AAA Chicago Celebrates a Century of Service

Historic Chicago Motor Club Turns 100-Years-Old in 2006

AURORA, Ill., Feb. 16 -- Not many companies can tout a 100-year existence. This year, AAA Chicago, more widely known as the Chicago Motor Club, joins the elite ranks of companies that have thrived for the last 100 years.

"AAA's great legacy is our service to the AAA member," says Brad Roeber, AAA Chicago Regional President. "Everything we do in insurance, travel and automotive revolves around providing the best value and service to the member. And, I truly believe that our focus on our members -- particularly our advocacy for them as motorists and on matters of traffic safety -- is the underlying reason why our organization has maintained its relevancy for more than 100 years."

Founder Charles P. Root received the charter for his beloved CMC on August 26, 1906. From a handful of members -- mostly automobile enthusiasts -- back then, to more than 850,000 members today, CMC's regional territory spans Illinois and northern Indiana. To summarize the impetus for the organization, Root once wrote in personal memoirs that he formed the club with the mission of standing "for all that is good and against all that is bad in motoring."

The Chicago Motor Club formally joined the American Automobile Association (AAA) shortly after it was created. (Chicago is also the birthplace of AAA national, which was formed in 1902, and today, boasts over 48 million members throughout North America.)

The rich legacy that anchors CMC's Midwestern roots also includes public service among other milestones. For instance, past CMC president Charles M. Hayes is the creator of Safety Patrol -- a concept that gave birth to the school crossing guard. Safety Patrol was formed in 1920 after Hayes witnessed an auto accident involving a pedestrian attempting to cross an intersection. Today, AAA Safety Patrol encompasses thousands of elementary schools across the country and is over 500,000 patrollers strong.

In addition to its longstanding commitment to advocacy, AAA represents an evolution of trusted member benefits like Diamond ratings; TripTiks, the AAA American Express and Visa credit cards; and home, auto, and life insurance services -- and the pioneering CMC is among its flagship clubs with a century- old heritage of service to members and America's motoring public.

For more information on any aspect of AAA Chicago's breadth of service including AAA's home, auto and life insurance products; travel-related services, AAA's Show Your Card & Save program; and/or any AAA membership service including emergency roadside assistance, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-877-YOUR AAA (968-7222).

Formed in Chicago in 1906, AAA Chicago, also the Chicago Motor Club, represents roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues. AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 48 million members in the United States and Canada.