For nearly 40 years, Richard A. “Rick” Simon has been the president and chief executive officer of United Service Companies (United). Under his leadership, United has blossomed from a few small accounts in Chicago to thousands from coast to coast. Mr. Simon is the current chairman of the Chicago Police Foundation and the former chairman of The Magnificent Mile Association. He has been an active member of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau since 1980, now known as Choose Chicago. Mr. Simon serves on the boards of Gateway Green, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, and the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association. In addition, he’s involved with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, the Society of Independent Show Organizers, and the Exhibition Service Contractors Association. Throughout his career, Mr. Simon has been recognized by his industry and peers with numerous awards and was named by Tradeshow Week as one of the most influential people in the trade show industry.