Friday, February 10, 2012

MT. VERNON HOSTS BAPTIST STATE CONVENTION’S LAYMEN PRAYER BREAKFAST

The United Baptist State Convention of Illinois, Inc., held its Laymen Prayer Breakfast at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 2622 West Jackson Boulevard, hosted by Reverend Johnny L. Miller, for whom the annual event was named in 1998. The Breakfast is a forum for district churches and political, social, and business leaders of the State of Illinois to assemble together and build relationships, which might not otherwise be possible.

Back Stage With Andrew Griffin


Prevention Partnership investigates Belmonte Liqours


REP. LA SHAWN K. FORD HOSTS 5th DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING HEALTH CHALLENGE


ComEd EXEC. V.P. JOHN T. HOOKER RETIRING AFTER 44-YEAR CAREER

John T. Hooker, Executive Vice President of Legislative and External Affairs
ComEd announced the retirement of John T. Hooker, Executive Vice President of Legislative and External Affairs, ending a 44-year career with the energy company, effective February 24. Hooker is responsible for managing all state legislative initiatives for the company, as well as developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key state stakeholders and large customers. His retirement caps a 44-year career that started in Com Ed’s mailroom in 1967, followed by key management positions in a number of business units within the company, including industrial relations, marketing, regulatory affairs, and governmental affairs. Hooker grew up in Chicago’s West Side North Lawndale community and graduated from Chicago State University with a degree in marketing.
    “Building bridges between ComEd and the community it serves has been my life’s work and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” Hooker says. “ComEd is such an important part of the fabric of Chicago’s history, economy, and way of life. I am proud to have played a part in making it a stronger, more responsive company.”
    “John has been a colleague, professional partner, and very good friend,” declares Frank M. Clark, Chairman and CEO of ComEd. “The company is immeasurably better-connected to its customers and its community because of his dedicated service. All ComEd employees and shareholders owe John a debt of gratitude for what he has done to positively influence the trajectory of this company.”
    “John Hooker goes the extra mile: for the company, for his family, and for anyone who needs help,” says John W. Rowe, Chairman and CEO of Exelon, the parent of ComEd. “He is a champion of accountability, quality and diversity. He is a very special part of ComEd’s heart.”
    Hooker’s rise through the ranks of ComEd was driven by an outgoing personal style, eagerness to learn and dedication to hard work. In 1976, he was promoted to a Marketing Director position. In 1992, he was named Area Manager for Operations in Bolingbrook. In 1995, he was named Director of Governmental Affairs and helped garner legislative support of the Illinois Consumer Choice Law of 1997. He became an officer of the company in 2000 and in 2003 was promoted to Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Property Management and External Affairs.
    Hooker led efforts to educate legislators and other stakeholders concerning the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act that was passed by the Illinois General Assembly last fall. The law reforms the regulatory process and authorizes a 10-year capital investment to strengthen the existing power grid and add new, digital smart grid and smart meter technology that will transform the delivery of electricity to homes and businesses.
    Hooker serves on a number of boards, including the Chicago State University Foundation; Peoples Consumer Cooperative, providing low-cost housing for the elderly; the Safer Foundation; Junior Achievement; and The African American Legacy Initiative, working to improve the quality of life for the residents of Chicago communities.

A Big Turnout at #2 Mt Pleasant coat Drive.

Cassandra Burns, founder & Executive Director of Girls 2 Ladies, is supported by her father, Reverend Lester Minter, and the congregation of #2 Mount Pleasant M.B. Church, 947 North Cicero Ave., in collecting 50 winter coats for foster children in the Kaleidoscope program. This is the group’s 2nd annual Coat Drive. (Photo by Brad)

REP. DANNY K. DAVIS HOLDS SENIOR & ELDERCARE MEETING AT SENIOR SUITES AUSTIN

CHICAGO JESUIT ACADEMY SHINES AT OPEN HOUSE

MOTHER VIRMEEDA T. HARMON CELEBRATES CENTURY MARK JANUARY 7