During the first three decades of its existence the Illinois Business Hall of Fame selected role models in four categories — laureates, fellows, situational role models and local business heritages. In each category a panel of 20 to 30 university faculty members and related professionals evaluated the credentials of candidates and made the final selections. Persons selected were required to have a record of noteworthy business accomplishment. They were required to meet the ethical standards of business conduct of their times and places. They were chosen on the basis of whether or not their business career offered a role model example for students or whether or not a certain part of their business career did so. Persons chosen for membership were awarded a PLEDGE OF TRUSTEESHIP by means of which the IBHF pledged to devote its energies and resources to keeping the role model story alive in college and high school classes throughout Illinois.

When the IBHF merged with the American National Business Hall of Fame that organization assumed responsibility for the selection process. As a result, candidates selected for the IBHF are now automatically also selected for the ANBHF.

If you are interested in nominating someone for the Illinois Business Hall of Fame, contact Western Illinois University Libraries. The contact information is as follows:

Western Illinois University Libraries
Macomb, IL 61455 (309)298-2705