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 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 2019-2021 Officers
Chair
|
Vice Chair
|
Treasurer
|
BIFEC 2019-2021 Executive Committee
Ben Jackson
Illinois Bankers Association
|
Betsey Evans
Ameren Illinois
|
Mark Grant
NFIB
|
Susan Hilton
Illinois Association of School Boards
|
Julie Sullivan
Illinois Realtors
|
Laura Minzer
Illinois Life Insurance Council
|
Kevin "KJ" Johnson
Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association
|
Nick Reitz
Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives
|
Michael Henry
ComEd
|
Rob Carney
Past Chair
Caterpillar |
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 2013 - 2015 John Henriksen, Vice Chair 2015 - 2017 Dan Eichholz 2017-2019 Rob Carney |