Press Release: Cross receives Champion of Free Enterprise Award

July 19, 2010

Rep. Cross Receives Illinois Chamber of Commerce Champion of Free Enterprise Award 

Plainfield…State Representative Tom Cross (R-Oswego) is honored to learn he has been selected to receive the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s Champion of Free Enterprise Award.

“Unemployment in Illinois is a staggering 10.8 percent and families are hurting for jobs,” said Cross.  “A key to turning the economy around in Illinois is an improved business climate.  State government must not only work to make Illinois more attractive to new business, we also need to help existing employers to thrive and expand.  It is a privilege to be recognized by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce for supporting legislation that aims to help employers to succeed and ultimately create jobs.”   

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce Champion of Free Enterprise Award is awarded biennially and recipients are selected by their voting record.  The Champion of Free Enterprise Award is presented to legislators with Illinois Chamber ratings averaging 85 percent or better over the previous three General Assemblies. The Chamber’s ratings are based on votes on key business legislation that are designed to generate jobs and create a business-friendly atmosphere in Illinois. 

“If employers are to change the culture in Springfield, they must educate themselves on the record of their representatives and hold them accountable for it,” explained Todd Maisch, the Chamber’s Vice President for Government Affairs. “We believe the Chamber’s legislative ratings are an effective tool in this endeavor, and legislators whose defense of free enterprise and the furtherance of economic opportunities for Illinoisans deserve our recognition.  This award demonstrates that State Representative Tom Cross knows what it takes for employers to be successful.  He is working to address the number one problem in our state: creating more jobs.”