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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING TOM SKILLING'S CONTRIBUTIONS
WHEREAS, Tom Skilling has dedicated over four and a half decades to WGN-TV as its chief meteorologist, serving as a beacon of expertise and reliability for viewers across the Chicagoland area and beyond; and
WHEREAS, his illustrious career began at the tender age of 14 with his first job at WKKD radio station in his hometown of Aurora where he noticed the need for accurate local forecasts; and
WHEREAS, later he joined a TV station in Aurora and then moved to Milwaukee and Orlando before landing his dream job at WGN-TV in 1978; and
WHEREAS, demonstrating his exceptional talent and passion for meteorology early on, he has since become a trusted figure in the field, renowned for his in-depth reports, enthusiasm, and utilization of cutting-edge technology; and
WHEREAS, Tom Skilling is known for reporting in numerous terrains and unbearable conditions, such as, Alaska, Las Vegas, an ice-breaking ship in the middle of Lake Huron and famously chased by a tornado in Oklahoma in 2010; and
WHEREAS, his dedication to accuracy and reliability in forecasting has earned him widespread acclaim, exemplified by his accurate prediction of the Groundhog Day blizzard in 2011, showcasing his unparalleled skill and expertise in the field; and
WHEREAS, his role has been instrumental in establishing the Tribune Weather Center, which has enriched the meteorological resources available to the public through various platforms such as television, radio, and print media; and
WHEREAS, Tom Skilling has won multiple Emmys from the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and in 2018 accepted the Illinois Broadcasters Association “Broadcast Pioneer award;”and
WHEREAS, his renowned work as an educator and researcher has earned him accreditation through his collaborations with NASA, NOAA, and universities on climate change and other topics, in addition to funds he awards to a scholarship to assist a local college student each year; and
WHEREAS, his commitment to public outreach is further exemplified through his annual hosting of tornado and severe weather seminars at the Fermi National Accelerator Lab (Fermilab) for nearly four decades, as well as his extensive speaking engagements addressing climate change and environmental issues within the Chicagoland community; and
WHEREAS, one of his most esteemed accomplishments include the naming of asteroid 91888_Tomskilling, reflecting his significant contributions to meteorology and broadcasting, earning him the admiration and respect of colleagues and viewers alike; and
WHEREAS, accordingly, in 2023 Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced Tom Skilling as an Order of Lincoln recipient which commemorates Illinois residents who uplift communities in the state with their work; and
WHEREAS, Skilling's impending retirement in February of 2024 marks the conclusion of an extraordinary chapter in the history of WGN-TV and meteorology at large, though his legacy will continue to endure through the impact he has made on the lives of countless individuals throughout his esteemed career.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that on behalf of the President, the members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the 5.2 million residents of Cook County, this legislative body hereby extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Tom Skilling for his unparalleled dedication, professionalism, and contributions to the field of meteorology and broadcasting, and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body as a token of our esteem and gratitude acknowledging Tom Skilling’s exemplary service to WGN-TV and the Chicagoland community.
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