Sweet Home Chicago...

Thanks to the Illinois Section Local Arrangements Committee, and especially to Mark Rinnan and Peter Lemmon for hosting a wonderful conference at an exciting venue. The Hard Rock Hotel provided us with convenience to great food, shopping and nightlife -- as well as unexpected opportunities to say we were in the building at the same time as Ringo Starr, Snoop Dogg and the group Good Charlotte!

The technical sessions were excellent, and provided a lot of useful information to all who attended. Each of the keynote speakers provided us with glimpses of all that is happening in Chicago -- the bid for the 2016 Olympics; the improvements to O'Hare; and the continuing struggles for increased transportation funding that is common not only in Illinois but throughout the nation.

Those of us who attended the MWITE Board Meeting got a lot accomplished. We also benefited from being able to share the accomplishments from other sections, which will encourage further opportunities for involvement at all levels within our district.

Those of us who stayed for the Cubs game enjoyed the camaraderie that ensues from beer, brats and baseball! Wriglley Field is all about fun!

Thank you, Chicago, for being gracious hosts, and allowing us to invade for four days! We look forward to our return!