James Balcer

Former Chicago Alderman & Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran

Travels From Travels From:
Chicago, IL, USA
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James Balcer Biography

James Balcer has spent his life serving his country, serving his community, advocating for veterans, overcoming adversity and helping thousands of people to achieve their goals. He is an accomplished public speaker with an impressive track record of communicating with diverse audiences, inspiring others to take action, arguing for important causes and living by the U.S. Marine Corps motto, “Always faithful”.

Balcer grew up in Chicago as the oldest of six children, overcoming poverty and a number of other struggles that forged him into a combat-decorated Marine veteran, elected official and community leader. After serving in the Vietnam War where he was wounded on three separate occasions (later receiving the Bronze Star with Combat V Device), Balcer returned home to learn that veterans were facing serious challenges. They faced daily harassment for serving during the time of a controversial war and encountered considerable difficulty in finding jobs and other vital necessities. By participating in the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Parade, he developed an interest in public service, yet still struggled to find good employment while dealing with the stigma and negative perceptions of the Vietnam War.

After completing two associate degrees and a bachelor’s, he decided it was time to turn his interest into a mission. In order to do something meaningful not just for himself but for all veterans, Balcer became a Chicago alderman to serve a large urban constituency. Alderman Balcer served four consecutive elected terms representing the 11th Ward and its 50,000 residents. As one of the most visible districts of a major city, it had a fair share of problems. Balcer involved himself in all of them, either spearheading or supporting a variety of laws, ordinances and policies, and serving on critical committees to help build a safe, thriving and equitable community. These efforts had a considerable and direct impact on his constituents, ranging from government purchases, loans and financial decisions to environmental protection and community/business development. Most significant, however, is the work he did in veteran and military affairs, building consensus, partnerships and coalitions to address issues of housing, employment, public accommodation and credit, including legal actions to overcome severe discrimination toward veterans. Balcer was a public face for these causes, not only hosting meetings, speeches and speaking events but also generating substantial media coverage to bring awareness to such critical issues.

James now speaks to various groups and organizations about personal and professional success, issues pertaining to military service, business topics and other issues. He has delivered noteworthy presentations on local television programs and events for both city and federal law enforcement agencies. He has been formally recognized with certificates, plaques and awards from Chicago’s Mayor, the U.S. Small Business Association and the Department of Defense, among others. James speaks at veterans' events and community gatherings, educating audiences regarding patriotism, military support and remembrance. In addition, he produces original content on several social media platforms and quickly became an influencer who energizes and inspires people to work toward personal improvement and common goals.

James Balcer is very proud of his military service, public service and advocacy, but at the end of the day, he is primarily a family man and veteran who enjoys speaking about his experiences and helping people to achieve success. He has an innate ability to connect and communicate with audiences from all walks of life, and he is thrilled to continue passionately using his voice to serve the public.

James Balcer Videos

  • James Balcer and Jeffery Gray Part 2 of 2
    Today I sat down with my friend Jeffery Grey and we talked about the Chicago Navy memorial at Navy Pier.
  • James Balcer anf Jeffrey Gray Part 1 of 2
    Today I sat down and talked to my friend Jeffery Gray and we talked about the Chicago Navy memorial at Navy Pier.
  • An Interview with Former Police Commander Gene Roy
    Former Chicago Police Commander Gene Roy and I sit down to discuss current issues facing the Chicago Police Department, including police support and...

FAQs on booking James Balcer

  • How do I book James Balcer to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like James Balcer for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for James Balcer, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for James Balcer or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for James Balcer

    Speaking fees for James Balcer, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book James Balcer are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire James Balcer, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does James Balcer speak about?

    James Balcer is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Government, Human Resources, Military, Overcoming Adversity, Peak Performance, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Veterans.
  • Where does James Balcer travel from?

    James Balcer generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is James Balcer’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like James Balcer for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book James Balcer for your next private or corporate function.
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James Balcer is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book James Balcer for your event is $5,000 - $10,000. James Balcer generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Larry Walsh, Dave Carey, Brandon Rumbaugh, Erik Therwanger and Rocky Bleier. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling James Balcer for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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