Future of Commerce 2025 Recap: A Celebration of Innovation, Community, and Possibility
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CHICAGO - illiNews -- The Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted its 2025 Future of Commerce Summit on Monday, July 21st , at Kennedy-King College, bringing together local leaders, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and residents to explore what's possible when innovation, collaboration, and community unite. The event was a powerful reminder that Englewood is not just on the rise, it's shaping the future!

From impactful panels and dynamic breakout sessions to engaging community activities, the summit sparked transformative conversations around clean energy, digital transformation, and economic development. Every moment was filled with purpose, vision, and a sense of unity toward creating lasting impact in the community.

We were honored to welcome committed public officials including State Representative Sonya Harper, Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, and Alderman William Hall, whose words of encouragement and insight kicked off the summit. Their presence reinforced the critical role policy and leadership play in shaping the economic and environmental future of neighborhoods like Englewood.

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The Sustainability Panel, moderated by Paula Rowe of Elevate, was a major highlight. The panel featured brilliant thought leaders driving change in workforce development, green technology, and neighborhood innovation. Together, they developed practical strategies to reimagine our neighborhoods, reduce carbon footprints, and create community-driven solutions for lasting impact.

This year's event also featured the Future of Commerce Maker Faire, bringing together local makers, funders, vendors, and creatives to showcase products, ideas, and resources. From hand-crafted goods to tech-forward startups, the showcase served as a hub for networking and investment. Congratulations to the Englewood Trivia winners, who demonstrated their knowledge of local history and received special prizes.

A special thank you to Rashanah Baldwin, our live media host, who brought the event to life on social media with live interviews and real-time coverage, amplifying the excitement to a wider audience.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors and partners who made the day possible:

• Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd)
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
• Verizon
• Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)
• Go Green Community Fresh Market
• America's SBDC Illinois
• Greater Englewood Community Development Corporation
• Imagine Englewood if...
• Kennedy-King College
• Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)
• That's So Creative, LLC
• Grow With Google

The Future of Commerce was more than a summit, it was a movement! Let's continue to nurture these connections, drive new conversations, and build a thriving future for Englewood, together.

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To learn more or get involved in upcoming GECC programs, visit www.gechamber.com

About GECC:
The Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce is committed to transforming Greater Englewood into a thriving economic ecosystem. Through programming like Future of Commerce, GECC leads initiatives that support entrepreneurship, digital access, and inclusive growth.