* Todd Maisch started working for the Illinois Chamber back in 1994, eventually rising up the ranks to take over as President/CEO in 2014. I’ve known him and his wife Kim for what seems like forever. My heart goes out to his family. He was just 57 years old.

From the ILGOP…

“Todd Maisch was a champion for the business community in Illinois and will be deeply missed. He devoted his career working to building up small businesses, enact sound policy that energized local economies, and reduce the undue burdens that Illinois businesses and employers face. Our prayers are with his family during this difficult time” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy.

This post will be updated.

…Adding… House Republican Leader Tony McCombie…

Todd Maisch was a fierce advocate for Chambers and job creators around Illinois, as well as a devoted friend to me and our caucus. On behalf of the Illinois House Republicans, we extend our deepest condolences to Kim, their two boys and the many he has touched over his many years of service and friendship. He will be missed!

* Comptroller Susana Mendoza…

“I am so heartbroken to hear the news about Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch passing away at 57. His departure leaves such a void in Illinois. He worked so hard to find bipartisan approaches to grow Illinois businesses. He understood we are all in this together. I treasure the time I spent with him, listening to him, speaking to his board. Democrats and Republicans around the state should all take a moment to honor Todd Maisch today for his advocacy for Illinois businesses. Our condolences go out to his wife and sons. May he rest in God’s peace and eternal glory.”

* Senate President Don Harmon…

“Todd Maisch was a statehouse fixture and synonymous with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. A fierce defender of and astute negotiator for the business community, Todd was also a genuinely likable person who could find the path forward among adversaries. He departs this world far too soon. My sympathies and thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

* House Speaker Chris Welch…

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Illinois Chamber of Commerce President, Todd Maisch.

“Todd was a fierce champion for the business community and an integral part of major policy wins for our economy, namely the Blue Collar Jobs Act and the historic Rebuild Illinois capital bill. Though Todd and I often found ourselves at opposite ends of policy debates, I knew he was driven by an adoration for our state and a sincere commitment to doing what he believed was right.

“I send my condolences and prayers to his family, friends, and the Illinois Chamber community. May your memories bring you comfort during this time of mourning.”

* Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea and Secretary-Treasurer Pat Devaney…

“We are saddened to hear of Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO’s Todd Maisch’s passing.

Todd was a veteran of the statehouse and will be greatly missed. Although we often sat across the table from each other on issues, we always worked to put our differences aside and find common ground to build a better Illinois for everyone.

Our hearts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

* Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora)…

“I am so sorry to hear of Todd’s passing. I have known Todd since I joined the Senate in 2007. We worked well together as we shared a passion for encouraging and empowering business development. He was a steadfast advocate for Illinois businesses of all sizes. He will be missed by many, and my thoughts are with his family.”

* Senate Republican Leader John Curran…

“The business community is losing a champion for working people throughout our state with the passing of Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch. Todd dedicated his career to building a stronger business climate and a stronger Illinois and he and his work will be greatly missed. My prayers are with his family.”

* Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association…

The Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association is saddened by the passing of Todd Maisch, and extends condolences to his friends and family. The transportation industry lost a great ally. Todd spoke clearly about the importance of transportation infrastructure to keep our economy moving. He championed investments in transportation and was key to making the Rebuild Illinois program a bipartisan win. Todd and the Illinois Chamber also worked with a diverse coalition in championing the enactment and enforcement of the Safe Roads Amendment to the Illinois Constitution to end diversions of transportation revenues once and for all. Todd expanded the traditional reach of the Chamber by working with labor and progressives on advancing economic opportunities for Illinois and its citizens. Todd Maisch made a difference. He will be missed.

* Illinois Manufacturers’ Association…

“On behalf of manufacturers across Illinois, we mourn the loss of Illinois Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Todd Maisch, who dedicated his career to strengthening the business community and bettering our state. We offer our sincerest condolences to his wife Kim and his two children, as well as the many colleagues who will carry on his memory and mission.”

* Gov. JB Pritzker…

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Todd Maisch’s passing. Throughout his career, he worked to advance proposals to grow the state’s business community, big and small. He was passionate about making Illinois a better place to live, work, and do business and he leaves behind a storied legacy of service.

MK and I send our deepest condolences to Todd’s friends and family during this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing.”

* Attorney General Kwame Raoul…

“Todd Maisch spent decades working tirelessly to bring business opportunities to every region of Illinois. I had the opportunity to work with Todd on various issues as a state legislator and as Attorney General. We may not have always agreed on policy perspectives, but Todd was always a gentleman and maintained an appropriate tenor during often-tense negotiations. His legacy will be one of service to the state of Illinois, and he will be missed.

“My heart goes out to Todd’s colleagues at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and my prayers are with his wife Kim and their two sons.”