SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (December 19, 2023) — The Illinois Chamber of Commerce announced today the addition of Keith Wheeler as Senior Legislative Affairs Advisor. Wheeler will join the Chamber's Government Affairs team effective January 1, 2024.
Keith Wheeler is a business owner and former member of the Illinois House of Representatives who served the 50th District from 2015 to 2023. Keith was a legislative leader who achieved significant success in the Illinois Capitol over the last decade. Wheeler was a senior advisor to the House Minority Leader, best known for his bipartisan approach to policymaking.
During his time in the General Assembly, Keith was an outstanding ally to the business community. He exemplified this as a three-time recipient of the Illinois Chamber's Champion of Free Enterprise Award (2018, 2020, and 2022).
"I am honored to be joining the Illinois Chamber of Commerce," said Keith Wheeler. "I look forward to continuing the work of the Chamber to strengthen the business community and advocate for policies that support economic growth and job creation throughout our state."
The Champion of Free Enterprise Awards are given biennially to Senators and Representatives with Illinois Chamber ratings averaging 85 percent or higher over the previous two General Assemblies who have demonstrated their commitment to legislation that frees the entrepreneurial spirit.
"A key part of the Chamber's Value to our members is our legislative affairs impact via various councils," said Lou Sandoval, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber. "We look forward to having Keith join the team and expanding our legislative influence in Springfield."
Keith will work closely with Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Clark Kaericher to enhance and develop our Government Affairs across the state as part of our efforts to better serve our members and continue to establish the Chamber as the Voice of Illinois Business. Keith resides in Oswego with his family.
About the Illinois Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1919, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce is an independent membership organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant and prosperous future for Illinois businesses. The Chamber is supported by contributions from a diverse group of businesses from across the state. Its membership reflects all components of Illinois’ economy, including manufacturing, financial services, transportation, technology, agriculture, mining, construction, utilities, and professional services, as well as other local chambers of commerce, trade groups, and membership organizations. The Chamber works closely with its members to support their success and the growth of the Illinois economy through programming and advocacy that promotes and protects the business climate in Illinois and expands economic opportunities for all.
