The Business & Industry Federation of Economic Concern (BIFEC) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization composed of regional and statewide businesses, trade and professional associations, corporations or corporate departments interested in staying informed on Illinois business issues.

 The term “BIFEC” was first used in April 1975 to promote a major statehouse gathering: The Businessmen’s March on Springfield (IL).  The march advocated concern and changes in Illinois Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Compensation Laws.  Thereafter, BIFEC evolved as a coalition of corporations & management associations concerned about legislation impacting the business community. 

BIFEC provides a forum for quality discussion on business issues and only meets when the General Assembly is in session in Springfield, Illinois. BIFEC does not advocate any specific positions or policy.


BIFEC 2025-2027 Officers

Chair
Laura Minzer  

Illinois Life & Health Insurance Council 

Vice Chair
Nick Reitz 

Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives 
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Treasurer
India Hammons

Ameren 

BIFEC 2025-2027 Executive Committee

Megan Peck 

Community Bankers Association 

DeShana Forney 

People's Gas / North Shore Gas 
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Chris Coleman 

Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois 

Matt Wells 

Mid West Truckers Association  

Staci Wilson 

Illinois Municipal Utilities Association  ​

Ben Whipple 

Thirds Reading Consulting Group, Inc. 

Maurice Scholten 

Taxpayers Federation of Illinois 

Randy Nehrt 

Illinois Broadband & Telecommunications Association 
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Mark Raney 

Illinois Farm Bureau 

Luis Diaz-Perez 

ComEd

BIFEC was incorporated in 1979 and the following members have served as Chairpersons

1977 - 1978 Phil Redick 
1978 - 1981 C. Ben Pitcher 
1981 - 1983 Charles Knittle 
1983 - 1987 Robert Walters 
1987 - 1989 Ronald Hoffman 
1989 - 1991 David Sykuta 
1991 - 1993 Donald Defoe 
1993 - 1995 Darcy Davidsmeyer 
1995 - 1997 Jay Shattuck
1997 - 1999 Joan Parker
1999 - 2001 J. Barry Johnson

2001 - 2003 Donald Schaefer
2003 - 2005 Keith Sias
2005 - 2007 Thomas Walters
2007 - 2009 Kim Maisch
2009 - 2011 Brad Babcook
2011 - 2013 Randy Mitchelson
2013 - 2015 Scott Humbard
2015 - 2017 Dan Eichholz
2017 - 2019 Rob Carney
2019 - 2021 Matt Hart 
2021-2023 Deno Perdiou
2023 - 2025 Liz Hobart