ArrowStream Chairman and CEO Steven LaVoie is showing slight improvements after he was injured Thursday during a shooting at his office in Chicago's Loop.
Updates on LaVoie's condition are being posted at the Caring Bridge web site, and according to a post at about 8:30 p.m., the victim was listed in critical condition and was out of surgery.
His wife, Jody, was expected to be able to visit with him within the hour, according to the site.
LaVoie's condition was upgraded to critical after he was initially described as "grave."
Those who know the successful business entrepreneur call him an upstanding family man.
"He's a great guy. He's a nice guy and a family man," said one emotional neighbor who wished to remain anonymous. "Just a great guy."
A woman at the family's La Grange home, who described herself as a caretaker who's been with the family for 15 years, said LaVoie's wife, Jody, was with him at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
"I can't believe it. You don't hear about that kind of stuff around here. It's terrible," said neighbor Daniel Foley. "They're great. Good family."
Shooting in Chicago's Loop
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LaVoie's family issued the following statement at about 6:30 p.m.:
"A horrific personal tragedy has happened today to two families. The family of Steven LaVoie would like to thank the staff and doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Chicago law enforcement personnel for their ongoing and tireless efforts on behalf of Steven. Thank you to our family and friends for your outpouring of love and support. Our thoughts are also with Steven's extended family, the employees of ArrowStream, who mean so much to Steven. Finally, our prayers are with the other family affected by this tragedy."
A vigil was held at the family's place of worship, First Presbyterian Church of La Grange Thursday.
Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy said that LaVoie was shot in the head and the stomach at the ArrowStream Offices at 231 S. LaSalle Street and was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital with "grave injuries."
McCarthy said it was an isolated incident and likely retaliation from an employee who was demoted recently.
"What we have here is a workplace violence issue. Apparently there's a technological company on the 17th floor. They've been undergoing a downsizing. They've demoted a number of people."
The below clip, provided to NBC 5 by Supply Chain Quarterly, shows LaVoie discussing his business in 2012.
According to a profile on Arrowstream.com, LaVoie founded the company, which provides supply chain management solutions for the food service industry, in 2000.
ArrowStream released a statement on the shooting at around 3:45 p.m.:
"This morning, a shooting occurred at ArrowStream’s 231 S. LaSalle Street office involving CEO Steven LaVoie and an ArrowStream employee. We are deeply saddened and shocked by the events that have occurred today. Our focus during this tragedy is to ensure the well being of our ArrowStream family. We want to assure our customers that our business continuity plan is in place, and our operations will continue to function normally. We appreciate the concern and care expressed by so many."
LaVoie, who earned a Master's degree from Yale University, is married with three daughters, and, among other activities, serves on the Board of of the Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis.
