CIVIC LEADERSHIP
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM
South East Chicago Commission (SECC), with presenting sponsor Allstate, will host its 8th annual regional economic development symposium focusing on economic growth and prosperity of small businesses.
The 2026 SECC Southside Connection Symposium is focused on opportunities for business development, changes in the local marketplace, and investments in regional commercial corridors. Chicago entrepreneurs, business executives, property owners, investors, practitioners and policy leaders will attend the Symposium at The David Rubenstein Forum. #seccsymposium2026
2026 Southside Connection Symposium
Anchored for Impact | Future Proof
Friday | October 9, 2025
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
SECC is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Donations are welcomed.
Overview of Events
- Doors Open / Check In
- Coffee & Breakfast Bar
- Business Resources Tables
- Opening Remarks
- Keynote Conversation
- Break: Quick Connections
- Public Sector Panel
- Drawing & Wrap Up
Building Inclusive Economic Pathways
- Anchored for Impact: Aligning institutional investments, anchor partnerships, and regional capital with community-centered growth.
- Future Proof: Equipping local businesses, workers, and corridors to capitalize on emerging industries, modern infrastructure, and technological innovation.
- Business Owners: Position for anchor procurement, access commercial corridor capital, and tap into new foot-traffic drivers.
- Community Leaders: Secure policies and partnerships that advance equitable development while protecting neighborhood stability.
- Residents: Connect to high-growth workforce pipelines and ensure public investments enhance your neighborhood’s quality of life.
Starting the Day
The 2026 SECC Southside Connection Symposium begins with registration check-in, casual networking, photos with friends and colleagues, access to business development resource tables and a light continental breakfast by BARDAVID to jumpstart the day.
Keynote Conversation
Moderated by Phaedra Leslie | VP of Diversity, Workforce Development & Community Engagement, ALL Construction Group, this session features:
- Janice R. Thomas | Deputy Executive Director of External Affairs & Chief of Staff, Metra
- Joel Hamernick | Executive Director, A More Just Chicago
- Turning major tourism and transit foot traffic into small business revenue.
- Safeguarding neighborhood stability and preventing displacement amid rising investment.
- Aligning infrastructure and tech pipelines to benefit legacy residents.
Public Sector Panel
Core Topics:
- Public Spaces & Vitality: Activating parks and public infrastructure to drive foot traffic and neighborhood commerce.
- Workforce & Emerging Industries: Preparing residents and small businesses for jobs in technology, green infrastructure, and innovation sectors.
- Main Street Access: Ensuring local entrepreneurs directly benefit from public space and transit investments.
Sponsorship Opportunities
SECC welcomes your collaboration and partnership and invites you support the Symposium. Choose between one of the sponsorship tiers or customize your partnership. Check out the guide to see some of the available options.
LOOKING BACK AT THE 2024-2025 SYMPOSIUM
Thank you to everyone who registered and attended, our incredible collection of speakers, the SECC board and staff, our volunteers and all of our partners and sponsors who contributed to the success of last year’s Symposium.
