Chicago Community Ventures Blog

Chicago TechExpo

Chicago TechExpo is a one day conference and exposition that provides relevant training and education, to allow business owners to learn how they can use technology in their operations, streamline administrative tasks, market their business and increase sales.

The conference provides educational tracks to empower businesses to use technology to advance strategic goals:

• Workshops ranging from web development to e-commerce
• Online strategies to increase revenue
• Expert advice on new innovations
• Technology solutions that impact business growth
• Tools to manage business more efficiently
• Face to face discussions with about 100 technology companies
• Live technology product demonstrations
• Raffle prizes and free giveaways

Who should attend:

• Business owners
• Start-up businesses
• Established businesses
• Individuals thinking about starting a business
• Anyone establishing a home business
• Businesses looking to position themselves for the upturn

October 1, 2009 - UIC Forum
725 W Rossevelt, Chicago, IL 60608
9:30am - 4:00 pm
Early registration: $35 (onsite cost $50)

Learn more or register here.

NBMBAA Entrepreneurial Institute - Coming to Chicago

Whether you're starting a business or building your current one, the NBMBAA Entrepreneurial Institute City Tour has something for you. The tour will be in Chicago on May 30th. Read below for a brief synopsis of workshops being offered.

Track 1: The Start-Up

I Want to be an Entrepreneur... Finding the Business Model that Fits You
With the economy at a record low and so many companies cutting personnel, many people are seriously exploring entrepreneurship as a viable option for their future. Should I start a business from scratch? Should I find a partner? Is owning a franchise a good option for me? Should I purchase an existing business? Find out how to determine your best model and get going.

The Certification Process: What's that all About?
Aside from starting your business, you have to get business, which may require you to have certain certifications. Understanding the differences between the certifying agencies and the pros and cons of being certified is not only cost-efficient, but can be important to the success of your company.

Track 2: Growth

Finding the Customer, Keeping the Customer – Effective Sales Strategies
Having a great product or service is only one key to maintaining a successful business. All entrepreneurs must understand the importance of customer identification and retention, especially in a down economy.

Growing a Business... Gaining Access to Capital
Scale does matter. Knowing how and when to use capital as a tool for business growth often can determine the success prospects of your business. A fundamental understanding of the resources available can lead to opportunities for expansion, but you must learn how to position your company for its growth early.

For more information on the NBMBAA Enterpreneurial Institute, click here.

Business Civic Leadership Center's National Conference on Corporate Community Investment

Business and Community Leaders to Convene in Chicago to Address Communities' Needs and National Economic Recovery
By Kitty Taylor, Sr. Manager of Communications, U.S. Chamber Business Civic Leadership Center

Our nation's new economic realities and 21st century challenges demand that communities rethink their strategies for growth, well being, and competitiveness.  Corporate citizens are part of the solution, helping communities lessen the negative consequences of the recession and offering resources that help communities survive and grow.

Business, community and government leaders from across the country will convene in Chicago on May 3-5, 2009, to discuss how to meet 21st century community needs and accelerate economic recovery.  The unprecedented meeting will take place during the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center's National Conference on Corporate Community Investment.

Presidents and other executives from Fortune 500 companies and corporate foundations will discuss innovative strategies that strengthen communities, foster sustainability, and bolster the bottom line.

Expert speakers and conference participants will cast light on the practices and partnerships already in place in American communities.

Chicago as a Success Story

During the conference, Chicago will be showcased as a success story in public-private partnerships.  With the city celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Burnham Plan, competing for the 2016 Olympics, and making progress on its 2020 plan, conference registrants from across the nation will learn what Chicago has done well to prepare for 21st century competitiveness and success.

Led in discussion by BCLC Executive Director Stephen Jordan, guest speakers in this session will include:

• Jerry Roper, CEO, Chicagoland Chamber
• Paul O'Connor, Former Executive Director, World Business Chicago, Director, Burnham Plan Centennial, Chicago Metropolis 202
• John C. Landgraf, Senior Vice President, Abbott
• Eileen Sweeney, Executive Director, Motorola Foundation

Mayor Daley has been invited to deliver luncheon keynote remarks, and Sari Macrie, vice president of corporate affairs for Allstate, will offer her thoughts on the role of the private sector in the future of Chicago. 

A sampling of the other conference topics includes:

• Leading Issues in Community Development
• Why and How Companies Should Invest in Meeting the Needs of Individuals in their Communities
• Why and How Companies Should Invest in Community Sustainability and Future Development
• Growing your Business while Developing the Community
• Skills-based Volunteering
• Turn Excess Inventory into Strategic Community Investments
• Partnering with Local Chambers

We at BCLC believe that during tough times, like this recession, the strength and value of business' social investments shine through. We also believe that conferences such as this provide key opportunities to network with new people and organizations that can help make corporate citizenship programs more effective, especially at a time when it is more important than ever to be united in strengthening American communities.

Please join us in Chicago to gain information and share your experiences on corporate community investment.  Full conference details are available on BCLC's website.  Conference registration also allows participation in our celebratory reception on the evening of May 4th, when the 2nd annual Siemens Sustainable Community Awards will be presented by three U.S. Communities.

Chicago Southland Economic Development - Upcoming Events

24th Annual Business Expo and Conference
April 23rd, 2009
Tinley Park Convention Center
18501 S. Harlem, Tinley Park, IL 60477

24th Annual Business Expo
Free admission to show floor and afternoon workshops!

Breakfast Keynote
Mayoral Panel
Moderated by: Lisa Aprati of Comcast Newsmakers

Networking Luncheon
Speed Dating for Business
Promote your business to new prospects

Afternoon Workshops
Learn how to "Go Green" in a practical way!

Details for this event can be found here.
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CSEDC Quarterly Economic Development Forum
Save The Date:  April 24th, 2009

Topics Will Include:
Third Airport and High Speed Rail in the Chicago Southland
Regional Retail Development Opportunities
Chicago Southland Green Pattern Book

Check back to Chicago Southland Economic Development's website for more details on this event

2009 National Conference on Corporate Community Investment

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center
National Conference on Corporate Community Investment:
Accelerating Community Development

InterContinental Chicago
505 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL

May 3-5, 2009

Overview:
Because of its emphasis on bringing the corporate citizenship community together with federal government leaders, along with mayors, community partners, chambers of commerce and "for benefit" companies, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) National Conference on Corporate Community Investment has already earned a reputation for creating new relationships, solving problems, and developing new strategies to help national organizations get things done for local communities.  This year's conference will discuss:

• How national companies can build partnerships to cushion the blow of the economic crisis on local communities
• Develop local, state, and national policies and operational strategies for accelerating the economic recovery of local communities
• Showcase partnerships, tools, and techniques to promote sustainable development in the future
• Offer unique silo-busting, cross-sector networking and partnership-building opportunities

More information on this exciting conference can be found here.