By Ed Lowe
Senior Writer
The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association (GNMAA) underwent an "extreme makeover" at its annual meeting held on Feb. 28 at the Museum of Contemporary Art. A new Board of Directors was elected along with new officers. Conducting the meeting was the new CEO of the organization, John Maxson, who has taken over the reins of the organization from retiring Russell Salzman.
The new officers installed at the meeting of the 91-year-old organization include Rick Roman, head of the Signature Restaurant on the 95th Floor of the Hancock building. He has assumed leadership of the organization from Basil M. Krumelow, head of the Talbott Hotel Group. Krumelow had served the organization for the past two years. Other officers installed include David B. Ritter, Administration and Legal Counsel; Ronald V. Waters, Secretary; and David M. Quinnert, Treasurer. In addition, new directors were elected.
The organization, consisting of businesses and professional groups which have their offices or retail units on or near North Michigan Avenue, accounts for an amazing $1.75 billion in annual sales. Their contribution to the City's economy is obviously impacted by the fact that the Avenue is a major tourist attraction. It was pointed out that few, if any, other cities can point to the crowds who stroll along the Avenue well after stores close in the summertime and window shop.
A surprise guest at the meeting was a former TV star and portrayer of Sheriff Wyatt Earp, Hugh O'Brian, a Chicago native and still a resident of the north suburbs. O'Brian was on hand to talk about his group, HOBY, a leadership development organization designed for high school sophomores. In its 47th year, HOBY has worked with 345,000 youngsters who have participated in the program designed to identify and encourage leadership potential among this group of youngsters.
GNMAA gives annual awards in several categories. Winner of this year's Corporate Member Service Award was Concierge Preferred Magazine. The Development of the Year award went to the Hard Rock Hotel for its renovation of the old Carbon and Carbide Building on North Michigan Avenue. Business Impact of the Year Award was received by Lumina, Inc., a firm which organized the fireworks and light shows that enhance the image of the GNMAA service area.
The Individual Member Service Award went to a past president of the organization, Holly Agra, whose Chicago First Lady Cruises offer one of the City's major tourist attractions. Finally, the Chairman's Choice Award went to David Quinner of Ad Compensation, who serves the organization as its Treasurer and who was responsible for filling a major management role during the interregnum period as a search was conducted for a new CEO last year.
The business meeting was followed by a buffet dinner prepared by chef Wolfgang Puck and a viewing of the current exhibition at the Museum. |
