Although far removed from the Northeast IIllinois Council, I still know a number of people who are quite well plugged in there. Yes it is a council that serves some of the wealthiest communities in the Chicago area, but the money they raise doesn't come easy. They have been trying for years to raise a capital campaign with limited success. From what I have heard was that the NEIC while party to the merger talks, simply did not see any benefit in joining up with the other councils. Three Fires Council ( western suburbs) also said no thanks. NEIC might have joined had there been guarantees