'CEO Unplugged' to feature Rick Jakle March 23
Find out how former Fox Valley Broadcasting president Rick Jakle defines his leadership style by attending the next Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce popular series, "CEO Unplugged," sponsored by the Grand Victoria Casino. The luncheon will be held Thursday, March 23, in the Fox River Room in the Grand Victoria Casino pavilion, 250 S. Grove Ave. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with buffet luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Questions and networking to follow. Reservations can be made online at elginchamber.com or call the chamber office for information at (847) 741-5660.
The "CEO Unplugged" luncheon gives attendees the opportunity to learn what made this CEO successful and adapt his/her leadership tips into your own business. The format includes an informal interview followed by a quick fire-round of questions and an opportunity to ask questions! Guests will walk away with tidbits of advice from Jakle to implement in their own business.
Jakle has been involved with radio since he was 14 and came to WRMN-AM 1410 in Elgin as a 24-year-old broadcaster in 1966. He served as president of Fox Valley Broadcasting, a multi-state conglomerate of three radio stations including Elgin's very own WRMN, until he recently reached agreement to sell the stations to Pollack Broadcasting.
He is perhaps best-known in radio circles for creating and licensing the concept of the Radio Shopping Show, which first aired in 1982. Listeners call-in to buy gift certificates at value prices for anything from food at local restaurants to vacations and resorts. Versions of his Radio Shopping Show now air on stations across the country.
In addition to his career in radio, Jakle has been a banker since 1970 and is past president of the National Speakers Association. He served as board chair for Sherman Hospital for 20 years and remained on after Sherman's merger with Advocate Health Care. He has served on several bank boards and is one of the founding directors of First Community Bank.
Jakle now plans to travel with his wife, Sharon. The couple has two grown children and three grandchildren. They intend to make Elgin their home for most of the year and Las Vegas for the remainder of the year.
The CEO Unplugged luncheon series has focused on introducing the business community to local CEOs since 2012. The series is led by members of the Elgin Area Chamber special events committee: chair Pat Szpekowski, PR Strategies & Communications/PmS advertising, inc. and Jennifer Boyle, Manpower: Toni Diones, Winergy; Yvonne Irving, KCT Credit Union; Tena Robotham, Judson University, and Michael Storey, Beckatt Solutions.