Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit Heads to Las Vegas with Inspiring Lineup of Trailblazing Speakers
The Women of Power Summit, BLACK ENTERPRISE premier leadership event dedicated to advancing Black women in corporate America, is returning to Las Vegas in 2025 at the iconic Bellagio Hotel & Casino from March 5–9, 2025. This empowering, four-day event will gather thousands of influential women from across the country for an unforgettable networking experience, professional development, and celebration of excellence.
Gov. Pritzker Announces Investments in Freedman Seating Company’s Chicago Manufacturing Facility
Governor JB Pritzker joined Freedman Seating Company and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to announce new investments in the company’s Chicago manufacturing facility that will create 50 new full-time jobs and retain 676 full-time jobs. Freedman Seating Company’s $4 million investment in capital expenditures, bolstered by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement, will enable the company to make site improvements to accommodate new manufacturing equipment at its nearly 100-year-old facility in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.
EAT Chicago Releases New Report on Guaranteed Income
Equity and Transformation (EAT) Chicago has released its latest report, “Chicago Future Fund: The Impact of Guaranteed Basic Income on the Lives of Post-Incarceration Individuals,” this morning, February 3, 2025. The report features original research into the impact of guaranteed basic income on recidivism, physical and psychological well-being, and income volatility. It also highlights the experiences of participants in EAT’s guaranteed income program.
ComEd Announces $100 Million in EV Rebates Now Available to Boost Charging and EV Adoption Across Northern Illinois
ComEd joined a variety of local and industry stakeholders at the annual Chicago Auto Show to announce that it has made $100 million in rebates available to help more customers take steps toward electric vehicles (EVs) in 2025. To reduce upfront cost barriers to EVs, the rebates cover three distinct programs: residential EV charger and installation costs, all-electric fleet vehicles and business and public sector make ready charging infrastructure. ComEd EV investments are available for residential, business and public sector customers, and are designed to equitably provide funding for communities to promote the widespread adoption of EVs in Illinois.
Chicago Cultural Center New Play Residency Offers Funding and Support for New Play Readings in Time for Chicago Theatre Week
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is pleased to announce the four awardees of the Chicago Cultural Center New Play Residency. The selected works will be showcased with free public readings during Chicago Theatre Week and February 22-23, 2025, at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Studio Theater (78 E. Washington St).
ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL SHARES BEST PRACTICES FOR DEVELOPING PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Attorney General Kwame Raoul encouraged families, educators and other professionals working with children to plan online safety education programs and share best practices for developing effective programs.
BOXVILLE ANNOUNCES 2025 “STEP UP YOUR START-UP” PITCH COMPETITION TO SUPPORT LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS
Boxville®, Chicago’s first shipping container marketplace and small business incubator, is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2025 “Step Up Your Start-Up” Pitch Competition. This initiative is designed to empower local entrepreneurs by providing business development support, operational space and financial assistance to scale their ventures.
South Side Healthy Community Organization’s Health Care Model Aims To Improve Access
An organization dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes and access on the South Side of Chicago is continuing the mission it began three years ago.
Rep. Robin Kelly Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Preterm Births
U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent preterm births with U.S. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Shontel Brown (OH-11) and Jen Kiggans (VA-02). The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2025 will improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health by continuing federal research, education and intervention activities to reduce preterm birth and infant mortality.
Gov. Pritzker, Illinois EPA Announce $58 Million in Grant Funding for Electric Public Transit Buses
Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as officials from Pace and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), to celebrate the award of two grants totaling $58 million (Pace, $27 million; RTA on behalf of CTA, $31 million). The funding will be used to purchase all-electric Class 8 public transit buses – replacing older, higher-emitting buses with 57 new, advanced technology, zero-emission buses (27 Pace buses and 30 CTA buses). The projects are funded through the State’s allocation from the Volkswagen (VW) Settlement.
Activating Civic Changemakers: Prominent Chicago Leaders Chosen for Distinguished Civic Leadership Fellowship
Leadership Greater Chicago (LGC) proudly announced today the seventh cohort of The Daniel Burnham Fellowship. This year, 28 accomplished CEOs and senior executives from region’s leading corporate, nonprofit, government, cultural, and educational institutions will participate in this transformative program, designed for executives to urgently impact the region’s workforce and economic progress in their roles as leaders and decision makers.
Northern Illinois Community Initiatives announces new name: Nicor Illinois Community Investment
Northern Illinois Community Initiatives, one of the foundations supported by Nicor Gas, is proud to announce its new name as Nicor Illinois Community Investment (NICI). NICI was formed with contributions from Nicor Gas and its parent Southern Company Gas in 2021 to directly support economic impact in under-resourced communities in Northern Illinois. NICI’s new name signifies the growing impact of the foundation since its inception, retaining the signature logo and shorthand acronym that are familiar to its partners, while more closely collaborating with Nicor Gas in economic and community development across Northern Illinois.
Lincoln Unlocked brings new digital experiences to presidential library
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum launched Lincoln Unlocked, a digital tool that gives visitors exciting new ways to explore Lincoln’s legacy, see rare items from the library’s collection and even connect with family and friends to play games.
GOLDEN APPLE ANNOUNCES STACEY C. BOLTON TO SERVE AS NEW CHAIR FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Golden Apple, a non-profit committed to preparing, supporting and mentoring aspiring teachers, announced the appointment of Stacey C. Bolton, Northern Trust Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, Asset Servicing, to the position of Chair of the Board of Directors. Bolton has been an integral part of the Golden Apple community for more than 10 years, offering invaluable insight and unwavering dedication to the organization’s mission of ensuring every student can learn from an exceptional educator.
Clerk Spyropoulos Launches Customer Service Survey
Clerk Spyropoulos launched a new customer service survey today, making it available to anyone online or at the office’s dozen public-facing locations across the county. The move is just one of many steps the new Clerk is taking to make the office more transparent, accountable and accessible since taking the oath of office in December.
Black Box Franchising & Stormi Banks Launch First-Ever Franchisor Grant to Empower Small Businesses
With over 33 million small businesses in the U.S. but fewer than 4,000 franchise brands, Black Box Franchising, the nation’s premier franchise development firm is on a mission to close the gap by making franchise ownership more accessible, and as such, has partnered with renowned entrepreneur and business strategist Stormi Banks to launch the nation’s first-ever Franchisor Grant, an unprecedented initiative designed to help small business owners scale their brands into national franchises. The $5,000 grant is available to small business owners within the United States interested in franchising their businesses and who submit their applications by Friday, Feb. 28. Interested applicants can apply on the Black Box Franchising website: blackboxfranchising.com.
Ballet 5:8 Presents Struggle and Resilience: Amplifying Black and Latina Women in the Arts at the Kehrein Center for the Arts
Ballet 5:8 proudly announces Struggle and Resilience: Celebrating Black and Latina Women in the Arts, a groundbreaking evening of dance, spoken word, and music. Taking the stage at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, this production highlights the artistry, struggles, and triumphs of women who remain underrepresented in the world of classical ballet, particularly in Chicago.
City Colleges of Chicago Foundation Held a Celebration of Black Learner Excellence, Shared Best Practices that Are Increasing Black Student Achievement and Celebrated Three People Who Have Shown Leade
The City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) Foundation held a Celebration of Black Learner Excellence at Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Street in Chicago)on February 13, 2025 to share how, along with its incredible partners and through its learning agenda, it is successfully supporting students, resulting in improved student outcomes, especially for Black students. In doing this work, City Colleges is putting students on the path to upward mobility and generational wealth.
DEI Expert Talks About Navigating Companies and Employees Through DEI Policy Changes
Natalie E. Norfus is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Expert, founder of The Norfus Firm and host of the What’s the DEIL podcast. Norfus said that the acronym DEI has been villainized and weaponized, but that villainization and weaponization doesn’t dig into what DEI actually is.
