June 06, 2012
The Civic Federation will honor the civic achievements of an exceptional Chicagoan, Thomas J. Wilson, and an extraordinary corporate citizen, AT&T Illinois, at the organization’s annual Civic Awards Luncheon on Monday, June 18, 2012.
Thomas J. Wilson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Allstate Corporation will receive the Lyman J. Gage Award for Outstanding Civic Contribution by an Individual. The award, which was first given to Alan Greenspan in 1982, honors a Chicagoan who has demonstrated a singular commitment to civic and community concerns.
At the invitation of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Mr. Wilson is helping to lead a joint City/County youth violence prevention initiative which has received national recognition as a model for anti-violence efforts. He has instilled a commitment to service at The Allstate Corporation, especially with the launch of The Allstate Fellows Program which allows employees to take a paid sabbatical to share their skills with local non-profits. Mr. Wilson also sits on the boards of the Rush University Medical Center, the Museum of Science and Industry, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Catalyst, a non-profit organization working to advance women in business.
Paul V. La Schiazza, President of AT&T Illinois, will accept the Addams-Palmer Award for Exemplary Civic Involvement by a Corporation on behalf of his company. The Addams-Palmer Award is named for two of the founders of the Civic Federation, Jane Addams and Bertha Honoré Palmer, and is awarded annually to a corporation that has advanced the civic well-being of the Chicago area.
AT&T Illinois invests millions annually in community grants with programs like the AT&T Investing in Illinois Award. Past grant recipients include the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, Serenity House and the Greater La Grange YMCA. The company also consistently responds to needs in the communities it serves, with programs like the AT&T Aspire program to address high school graduation and workforce development for at-risk Illinois students and the company's "It Can Wait" education campaign against texting and driving.
Both awards will be presented at a luncheon attended by Chicago’s civic and business leaders on Monday, June 18, 2012 at the Palmer House Hilton Grand Ballroom. Tickets for this year’s event and reception may be obtained by visiting civicfed.org/events, by contacting PJH & Associates at (312) 553-2000 or by visiting pjhchicago.com/civicfederation.
The Civic Federation would like to thank luncheon co-chairs Lester Crown, Andrew J. McKenna, Bruce V. Rauner and Michael J. Sacks for their phenomenal leadership of this event.