OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RICHARD M. DALEY
MAYOR
April 13,2011
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Together with Alderman Rugai, I transmit herewith a resolution honoring the life and memory of James Tyree, Mesirow CEO and philanthropist.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Very truly yours,
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Members of this Chamber learned with great sadness that James C. Tyree, one of the Nation's leading entrepreneurs and philanthropists,, passed away on March 16, 2011, at the age of 53; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 30,1957, Mr. Tyree, the youngest of seven children, grew up in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood, where he attended Saint Barnabas Elementary School and Marist High School. Working a variety of jobs that included selling stereos, caddying and driving a forklift to help pay for his education, Mr. Tyree earned a bachelor's degree in 1978 and a Master's degree in 1980 from Illinois State University; and
WHEREAS, The quintessential Chicago success story of overcoming a difficult childhood through hard work.and dedication to become one of the City's most successful businessmen, in 1980, Mr. Tyree joined Mesirow Financial, a diverse financial services company, as a research analyst, and quickly rose through the ranks to become President in 1990, Chief Executive Officer in 1992, and Chairman in 1994, a position he served in until his death; and
WHEREAS, During his tenure, Mr. Tyree led Mesirow to exceptional levels of growth in all areas of the business, including acquisitions of numerous firms such as Stein & Company, a premier real estate organization, Near North Insurance Brokerage's Chicago office, Dann Insurance, and the United States Corporate Recovery Practice from KPMG LLP; and
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WHEREAS, In 2009, Mr. Tyree led an investment group that took the Chicago Sun-Times' parent company out of bankruptcy, and in 2000, Mr. Tyree was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley ...
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