About this Event
South East Chicago Commission (SECC) invites you to the 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
Anchored for Impact
Friday | October 9, 2025
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
David Rubenstein Forum
1201 E 60th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
SECC is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Donations are welcomed.
Overview of Events
- Doors Open / Check In at 8:00 am
- Coffee & Breakfast Bar
- Business Resources Tables
- Opening Remarks at 9:00 am
- Keynote Conversation
- Break: Quick Connections
- Public Sector Panel
Keynote Conversation:
Civic Voice & the Connected City
The discussion highlights how investments in transit and civic infrastructure strengthen commercial corridors, attract sustainable tourism, and build vibrant, connected neighborhoods. This is a great opportunity to hear updates on major investments, improvements and upgrades to our local South Side transit.This opening conversation also explores how to connect community knowledge directly to institutional change that addresses the complexity of making equitable and sustainable investments in public infrastructure and civic growth.
Moderated by Phaedra Leslie | Vice President of Diversity, Workforce Development & Community Engagement, ALL Construction Group, this session features:
- State Rep. Kam Buckner (26th District) | Speaker Pro Tempore of the Illinois House of Representatives
- Janice R. Thomas | Deputy Executive Director of External Affairs & Chief of Staff, Metra
- Joel Hamernick | Executive Director, A More Just Chicago
Public Sector Panel: People, Place & Possibility
Physical and civic infrastructure shape everyday neighborhood vitality. This panel examines how public investments and green spaces can drive community-centered economic mobility across South and Southeast Chicago.
Panelists will highlight practical pathways for businesses to pursue opportunities involving procurement, concessions, permits, event activation, technical assistance and neighborhood business networks. The conversation also will address place keeping, heritage tourism, public-space activation and strategies for ensuring longtime businesses and entrepreneurs remain connected to new investment and development.
Moderated by Lotika Pai- Chief Small Business Officer, Small Business Advocacy Managing Deputy Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) , this session features:
- Carlos Ramirez-Rosa- General Superintendent & Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Park District
- Genora Stone- President, Jackson Park Conservatory
Why Attend:
- 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.
Event venue & nearby stays
David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago, 1201 East 60th Street, Chicago, United States
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