Chicago Southwest Economic Summit

​We’re thrilled to share that the 3rd Annual Southwest Economic Summit is officially sold out, with more than 300 registrants! We look forward to seeing you onWednesday, November 12, 2025, at Richard J. Daley College (7500 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago). Registration and networking begin at 8:00 AM, with remarks starting at 9:00 AM.

​Below you’ll find key details to help you plan your day, including the schedule, parking, and campus entry information.

​​Parking + Arrival

​​The Summit is taking place in the Main Building at Richard J. Daley College (7500 S. Pulaski Rd)

​​Attendees are encouraged to park in the Student Parking Lot, located south of 76th Street. The lot provides convenient access to the Main Building, with a pedestrian bridge offering a quick connection from the Manufacturing Technology & Engineering Center (MTEC) to the Main Building.

​​Check out the updated event image to reference the parking map.

​​Campus Entry + Security Sign-in

​​All guests should be prepared to check in with campus security upon arrival and present a valid photo ID. Please allow a few extra minutes for entry before proceeding to registration.

​​Hospitality

​​Coffee and a light breakfast will be available beginning at 8:00 AM, and lunch will be provided at 12:30 PM for all attendees.

​​Networking

​​The Summit is designed to spark new connections and collaborations. We encourage you to introduce yourself, exchange contact information, and connect with fellow attendees throughout the day. Take advantage of coffee breaks, lunch, and other informal moments to meet business, civic, and community leaders from across the region.

​​Photography & Promotion

​​Photography and videography will take place throughout the Summit. By attending, you acknowledge that you may appear in photos or video captured during the event. Select content will be shared publicly following the Summit to highlight key moments and celebrate the day’s discussions.

​​Summit Timeline

​​8:00 AM – Registration & Coffee

​​9:00 AM – Opening Remarks + Reflect, Reimagine, Rebuild Discussions

​​11:15 AM – Break

​​11:30 AM – Breakout Sessions I

​​-Smart Manufacturing on a Budget: Tech Tools for Cost-Sensitive Producers

​​-Navigating Funding Shifts: Building Resilience in Community Organizations

​​12:30 PM – Networking Lunch

​​1:00 PM – Breakout Sessions II

​​-Business Resilience & Growth Strategies

​​-Collaborative Solutions: Building Community, Impact and Resilience

​​2:00 PM – Photo Ops, MTEC Tour & Networking

​​Our Venue + Summit Partner - Richard J. Daley College

​​The Southwest Economic Summit is taking place at Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski Road.

​​The Summit will be held in the Main Building, which connects to the Manufacturing Technology & Engineering Center (MTEC) via a pedestrian bridge.

​​Following the program, at 2:00 PM, guests are invited to join a tour of the MTEC, the college’s award-winning, 52,000-square-foot facility showcasing Chicago’s investment in advanced manufacturing and engineering education.

​​Summit Organizer - Greater Southwest Development Corporation

​​Since 1974, the Greater Southwest Development Corporation (GSDC) has been a catalyst for community-driven investment, helping to generate more than half a billion dollars in neighborhood development and renewed opportunity across Southwest Chicago. GSDC’s annual Southwest Economic Summit convenes leaders to exchange ideas, celebrate resilience, and advance strategies that strengthen local businesses and communities.

​​Extended Summit Timeline + Discussions

​​8:00 AM - 8:55 AM | Registration and Coffee | Hallway + Lobby

​​9:00 AM - 11:15 AM | Reflect, Reimagine, Rebuild Discussions | Theater

​​Opening Plenary

​​Dr. Peggy Korellis, Interim President, Richard J. Daley College

​​Dave Girzadas, Dean, Advanced Manufacturing, Richard J. Daley College

​​Adrian Soto, Executive Director, Greater Southwest Development Corporation

​​National Perspective from Locally Rooted Voices

​​Raul Raymundo, CEO, The Resurrection Project

​​Rudy Espinoza, CEO, Inclusive Action for the City

​​Regional Forecast for the Chicago Metro Area

​​Rebecca Motley, Vice President, Economic Development, World Business Chicago

​​Local Business Reflections for Southwest Chicago

​​Marcos Carbajal, Owner, Carnitas Uruapan

​​11:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Networking Break / Session Transition

​​Breakout Track O-1

​​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.

​​Location: Theater

​​Speakers:

​​Ana Agarrat, Director of People & Programs, AMPT

​​Jessica Nepomiachi, Managing Director, Real Estate Solutions, IFF

​​Jessi Ventura, Director Lending – Chicago, IFF

​​Moderator: Lisa May Simpson, Chief of Staff, Forefront

​​Breakout Track B-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. 

​​Location: Room 1205

​​Speakers:

​​John Azara, Director, Client Engagement, IMEC Illinois

​​Joshua Taylor, District Automation Sales Manager, Wesco

​​Dr. Steven Meneses, Executive Director, Manufacturing Technology Engineering Center (MTEC)

​​Moderator: Dave Girzadas, Dean of Advanced Manufacturing, Richard J. Daley College

​​12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | Networking Break/Lunch/Refreshments

​​Refreshment stations open in main hallway + cafeteria

​​Breakout Track O-2

​​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.

​​Location: Theater

​​Speakers:

​​Eddie Guillen, Executive Director, Community Innovation Center

​​Lotika Pai, Chief Small Business Officer, City of Chicago

​​Nila Diab, Chief of Staff, Chicago Commons

​​Moderator: Adam Engle, MBA, MA

​​Breakout Track B-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. 

​​Location: Room 1205

​​Speakers:

​​Manny Flores, President and CEO, SomerCor

​​Dr. Martha Razo, CEO, Guero’s Pallets

​​Sacella Smith, Northeast Regional Economic Development Manager, IDCEO

​​Moderator: Jim Longino, Director of Industrial & Business Services, Greater Southwest Development Corporation

​​2:00 PM - Photo Ops, MTEC Tour & Networking 

​​Final reflections, group photos, and a guided tour of the Manufacturing Technology & Engineering Center (MTEC), showcasing innovation in action. 

​​Networking Location: Lobby/Networking Zones 

​​Tour Location: Theater → MTEC 

​​2:30 PM - Event Concludes