SR0622 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0622 LRB093 22651 HSS 52275 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the Ninety-Third General Assembly were saddened to learn of the passing of Launa Thompson of Oak Park on Sunday, June 20, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Launa Thompson was a native of Detroit, Michigan, and earned her B.A. in sociology and vocational rehabilitation from Wilberforce University in Ohio and a master's degree in guidance counseling from the University of Cincinnati; and

WHEREAS, Launa Thompson switched from social work to sales in the 1970s and had her first radio job with what was then WVON/WGCI Radio in 1980, later working for the Gannett Corporation, Black Entertainment Television, and two other radio stations, before returning to WGCI as national account manager in 1994, where she was promoted to general sales manager in 1996; and

WHEREAS, Launa Thompson led WGCI AM/FM to become the top billing radio station in Chicago for advertising sales revenue in 1999, and a top billing station in the country, and was named manager of the three Clear Channel Chicago stations, WGCI-AM/FM and WVAZ-FM in November; and

WHEREAS, Launa Thompson, as manager of Chicago's top-rated music station, was named the ninth most powerful woman in Chicago media by the Chicago Sun-Times, and one of the most influential African Americans in radio by the trade publication, Radio Ink; and

WHEREAS, Launa Thompson did volunteer work for Wilberforce Alumni Association, League of Black Women, Black Ensemble Theatre, American Women in Radio and Television, Friends of LaRabida Hospital, and Midwest Women's Center; helped raise money for Wonder Works children's museum in Oak Park; and was active in the Apostolic Church of God; and

WHEREAS, Launa Thompson received the Kissei Award and was recognized by "Dollars and Sense" magazine, "Radio and Records", and the Broadcast Advertising Club of Chicago; she was a public speaker and mentor for many individuals aspiring to enter the broadcast sales arena; and

WHEREAS, Launa Thompson served as a role model for women and minorities, and is remembered for her caring nature, charm, extraordinary people skills, and as being an easygoing boss who inspired loyalty; and

WHEREAS, Launa Thompson's passing was deeply felt by many, especially her husband, Abe Thompson; her son, Phoenix; her mother, Daisy B. Gaines; and her many colleagues, friends, and family; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the death of Launa Thompson; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Launa Thompson as an expression of our sorrow for their loss.