The Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation is proud to announce Kinder Morgan as the Presenting Sponsor of the inaugural Illinois Civics Bee State Finals, taking place on July 31, 2025, at the University of Illinois Springfield.
The National Civics Bee, a partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, brings together middle school students from across Illinois to showcase their understanding of civics, government, and the importance of active citizenship. The event aims to inspire the next generation of civic-minded leaders and strengthen civic literacy in our communities.
“The National Civics Bee is important because it allows students to exhibit their renewed interest in civics.” Allen Fore, Vice President, Public Affairs at Kinder Morgan stated. “As a judge, I am most excited to see the students display their exceptional knowledge of the basic tenets of our government.”
Kinder Morgan’s generous support has made this milestone event possible,
helping to elevate academic achievement and foster deeper civic engagement among Illinois youth. “We are deeply grateful to Kinder Morgan for their investment in this important initiative,” said Lou Sandoval, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. “Their partnership exemplifies how public-private collaboration can help cultivate a more informed and engaged democracy.”
As presenting sponsor, Kinder Morgan continues to demonstrate its commitment to education and community development throughout the state and beyond. The Civics Bee is more than a competition; it’s a platform to empower young people to understand their role in democracy and take an active part in shaping their communities. With support from companies like Kinder Morgan, this program is poised to grow and create a lasting impact in years to come.
For more information about the Civics Bee or to learn how to get involved, please contact Jill Vancil at: jvancil@ilchamber.org.
About the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to advancing free enterprise and strengthening Illinois’ economy through research, education, and leadership development. The Foundation promotes civic literacy, workforce preparedness, and innovative policy solutions that foster a competitive business environment and empower future leaders across the state.
About Kinder Morgan
At Kinder Morgan, we believe our neighbors, governments, and communities play an important role in how we conduct our business. We strive to build and maintain healthy relationships throughout the areas where we operate. Kinder Morgan is committed to making community engagement a priority, fostering collaboration and trust for the future of the communities we serve.