On July 11, 2009, the Chicago Young Republicans (CYRs) received two prestigious national awards at the biennial Young Republican National Convention (YRNC) in Indianapolis.
The YRNC took place in Indianapolis from July 8 to July 12 and included a Saturday Night Awards Ceremony at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Based on activities throughout 2008, Chicago Young Republicans walked away with two major awards. First, the CYRs were awarded Outstanding Event 2008 for Election Night 2008, an 800-plus person event boldly held at the Hilton Chicago across from Grant Park where the Obama campaign held its election night victory party. Second, CYRs received the Outstanding Large Club Award which recognized the CYRs for their growing membership rolls, club activities in support of the Republican Party and variety of speakers and issues highlighted at meetings. CYR Immediate Past President, Keely Drukala accepted the awards on behalf of the organization.
“Three years ago, the CYRs were recognized as the Outstanding Small Chapter of the Year,” said YRNF General Counsel Rick Veenstra. “It’s amazing to see how far they’ve come since then. I am very proud of them and what they have accomplished. They truly have built one of the best chapters in America.”
“It has not been easy,” said Jeremy Rose, CYR President. “Living in Obama’s backyard during 2008 certainly presented a challenge, but these two awards demonstrate that there are Republicans in Chicago that want to be involved. We are honored to have won the two awards. This recognition would not be possible without our dedicated CYR members.”
The YRNC featured high profile speakers including Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele who kicked off the convention on July 8th, as well as Republican Conference Chairman Congressman Mike Pence (IN-6), Republican Policy Committee Chairman Congressman Thadeus McCotter (MI-11) and Illinois’ own Congressman Aaron Schock (IL-18), the youngest member of Congress who recently headlined a summer membership event for the CYRs on June 29. Each delivered energizing speeches to the nearly 1,200 attendees from across the United States.
The CYRs created a buzz throughout Chicago and across the country with their “Dare to be Right” Membership ad campaign and events such as the Tax Day Tea Party on the Tall Ship Windy at Navy Pier. “With momentum like this, the CYRs will continue to make headlines in the future.” Says Illinois YR Chairman, Dennis Cook. Cook was elected to the position of YR National Committee Auditor during the convention.
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