The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) presents the Small Business Connection Series with its second session “Countdown to the Obama Presidential Center: Power Hour Lunch” on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Guests are invited to enjoy a catered lunch, network for business introductions, and hear the insights from a fantastic panel conversation. The panel will be moderated by Darryl Newell, Senior Vice President, Market Manager, PNC Community Development Banking. Newell also serves as an SECC Board Member.
The Power Hour Lunch Panel features:
- Joshua Harris, Vice President, Public Engagement, Obama Foundation
- Nirali Shah, Senior Director of Procurement and DEI, Obama Foundation
- Ghian Foreman, President and CEO, Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative
- Duwain Bailey, Board President, Jackson Park Conservancy
- Rob Fotjek, Vice President, Neighborhood Strategy, Choose Chicago
UPDATE ** THIS EVENT IS AT CAPACITY. NO ADDITIONAL RSVPS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Space is limited. Doors open at 11:00 am for networking and lunch.
RSVPs are now closed as of Aug 13th. Tickets were limited due to space capacity. The experience will be hosted at The Study at University of Chicago and promises to inform, educate and motivate.
As a build up to the SECC’s economic development symposium, the Small Business Connection Series offers a unique opportunity to convene engage Chicago entrepreneurs, business executives, property owners, investors, practitioners and policy leaders in preparation for another phenomenal collaboration this fall.
Save the Date for the SECC Southside Connection Symposium on Friday, October 10, 2025.