Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce released a statement regarding the passing of a past president who also headed Chicago Convention and Visitors Bureau:
“On June 29, we lost one of the most devoted champions – for business, for entrepreneurs, for tourism, for economic development – the City of Chicago has ever known.
Jerry Roper served as President & CEO of the Chamber for 20 years, and as the head of the Chicago Convention and Visitors Bureau (now known as Choose Chicago) before that. His life’s work was ensuring a bright economic future for our city.
At the Chamber, we like to talk about our legacy of leadership. Jerry Roper was instrumental in defining that legacy. From his integral role in the elimination of the city ‘head tax’ in 2011 to the launch of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center 15 years ago, Jerry led the charge on behalf of Chicago and its businesses with passion and optimism at all times.
Whether you were the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or an intern in your first week at the Chamber, Jerry sought your input and treated you with kindness and respect. That’s a legacy we’re proud to carry on at the Chamber.”
If you would like to make a contribution to the Gerald J. Roper Memorial Fund, which benefits the Gerald J Roper Gateway – Kennedy Expressway – Chicago Gateway Green or the Northshore Program in Personalized Medicine in Prostate Cancer, please visit www.geraldjropermemorialfund.com.
