4th Annual Chicago Southwest Economic Summit
We’re thrilled to share that the 4th Annual Chicago Southwest Economic Summit is back.
The Chicago Southwest Economic Summit brings together business, civic, nonprofit, education, and community leaders from across the region. On Thursday, September 10, we’ll continue that tradition with a day of conversation, connection, and ideas focused on the future of Chicago’s Southwest Side.
Participation is complimentary, with coffee, pastries, and lunch provided for attendees. Advance registration is required.
Theme: Planning Through Change
The Next Chapter for Chicago’s Southwest Side
Communities across the Southwest Side are navigating changes in investment, workforce needs, manufacturing, philanthropy, access to capital, and regional development. This year’s Summit will bring together leaders from across sectors to explore how businesses, institutions, and communities can respond to those changes and create new opportunities for businesses and residents.
The morning program will feature insights from regional leaders including:
Erin Aleman, Executive Director, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Xochitl Flores, Bureau Chief, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development
Dr. Isaac Zúñiga, President, Richard J. Daley College
Adrian Soto, Executive Director, Greater Southwest Development Corporation
The morning conversation will explore regional planning, economic development, investment, resources, partnerships, and what changing conditions across the Chicago region mean specifically for the Southwest Side.
Following the opening program, attendees will select from breakout conversations focused on:
Community Development Strategies for a Changing Southwest Side
How Small Manufacturers Can Protect Margins and Keep Growing
Accessing Capital in a Changing Economy: Funding Opportunities for Entrepreneurs, Manufacturers, and Small Businesses
Philanthropy in Uncertain Times
Featured breakout speakers and moderators include:
Eduardo Aguilar, Old National Bank
Manny Flores, President and CEO, SomerCor
Angelica Garcilazo, Small Business Owner and State Farm Insurance Agent
Josh Grodzin, Regional Manager, Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center
Christine James, Director of Real Estate and Community Development, Greater Southwest Development Corporation
Jim Longino, Director of Industrial and Business Services, Greater Southwest Development Corporation
Ryan Priester, Senior Program Officer, Chicago Commitment, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
Cyrus Rivetna, Rivetna Architects Inc.
Sendy Soto-Zavala, Mesa Visionary Strategies
Dan Tollefson, Chicago Community Trust
Giovanni Valdez, Development Director, Greater Southwest Development Corporation
Mike Yucuis, Northeast Regional Manager, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Dan Zarco, Arcorp Structures
Additional speakers and program participants will be announced.
Join business leaders, community organizations, educators, workforce partners, elected officials, philanthropic leaders, and residents from across the region for a day of conversation, connection, and collaboration.
The Summit will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski Road in Chicago. Registration and coffee begin at 8:00 AM, with the program starting at 9:00 AM.
Summit Schedule
8:00 AM
Registration, Coffee, and Networking
9:00 AM
Welcome and Opening Program
9:15 AM
Planning Through Change: Regional Perspectives and Conversation
10:30 AM
Networking Break
11:00 AM
Morning Breakout Sessions
12:00 PM
Lunch and Networking
12:45 PM
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
1:50 PM
Summit Closing and Final Reflections
2:00 PM
MTEC Tour, Networking, and Photo Opportunities
2:30 PM
Summit Concludes
Networking and Refreshments
The Southwest Economic 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.
Coffee, pastries, lunch, session transitions, and other informal moments will offer opportunities to meet business, civic, philanthropic, education, and community leaders from across the region.
Our Venue and Summit Partner: Richard J. Daley College
The Southwest Economic Summit will take place at Richard J. Daley College, located at 7500 S. Pulaski Road.
The program will be held in the college’s Main Building, which connects to the Manufacturing Technology and Engineering Center through a pedestrian bridge.
Following the program, guests are invited to participate in a guided tour of MTEC, Daley College’s award-winning, 52,000-square-foot facility dedicated to advanced manufacturing and engineering education. The tour will offer an inside look at the college’s role in preparing students for the region’s evolving workforce and supporting Chicago’s manufacturing economy.
The MTEC tour begins at 2:00 PM following the Summit’s closing remarks.
Summit Organizer: Greater Southwest Development Corporation
Since 1974, Greater Southwest Development Corporation has served as a catalyst for community-driven investment, helping generate more than half a billion dollars in neighborhood development and renewed opportunity across Southwest Chicago.
Through business support, workforce development, industrial retention, commercial corridor revitalization, real estate development, and strategic partnerships, GSDC works to strengthen the communities and economies of the Southwest Side.
The annual Southwest Economic Summit brings together leaders from across sectors to exchange ideas, build relationships, and advance opportunities for long-term growth and investment.
Select the Register button at the top of the page to reserve your complimentary registration.