200 Chicago IT Executives, i.c.stars alumni, sponsors and board members to discuss
key IT workforce capabilities, network and more

Chicago, IL (April 24, 2008) — Members of the Chicago Information Technology (IT) community are set to gather on Thursday, May 1, to discuss global trends affecting the IT workforce, meet i.c.stars alumni, sponsors and board members, and learn about the i.c.stars internship program while being immersed in the group’s innovative culture.

Roughly 200 C-Level IT executives, i.c.stars alumni, sponsors and board members are expected to attend this year’s intimate event, which will feature more than 38 different simultaneous roundtable discussions, also known as “High Teas” at i.c.stars. i.c.stars High Tea events are an integral part of the leadership training program in which interns host a technology leader from the Chicago community. The interns interview the professionals they invite to tea in order to gain knowledge and learn from the experiences of an industry veteran. Some of the prominent executives participating and sponsoring this year’s Capitalize event include Brad Anderson, CIO, Hewitt Associates; Patricia Coffey, VP, Allstate Insurance Company; Edward Earl, CIO, Littelfuse; John Golden, CIO, C.N.A. Insurance; Susan Malisch, CIO, Loyola University Chicago; Barbara O’Malley, SVP, Northern Trust; and Joe Phillips, CIO, Integrys Energy Group.

According to i.c.stars Special Events Chairperson and CIO of the MPEA, Ellen Barry, Capitalize on Illinois is designed to facilitate a dialog about the changing economic conditions and how they’re affecting the local IT workforce.

“As IT leaders and educators in Illinois, i.c.stars believes it’s imperative to keep the local IT workforce competitive in a global economy,” Barry said. “The event is also a fantastic opportunity for i.c.stars interns and alumni to meet and learn from people in the IT industry, as well as for those in the industry to learn about our program and the value our graduates can bring to their businesses and communities.”

Along with a celebration of Chicago’s C-Level IT leaders, and High Tea discussions, i.c.stars will present its Alumni Award to a deserving alum who has demonstrated strong community leadership since graduating from the internship program. Fundraising from the event will enable i.c.stars to deliver on its mission to help develop future IT and community leaders.

Capitalize on Illinois will be held at the Hilton Chicago on Thursday, May 1, from
7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tickets cost $95. For more information on the event, go to http://events.icstars.org/. Media is invited to attend complimentary and is asked to contact Eric Lannert for specific details.

About i.c.stars
Formed in 1999, i.c.stars is a non-profit organization in Chicago for adults with a high school diploma or GED. Using project-based learning and full-immersion teaching, i.c.stars provides opportunities to develop skills in business and technology. i.c.stars’ goal is to develop 1,000 Community Leaders by 2020.

i.c.stars places 100 percent of its qualified graduates in jobs with average annual earnings of $35,700. Before completing the program, participants typically earn around $16,600. In 2006, i.c.stars partnered with DePaul University to ensure that all i.c.stars alumni are admitted to the CTI and SNL Bachelors of Science program. Learn more on the Web at www.icstars.org.