HR0640 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0640 LRB098 14532 MST 49294 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to honor Sam Sanchez for his myriad of accomplishments within the business community and his devotion to the betterment of the neighborhoods in which he lives and works; and

WHEREAS, Sam Sanchez is the principal partner and oversees all facets of a multi-unit, multi-million dollar restaurant business, including operations and business development for 4 John Barleycorn locations and 2 Moe's Cantina locations; he currently serves as project manager for the Old Crow Smokehouse, a new barbecue concept under development in Chicago's Wrigleyville neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his restaurants, Sam Sanchez owns EMC Construction, a full-service construction company that handles both renovations of existing properties and new construction; he also owns Samco Enterprises, a staff management and personnel training company; and

WHEREAS, Sam Sanchez is very active in the hospitality community and the neighborhoods where his venues are located; he is the President of the Chicago Hospitality Association, a member and former officer of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, a current commissioner for the Lincoln Avenue Special Service Area, and a member and former officer of the Illinois Restaurant Association; he also is an active member of the River North Business Association, the Central Lakeview Merchants Association, the East Lake View Neighbors Association, the Schaumburg Business Association, the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association, the Downtown Leadership Club, and Club 42, and he serves on the host committee of the Chicago Leadership Club; and

WHEREAS, Sam Sanchez is presently working with the City of Chicago and community leaders to stimulate economic growth in the 43rd Ward; he has been a vocal participant in the development of projects that have a major impact on the neighborhoods; he is a board member of the Lakefront Sculpture Exhibit, a privately-funded, not-for-profit corporation that concentrates on enriching the community with public art projects while supporting local artists; originally focused on the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the program has now grown to encompass 5 Chicago neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, Safety and security is a top concern for Sam Sanchez and he is actively involved with the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy in the 44th, 43rd, and 42nd Wards, working with residents and the police department to identify and solve neighborhood problems; he was instrumental in laying the groundwork with city and State legislators for the Comprehensive Alcohol Responsible Retailing Act to help curb overconsumption and binge drinking by setting service standards for both retail and on-premise alcohol sales; and

WHEREAS, Sam Sanchez hosts many charitable events at his venues throughout the year; the 43rd and 44th Ward Annual Senior Summer Barbecues; the 43rd Ward Annual Senior Bingo Party; the 44th Ward Annual Children's Holiday Party; the Ugly Sweater Party, an annual food drive for the Greater Chicago Food Depository; Pinko de Mayo, an annual event benefitting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; and the Links Technology Cup, an annual fundraiser benefitting the Schaumburg Park Foundation; he also serves as a mentor and motivational speaker for Latino high school students with an interest in public policy and business as part of a mentorship program developed by Alderman George Cardenas; and

WHEREAS, Sam Sanchez has been married to Marga for 24 years and they have 3 daughters together, Samantha, Korina, and Camila; he enjoys entertaining at home and cooking for his family and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize and honor Sam Sanchez for all his accomplishments, thank him for his commitment to his community, and wish him the best in all his future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Sam Sanchez as an expression of our esteem and respect.