The Illinois Chamber of Commerce has a new president and CEO.
Lou Sandoval’s career has taken him from the biotech industry through marine sales through business consulting, and he says that’s prepared him for his new position.
“I realized at a really early age in advocating whether I was in pharma or in running my own business that you need to have a seat at the table, and you need to advocate on policy that impacts your livelihood,” said Sandoval.
Beyond advocacy, Sandoval says the concerns are attracting and retaining employees … leveraging technology, and navigating regulation.
“The intent of some of the policy is well-intended; it’s viewed as pro-worker in some cases,” Sandoval said. “The impact is that it can be at times onerous and cumbersome for businesses of different sizes to be able to manage it. I think we have to create an environment that works up and down that economic scale for all businesses.”
Sandoval succeeds Todd Maisch, who passed away this year.