merit Awards Dinner. At this writing, the finalist judging is under way with a competitive field of 36 entries narrowed to 16 finalists (see accompanying sidebar) who are making presentations to our panel of judges. The Merit Awards are always well attended, with a fine gourmet meal and soft jazz entertainment accenting this year's exciting event. All ears will be tuned to the announcements that follow “…and the Merit Award goes to….”

The CBC year will complete its annual meeting cycle on a high note with the June 27th Golf Outing at beautiful Bloomingdale Golf Club. Over 100 golfers (out of 144 available spots) have already signed up, and numerous sponsorships have already been sold. Please contact the association as soon as possible to secure your foursomes and book a sponsorship before the event is sold out. CBC members who don't golf can still participate and see everyone that day by helping our Golf Committee organize the contests for the golfers. If you're interested, please contact the CBC office at 630/393-1313.

That sums up the Association's upcoming Spring and Summer calendar. I look forward to seeing you at one, or all, of our upcoming events.