CIVIC LEADERSHIP
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM
South East Chicago Commission (SECC), with presenting sponsor Allstate, will host its 7th annual regional economic development symposium focusing on economic growth and prosperity of small businesses.
The 2025 SECC Southside Connection Symposium is 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 will attend the Symposium at The David Rubenstein Forum. #seccsymposium2025
2025 Southside Connection Symposium
Connect. Collaborate. Thrive.
Friday | October 10, 2025
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
SECC is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Donations are welcomed.
Overview of Events
- Doors Open / Check In
- Coffee & Breakfast Bar
- Business Resources Tables
- Opening Remarks
- Keynote Conversation
- Break: Quick Connections
- Public Sector Panel
- Drawing & Wrap Up
This year’s Southside Connection Symposium will focus on exploring the South Side advantage—why the South Side is a uniquely powerful place to live, work, and do business. The Symposium, themed “Connect. Collaborate. Thrive.,” will highlight opportunities for business development, reveal shifts in the local marketplace, and spotlight transformative investments in the southeast Chicago commercial corridor.
Starting the Day
The 2025 SECC Southside Connection Symposium begins with registration check-in, casual networking, photos with friends and colleagues, access to business development resource tables and a light continental breakfast by BARDAVID to jumpstart the day.
Keynote Conversation
Unlocking the South Side Advantage
This conversation explores how the South Side’s unique assets, energy, and investments can be leveraged to fuel business growth and economic resilience. Guest speakers will inform the audience about the opportunities presented by new developments, the power of cross-sector collaboration, and strategies to ensure that growth is inclusive and community-centered. What needs to happen to propel the South Side forward into its next level of thriving—for businesses, residents, and the region at large?
Moderated by Leroy Brown, Jr. General Manager, Hyatt Place Chicago South/ University Medical Center, this session features:
- Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates, Senior Pastor, Progressive Baptist Church and Salem Baptist Church of Chicago
- Dorri McWhorter, President & CEO of the Executives’ Club of Chicago
- John Roberson, EVP of the Obama Presidential Center
Public Sector Panel
The Power of Connection & Collaboration: A Conversation with Local Elected Officials
The Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) will moderate this insightful “State of the State” Aldermanic forum featuring a conversation about how South Side businesses can develop stronger ties and strategic partnerships. This panel will explore collaborative opportunities to achieve mutual growth, amplify community impact, and navigate the evolving landscape of Chicago’s South Side for collective success.
Elliot Richardson, the Co-Founder and President of the Small Business Advocacy Council, will lead the discussion with a special selection of Southside Chicago elected officials including Pat Dowell, 3rd Ward, Lamont Robinson, 4th Ward, Desmon Yancy, 5th Ward, and Jeanette Taylor, 20th Ward.
Special Thanks To The 2025 Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities
SECC welcomes your collaboration and partnership and invites you support the Symposium. Choose between one of the sponsorship tiers or customize your partnership. Check out the guide to see some of the available options.
LOOKING BACK AT THE 2024 SYMPOSIUM
Thank you to everyone who registered and attended, our incredible collection of speakers, the SECC board and staff, our volunteers and all of our partners and sponsors who contributed to the success of last year’s Symposium.
Special Thanks To The 2024 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.