CEA annual Christmas party a time for cheer as torches are passed.
photos by Gerry Adams
Approximately 40 members of the venerable Chicago Elevator Association (CEA) converged from throughout Chicagoland on The Clubhouse at Oakbrook Center in Oakbrook, Illinois, on December 1 for the association’s Christmas party. The more-than-100-year-old association has held its annual holiday party at The Clubhouse for several years. With softly glowing lamps, a black-and-white checkerboard floor and historical photos adorning the walls, The Clubhouse has been an ideal location for not only parties, but also CEA monthly meetings. However, the end of 2021 marked the end of that, with the venue closing its doors for good. Adams Elevator Equipment Co. General Manager Gerry Adams said during the 13-plus years he’s been in the industry locally, CEA has held its Christmas party at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in Lombard, the Stonewood Ale House in Schaumburg and, on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, the Chicago Sports Museum and the Dana Hotel. Members are currently shopping locations for upcoming parties and meetings.
In addition to the end of The Clubhouse era, the evening party officially marked the end of Adams’ CEA presidency, with the torch being passed to Joe Bolton of Lakeland/Larsen Elevator Corp. and TJ Milici of Urban Elevator Service as vice president. Adams was presented with a plaque by Tom Przybyla of Parts Specialists, Inc., thanking him for his years of service from 2018-21.
Party attendees enjoyed a dinner featuring prime rib, fried shrimp, meatballs, crab cakes, bacon-wrapped scallops and marinated chicken skewers along with, naturally, some stiff drinks. Door prizes were raffled, with one of the top prizes being a Woodford Reserve gift set (including bourbon whiskey and glasses) snagged by Matthias Springer of EPCO (Elevator Products Corp.). Since he couldn’t travel back to New Jersey with the booze, Springer kindly gave the set to Adams. Przybyla also purchased a Sugar Island rum set and a vodka martini gift set that were raffled.
As CEA looks to future Christmases, Adams said, “I have no idea where the 2022 party will be, but I’m sure Joe and his team will have it at a fun spot!”
Gerald “Gerry” Adams is general manager of Chicago-based Adams Elevator Equipment Co. With more than 20 years’ experience in industrial sales and marketing, he holds a mechanical engineering degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, and an MBA from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.
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