{"id":9282,"date":"2025-03-23T17:09:45","date_gmt":"2025-03-23T22:09:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/?page_id=9282"},"modified":"2025-04-13T16:13:19","modified_gmt":"2025-04-13T21:13:19","slug":"2025-business-summit","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/es\/se-business-service-center\/2025-business-summit\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Business Summit"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1><b>Check Out What Happened at Our Most Recent 3rd Annual IL MBDA Business Summit Powered by Constellation Energy!<\/b><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading='false' src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dewayne-Terrie.jpg\" alt=\"Dewayne and Terrie standing side by side.\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading='false' src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/City-of-Aurora.jpg\" alt=\"City of Aurora table.\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading='false' src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Garrett-Schafer-Williams.jpg\" alt=\"Garrett Schafer Williams.\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading='false' src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMB_0531.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Terrie talking to participant.\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading='false' src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMB_0735.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of participants sitting down at a table.\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading='false' src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMB_0790.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of speaker.\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading='false' src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMB_0662.jpg\" alt=\"Group photo of Towanda Livingston and other participants.\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading='false' src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMB_0754-Enhanced-NR.jpg\" alt=\"Terrie with participants side by side.\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading='false' src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMB_1066.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading='false' src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMB_1194.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading='false' src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMB_1115.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading='false' src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMB_1272.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" aria-label=\"anterior\" role=\"button\">\n<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" aria-label=\"Siguiente\" role=\"button\">\n<\/a>\n\t<p>Check out what happened at our\u00a0 most recent successful\u00a0\u00a0<b>3rd Annual\u00a0Business Summit powered by Constellation Energy. Learn how we can plan an event for you! click the link &amp; select trainings and workshops:\u00a0<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/contact\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1744660288613000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3EZozUDrkSgzQ29lu5K_xU\">https:\/\/<wbr \/>strategicexceptions.com\/<wbr \/>contact\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The 3rd Annual IL MBDA Business Summit was an incredible gathering of visionaries, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders focused on shaping the future of energy and fostering the next generation of business pioneers. With the generous support of our title sponsor, <strong>Constellation Energy<\/strong>, and additional sponsors <strong>Woodforest Bank<\/strong>,<strong> the City of Aurora<\/strong>, and<strong> Walker-Miller<\/strong>, this event delivered valuable insights, meaningful connections, and impactful opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>Our powerful <a href=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/illinois-mbda-2\/speakers\/\">speaker line-up<\/a> gave attendees a look into the future and of how their industries are preparing to lead future technologies. Each of them shared their passion and intentionality to support minority and women owned businesses&#8217; growth and sustainability.\u00a0 Special highlights of the summit were the breakout sessions with <b>Constellation Energy<\/b> y <b>Rock Creek Group<\/b>, which provided attendees with vital knowledge on contracting, certification and accessing capital through venture capital avenues-an essential resource for businesses looking to scale and innovate.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you to all who attended and contributed to making this summit a phenomenal success! We look forward to continuing the momentum and building an even brighter future together.<\/p>\n\t<h2><strong>Women IN Power VIP Reception<\/strong><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMB_1605.jpg\" alt=\"Women in Power Reception awardees.\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"1198\" width=\"1800\" title=\"IMB_1605\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t<p>The <strong>Women in Power VIP Reception<\/strong> was a standout moment, bringing together powerful women leaders for an evening of networking and empowerment. A heartfelt thank you to our dynamic Mistress of Ceremony, <strong>LaDonna Rhea<\/strong>, whose energy and enthusiasm set the tone for an inspiring gathering.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Meet the honorees who were recognized at this year&#8217;s VIP reception at the H- Bar, Hyatt House Chicago:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a id=\"ember1780\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/mayorkatrinathompson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Katrina Thompson<\/a> &#8211; Village of Broadview<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1781\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/barbarahernandez1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Barbara Hernandez, MPA<\/a> &#8211; Illinois State Representative 50th District<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1782\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/shirley-bassett-9b854a271\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shirley Bassett<\/a> &#8211; African American Coalition of Kane County Inc.<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1783\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jessicaashleygarmon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jessica Ashley Garmon<\/a> &#8211; The Will Group, Inc.<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1784\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/towandarlivingston\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Towanda R. Livingston<\/a> &#8211; Constellation Energy<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1785\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/nisha-floyd-81b78445\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nisha Floyd<\/a> &#8211; Woodforest National Bank<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1786\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/keely-h-55b09124\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Keely Hughes<\/a> &#8211; The JPI Group<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1787\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kathygilmorevia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kathy Gilmore<\/a> &#8211; Valley Industrial Group<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1788\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jennifer-morrison-0a72211\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jennifer Morrison<\/a> &#8211; Illinois American Water<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1789\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tremese-davis-40034111\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tremese Davis<\/a> &#8211; Nicor Gas<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1790\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/windsor-bonds-05054721a\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Windsor Bonds<\/a> &#8211; IL MBDA<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1791\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/vanessa-rhodes-bb6225197\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vanessa Rhodes<\/a> &#8211; Twenty Eleven Construction, Inc.<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1792\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/judithadawson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Judy Dawson<\/a> &#8211; Kane County Sherriff&#8217;s Office<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1793\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/stephanie-hickman-7648a310\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stephanie Hickman<\/a> &#8211; Trice Construction<\/li>\n<li><a id=\"ember1794\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/susanariveramills\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Susana Rivera-Mills<\/a> &#8211; Aurora University<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This is the inaugural reception launched by Strategic Exceptions in partnership with Illinois MBDA Business Center. The awards this year are based on women who have that special &#8220;something within them&#8221; that propels them to advocate, support and serve others in spite of the obstacles.<\/p>\n\t<h2><strong>SPONSORS<\/strong><\/h2>\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.constellation.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Constellation_logo.png\" alt=\"Constellation logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aurora.il.us\/Property-and-Business\/Business\/Business-Equity\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/COA_logo.png\" alt=\"City of Aurora Business Equity logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/wmenergy.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Walker-Miller.png\" alt=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Walker-Miller.png\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amwater.com\/ilaw\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/AMW_logo.png\" alt=\"Illinois American Water logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/thewillgroup.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/TWG.png\" alt=\"The Will Group, Inc. logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.woodforest.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image001-3.png\" alt=\"Woodforest National Bank logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n\t<h2><strong>PARTNERS, PARTICIPANTS, &amp; VENDORS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blue-Lake-Clean-Energy-Group.png\" alt=\"Blue lake clean energy group\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/broadview-il.gov\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Village-of-Broadview.png\" alt=\"Village of broadview logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.valueinnovationtech.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Value-Innovation-Technologies.png\" alt=\"VIT logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.valleyindustrialassociation.org\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Valley-Industrial.png\" alt=\"Valley Industrial Association\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/siu.edu\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Southern-Illinois-University.png\" alt=\"Southern Illinois University logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/therockcreekgroup.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rockcreek.png\" alt=\"RockCreek Group logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mbda.gov\/business-center\/orlando-mbda-business-center\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Orlando-MBDA-Business-Center-Operated-By-3D-Strategic-Management-Inc.-Logo.png\" alt=\"MBDA Orlando logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/millenniumsolarelectrictrainingacademy.org\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Millennium-Solar-Electric.png\" alt=\"Millennium Solar Electric\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mbda.gov\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MBDA.png\" alt=\"MBDA Logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.imec.org\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMEC.png\" alt=\"IMEC logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejpigroup.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/JPI-Group.png\" alt=\"JPI Group\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/evolvestrategies.co\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/ES_logo.png\" alt=\"Evolve Strategies logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/ima-net.org\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMA.png\" alt=\"IMA logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/dceo.illinois.gov\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IL-DCEO.png\" alt=\"Department of Commerce logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/ifm-corp.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/IFM.png\" alt=\"IFM logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/hire360chicago.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/HIRE360.jpg\" alt=\"Hire 360 logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.transitchicago.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/CTA.png\" alt=\"CTA logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.comed.com\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/ComEd.png\" alt=\"ComEd logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/cei.illinois.gov\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/CEI.png\" alt=\"IL Commission on Equity &#038; Inclusion logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.chicago.gov\/city\/en\/depts\/doa.html\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/CDA-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Chicago Department of Aviation logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>\t\t\n        \t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bmo.com\/en-us\/main\/personal\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener\">            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BMO.png\" alt=\"BMO logo\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\n            <\/a>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Check Out What Happened at Our Most Recent 3rd Annual IL MBDA Business Summit Powered by Constellation Energy! Check out what happened at our\u00a0 most recent successful\u00a0\u00a03rd Annual\u00a0Business Summit powered&hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":31,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-ilmbda.php","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9282","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9282","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9282"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9282\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/strategicexceptions.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9282"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}