4th Annual SECC Symposium
South East Chicago Commission (SECC), with presenting sponsor Allstate, will host its 4th regional economic development symposium focusing on economic growth and prosperity of small businesses.
The business community continues to face a variety of challenges from inflation and rent increases to concerns about supply chains, the labor market and public safety.
The 2022 SECC Symposium is an independent forum focused on opportunities for business development, changes in the local marketplace, and investments in regional commercial corridors.
Chicago entrepreneurs, business executives, property owners, investors, practitioners and policy leaders are welcomed to join Saturday, October 8, 2022 for the online Symposium from 9:00 am – 11:30 am and a celebratory networking reception from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Little Black Pearl. #seccsymposium2022
Advance registration is required. Online Symposium access is FREE compliments of our sponsors.
Countdown to Live Symposium
Keynote Conversation
NBC5 Weekday Morning Co-Anchor, Michelle Releford will host the Keynote Conversation “The Art of Transformation: Reimagine, Grow, Sustain” in conversation with Gloria Castillo, Director, We Rise Together at The Chicago Community Trust and LaForce Baker, Vice President, Community Impact at World Business Chicago.
Collaborative investments in Black and Latinx communities are on the rise in Chicago, resulting in cutting edge programs, funding and initiatives that will help strengthen minority owned businesses on the Southside. This conversation will focus on recent investments, research and resources designed to accelerate an equitable economic recovery in the Chicago region.
1. Featured Session
Serial entrepreneurs are people who can repeatedly turn creative ideas into successful business strategies. This discussion dives into the journey from concept and capital to commercial space and we get insights from local entrepreneurs who have grown existing, well-established businesses and who have successfully expanded into new and exciting concepts.
Moderator
Sandra Bivens, Executive Director, 51st Street Business Association
Panelists
- Corey Gilkey, Founder, Leaders1354, Friistyle Chicago, Policy Kings LLC, and Chenille Factory Inc
- Yasmin Curtis, Owner, Two Fish Crab Shack
- Cecilia Cuff, Founder and CEO, The Nascent Group
- Rhonda McFarland, Executive Director, Quad Communities Development Corporation
2. Featured Session
The anchor session entitled “Procurement Opportunities in Chicago’s New Development” engages business owners to learn about contracts and the contracting process for Bally’s Casino, the Bronzeville Lakefront Project (formerly Michael Reese), and the ONE Central Project at McCormick Place.
Moderator
Phaedra Leslie
Vice President of Diversity, Workforce Development, and Community Engagement, ALL Construction
Panelists
- Kimberly Morris, Director of Real Estate and Community Development, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, Bronzeville Lakefront Project
Tracey G. Wiley, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bally’s, Chicago Casino Project
Gerri Harris, Area Director of Economic Inclusion, Gilbane Building Company
- Stuart Zadra, Executive Vice President and Partner, Landmark Development, ONE Central Project /McCormick Place
- Calmetta Coleman, Chief Operating Officer, Chicago Urban League
II. Networking Reception
South East Chicago Commission invites you to Part II of the 2022 SECC Symposium. This is an opportunity to meet, greet and network in person. Appetizers are provided by Carver 47. Shall We Wine will inform and engage you with a wine tasting experience. Little Black Pearl will host all guests in the Black Wall room. Click to Register for the Reception.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
RECEPTION REQUIRES SEPARATE REGISTRATION FROM THE ONLINE SYMPOSIUM.
Special Thanks To This Year's Sponsors
SECC is a Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) granted by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. As an NBDC delegate agency, SECC provides assistance in the development of small businesses in Chicago, serves as liaison between local businesses and the City of Chicago, and delivers local business development services.