Robert L. Wharton, president and chief executive officer of the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County was honored as “Business Man of the Year” during the 2008 Minority Business Expo held earlier this month.
Robert L. Wharton, president and chief executive officer of the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County was honored as “Business Man of the Year” during the 2008 Minority Business Expo held earlier this month. The event was held at Governors State University in south suburban University Park.
Wharton has been at the helm of the social service agency for over a decade.
The distinguished honor puts him in company with ComEd Chairman and CEO Frank Clark and Luster Products President Jory F. Luster, past recipients of the award.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized for the great work that CEDA has done over the years and the commitment we have to the communities we serve,” Wharton said in a written statement.
CEDA has long been known for community development through its small business loans programs. Since taking over as the agency’s top executive in 1997, Wharton has expanded the agency’s programs and services to form Chicago’s largest one-stop shop for social and economic services.
CEDA is one of the nation’s largest non-profit organizations that serves more than 375,000 individuals each year and operates over 40 programs throughout Cook County in the areas of education, housing, economic development, family and children services, health and nutrition, and several others.
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