Attention speechwriters in and around Chicago: Chris Close from Allstate wants to start an informal organization for Chicago-area speechwriters—corporate, non-profit, government, freelance, etc.—similar to the Washington Speechwriters Roundtable and the New York Speechwriters Roundtable. The purpose of the group would be both networking and creating opportunities for professional development. Suggestions and ideas on how to do this are most welcome. If you are interested in being a part of such a group, contact Chris at christopher.close@allstate.com. He’ll collaborate with those who are interested to organize the group.