Inland Receives the "Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award"

OAK BROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. (“Inland”) announced today that it received the “Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award” at the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce (OBCC) 2013 Annual Meeting & Awards Breakfast. Inland received the distinguished recognition for encouraging and promoting an environment that facilitates the unlimited growth and advancement of women.

“We are honored to receive this award and recognition from the Oak Brook Chamber,” said Nora O'Connor, director of Inland Human Resources, Inc. “Inland has always sought to create an empowering work environment for all employees, including women. In fact, currently 61 percent of our workforce is female, and 40 percent of our executive officers are women. Additionally, many of Inland's female executives have received numerous awards from industry associations recognizing their contributions to the industry.”

Employees such as Dayle Gillett, vice president of public relations, was the recipient of the National Association of Women Business Owners' “Influential Women in Business Life Achievement Award;” Brenda Gujral, president and a director of Inland Real Estate Investment Corporation, was the recipient of Midwest Real Estate News' “Hall of Fame” award; Cathy Lynch, chief financial officer of the Inland Real Estate Investment Corporation, was recently promoted to the board of directors of Inland's parent company, The Inland Group, Inc.; and JoAnn McGuinness, president, chief operating officer of Inland Real Estate Income Trust, Inc., and a member of The Inland Group, Inc. board, was recognized by Real Estate Forum's “40 Under 40.”

“Our many talented and award-winning women also serve as role models and mentors,” said O'Connor. “Recently, we have successfully implemented a female mentoring program where our female employees can network, share their personal and professional stories and help one another aspire to greater accomplishments.”

About The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc.

The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies is comprised of independent legal entities, some of which may be affiliates, share some common ownership or have been sponsored and managed by subsidiaries of Inland Real Estate Investment Corporation. Inland companies cumulatively employ more than 1,400 people nationwide and own and manage, in total, over 87.4 million square feet of diversified commercial real estate in 47 states, as well as managed assets in excess of $20.2 billion.