Book Your Stay at Hyatt House Chicago – Medical \/ University District:<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBook Your Room\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t Call the reservations line at 1-888-591-1234 using code G-CMDX<\/strong> for the group rate.\u00a0 Cutoff date for group rate:\u00a0 February 14<\/strong>th<\/strong>, 2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of energy as the Illinois MBDA Business Center presents our 3rd Annual Business Summit: Next Generation Leaders and the Future of Energy,\u00a0March 13, 2025, hosted at Malcolm X College in Chicago! We are thrilled to invite you to join us once again for this incredible event! After the success of last year’s summit, we’re making this year’s event even bigger and better!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCheck Out the List of Speakers\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t In the current environment, what will technology advancements look like in the coming years?<\/p>\n Opening Remarks:<\/strong> Andre Wallace, Vice President, Business (Supplier) Diversity, Constellation Energy<\/p>\n Speakers:<\/strong><\/p>\n Moderator:<\/strong> Dr. Regina Smith ED, IL MBDA Business Center<\/p>\n \n \n \n \n\t\t\t\t\tMatchmaking Sessions | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\tVendors Open | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\tBusiness Stage #1 | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t In partnership with Value Innovation Technologies (VIT) the IL MBDA has created an online shopping space for its members to connect with large corporations, institutions of education, health care, municipalities and more. Featuring innovators and creators, Cy Kennedy, Founder, Value Innovation Technology and Mark Newsome, Value Innovation Technology<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tBusiness Stage #2 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 PM<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t Understanding how to access grants, loans, credit lines, venture capital funds, crowdfunding and certification.<\/p>\n Featuring:<\/p>\n Panel Guide: Dr. Regina Smith, ED, IL MBDA Business Center<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tLunch is Served | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\tMain Stage Event #2 | 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t Focusing on the skills and expertise needed to move forward in a tech-forward industry.<\/p>\n Speakers:<\/strong><\/p>\n Moderator:<\/strong> Nisha Floyd, VP of Woodforest Bank<\/p>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t\t\t\t\tMain Stage Event #3 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t This focus of this session is on shaping policy, the future of energy, and the next generation of energy leaders.<\/p>\n Speakers:<\/strong><\/p>\n Moderator:<\/strong> Terrie Simmons, Operator, IL MBDA Business Center<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tMain Stage Event #4 | 3:40 PM – 4:55 PM<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t Featuring opening remarks by MBDA Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce. This segment will feature shared insights on programs, changes, and what is on the horizon for women, disabled, veterans, and groups that will support in business growth and development.<\/p>\n Speakers:<\/strong><\/p>\n Moderator:<\/strong> Kim Jean Louis, Operator Orlando Florida MBDA Business Center<\/p>\n Closing Remarks:<\/strong> Terrie Simmons IL MDBA Operator<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\tVIP Awards Reception “Women IN Power: Shaping the Future of Work” | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t After the summit closing remarks, we’ll transition to the VIP Awards Reception in honor of Women’s History Month – Women in Power: Shaping the Future of Work.<\/strong><\/p>\n The awards reception will be hosted at the H-Bar located at Hyatt House Chicago-Medical\/University District, 1835 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612<\/strong><\/p>\n Admission is included\u00a0<\/strong>in the All-Access Pass, or stand-alone tickets may also be purchased.<\/p>\n\t Attending the Business Summit could be a game-changer for you! Explore the benefits of joining us as we delve into top sectors like renewable energy, carbon capture, energy efficiency (including green construction), smart grid and ICT solutions, critical infrastructure cybersecurity, climate disaster recovery solutions, electric vehicle and smart transportation technology, and more.<\/p>\n This summit is your gateway to networking and seizing opportunities in these thriving industries. Don’t miss out on the chance to revolutionize your business!<\/p>\n Take a look at what previous attendees have said:<\/p>\n\t![\"MBDABackground](\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MBDABackground-1.png\" "\\"MBDABackground")
\n\tMarch 13th, 2025 8:00AM – 5:00PM<\/strong><\/h3>\n\t
Colegio Malcolm X<\/strong><\/h3>\n
City Colleges of Chicago<\/strong><\/h3>\n\t
SPONSORS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
![\"Constellation](\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Constellation_logo-300x120.png\"){kind=logo}
\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"City](\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/COA_logo-300x120.png\"){kind=logo}
\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image001-3-300x52.png\"](\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image001-3-300x52.png\")
\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Walker-Miller-300x100.png\"](\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Walker-Miller-300x100.png\")
\t\t\t\t\t\n\tABOUT THIS EVENT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\t
SUMMIT MAIN ACTIVITIES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\tRegistration Opens | 8:00 AM<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCollapse<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\tBreakfast and Vendor Visits | 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\tMain Stage Event #1 | 8:50 AM – 10:00 AM<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExpand<\/i><\/a>\n\t
Innovation and Technology: How are AI, EVs, and Solar shaping the Economy and Creating Jobs in Innovation?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\t
\n
Strategic Exceptions & Illinois MBDA Marketplace Launch<\/h3>\n
Accessing Capital & Contracting to Build Capacity<\/h3>\n
\n
Manufacturing Leadership Roundtable Discussion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\t
\n
\nEngagement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nEnergy Leadership Roundtable Discussion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\t
\n
Federal, State, Municipal and Local Agency Contracting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\t
\n
Women’s History Recognition and Reception: Women IN Power- Shaping the Future of Work<\/h3>\n
\n
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND<\/strong><\/h2>\n\t