Pictured at right, l to r, Robert Crawford and Larry Kulchawik
On February 24, 2017, Robert Crawford was presented the 2017 Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Champion Award for outstanding leadership to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship in the Chicago area.
Crawford was the founder of Brook Furniture Rental, Inc., which began to rent upscale furniture for trade shows nationally in 1979. Brook also rents high quality furniture for residential and office spaces which is their main business. Mr. Crawford was the past chairman of the board for the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and past chairman of the International Furniture Rental Association. Upscale furniture rentals have now grown to be a standard commodity within the trade show industry thanks to his vision.
Crawford’s leadership to support small business start ups and create new jobs in the Chicagoland area have encouraged growth not only in the exposition business but also for the US economy as a whole. Suppliers in the trade show industry all start out as struggling entrepreneurs who launch their businesses in the hope to one day grow to be successful companies, employing others and creating new jobs.
Crawford’s comments to the group “I am honored to receive this award, but this award is really for all of you entrepreneurs in this room who continue to support growth for small business owners in our wonderful city.”
