It is my pleasure to invite you, one of The Heartland Institute’s most dedicated supporters, to The Heartland Institute’s 2009 President’s Council Retreat, a series of entertainment, educational, and networking activities taking place in Chicago on Sunday, June 14 through Tuesday, June 16.
Meetings with public policy experts will take place at the historic and newly restored Blackstone Hotel, a luxury hotel located on Michigan Avenue opposite Millennium Park.
The hotel was the site of the original “smoke-filled room” where Republican Party bosses decided Warren Harding should be nominated for President in 1920, ushering in one of the most corrupt administrations in U.S. history. Unfortunately for Chicago, the smoke is now gone but the corruption remains!
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Sunday, June 14
- We’ll meet at the hotel about 11:00 a.m. and take a limo to Arlington Park Race Track for an afternoon of world-class thoroughbred racing at a gorgeous modern facility (the original burned down in 1988 and was rebuilt in 1989) designed for family entertainment and fantastic food. Bring the family!
- In the evening we’ll dine on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building at The Signature Room, another Chicago landmark. Enjoy world-class cuisine while experiencing the Chicago skyline with 360-degree views of the city.
Monday, June 15
- Heartland’s five managing editors, four senior fellows, and staff of government relations and public relations professionals will be at the Blackstone Hotel throughout the day for panel discussions and one-on-one meetings. This is your chance to see the inner workings of our operation, as well as to discuss your most important priorities with us.
- We’re planning an outing or two to some of Chicago’s great institutions that are within walking distance of the hotel, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Art Institute, and Field Museum. Let Lauren Chrissos or John O’Hara know if there is something special you’ve always wanted to do in downtown Chicago on a beautiful summer day!
Tuesday, June 16
- We’ll start the day with breakfast at the Blackstone overlooking Lake Michigan and dig into some public policy discussions and presentations by special guests. We’ll end the formal program with lunch at the hotel.
- Cubs vs. White Sox -- A Windy City Showdown! Last year we had a great time on the reserved penthouse deck of the Brixen Ivy bar overlooking Wrigley Field ... until tornado sirens began to wail and the game was rained out! We’re trying again, and we picked a date that will feature a contest between two Chicago-based teams with one of the oldest baseball rivalries. If you’re able to stay one more night in the city, this is a great way to spend an evening!
You’re responsible for your travel and hotel room expense. Heartland’s board members and a few special benefactors will pick up all other expenses.
I hope you will join us for this special event. It promises to be educational, elegant ... and fun!
To RSVP or for more information about the President’s Council Retreat, please contact Lauren Chrissos at 312/377-4000 or via email at lchrissos@heartland.org or register online.
Thank you for your generosity, your friendship, and your dedication to liberty!
Sincerely,
Joseph L. Bast
President
