Chicago Southwest Economic Summit
On Wednesday, November 12, the Greater Southwest Development Corporation, in proud partnership with Richard J. Daley College, will host our third annual Chicago Southwest Economic Summit. Join us for a series of discussions, informative panels, and breakout sessions with leading industry experts and professionals.
GSDC's goal with this Summit is to provide local businesses and community service organizations an opportunity to participate in workshops and attend sessions on several topics related to economic development in and around Chicago.
-Registration is free and open to the public
-Please be sure to fill out your name on registration as you would like it to appear on your name tag.
-Our venue and host, Richard J. Daley College, is located at 7500 S. Pulaski in Chicago.
Summit Timeline*
8:00 AM – Registration & Coffee
9:00 AM – Opening Remarks + Reflect, Reimagine, Rebuild Discussions
11:30 AM – Breakout Sessions I
12:30 PM – Networking Lunch
1:00 PM – Breakout Sessions II
2:00 PM – Photo Ops, MTEC Tour & Networking
Exact timing of remarks and sessions subject to change between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Opening Remarks + Reflect, Reimagine, Rebuild Speakers
Adrian Soto, Executive Director, Greater Southwest Development Corporation
Dave Girzadas, Dean, Advanced Manufacturing, Richard J. Daley College
Dr. Peggy Korellis, Interim President, Richard J. Daley College
Raul Raymundo, CEO, The Resurrection Project
Rebecca Motley, Vice President, Economic Development, World Business Chicago
Rudy Espinoza, CEO, Inclusive Action for the City
Breakout Sessions 1
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Smart Manufacturing on a Budget: Tech Tools for Cost-Sensitive Producers
Explore budget-friendly tech solutions that help manufacturers and businesses boost efficiency, adopt AI, and streamline operations.
Speakers:
Dave Girzadas, Dean of Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing, Richard J. Daley College
John Azara, Director, Client Engagement, IMEC Illinois
Paul Mitchell, Solutions Consultant, Wesco
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Navigating Funding Shifts: Building Resilience in Community Organizations
As federal and local funding landscapes shift, nonprofits are challenged to adapt while continuing to serve their communities. This panel will explore how nonprofit organizations and community development leaders are navigating funding uncertainties, reimagining revenue models, and building resilience. Panelists will share lessons learned, practical strategies, and tips for sustaining impact in the face of change.
Ana Agarrat - Director of People & Programs, AMPT
Jessi Ventura - Director Lending - Chicago, IFF
Jessica Nepomiachi - Managing Director, Real Estate Solutions, IFF
Moderator: Lisa May Simpson - Chief of Staff, Forefront
Breakout Sessions 2
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Business Resilience & Growth Strategies
A practical session for business owners and entrepreneurs focused on funding, growth, and navigating federal policy shifts.
Manny Flores, President and CEO, SomerCor
Martha Razo, CEO, Guero Pallet
Sacella Smith, Northeast Regional Economic Development Manager, IDCEO
Moderator: Jim Longino, Director of Industrial & Business Services, Greater Southwest Development Corporation
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Collaborative Solutions: Building Community, Impact and Resilience
Discussion on building local coalitions for economic sustainability by exploring collaborative resource-sharing, community-led responses to shifting funding, and mapping assets to strengthen long-term networks
Adam Engle, MBA, MA
Lotika Pai, Chief Small Business Officer, City of Chicago