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GECC NEWS


GEC Chamber Meeting Recap
The first GEC Memebers Meeting of 2026 is in the books! Our recent Members Meeting brought together business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders committed to shaping the future of commerce in Englewood. The room was filled with thoughtful conversation, shared insights, and a collective focus on growth, collaboration, and opportunity. These meetings continue to serve as a powerful space for our members to connect, stay informed, and actively contribute to the work hap

Rachael N. Turner
3 days ago2 min read
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Connect, Collaborate & Grow: Join the GECC Members Meeting
The Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome our members, partners, and community leaders to our next GECC Members Meeting , a space designed for connection, collaboration, and collective growth. đ
Wednesday, January 14 â° 9 AM - 10 AM đ Imagine Englewood IF Our Members Meetings are more than updates, theyâre an opportunity to come together as a business community rooted in Englewoodâs growth, innovation, and shared success. Why Attend? This meeting will p

Rachael N. Turner
Jan 81 min read
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Giving Tuesday 2025: Investing in the Future of Englewoodâs Entrepreneurs, Innovators and Next Generation Leaders
Every year, Giving Tuesday invites communities across the world to pause, reflect, and invest in the people and places shaping a brighter future. For the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce (GECC), this day is more than a global moment of generosity. It is a celebration of the entrepreneurs, youth, small business owners, residents, and partners who are transforming Englewoodâs economic landscape. In 2025, GECC is proud to highlight three pillars of impact that continue to e

Rachael N. Turner
Dec 1, 20253 min read
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Celebrating a New Era of Green Careers: Englewood Shared Renewables Solar Training Cohort Graduation & Industry Night
Last week, Englewood witnessed the power of opportunity, preparation, and community in action. The Englewood Shared Renewables (ESR) Solar Training Program proudly celebrated the graduation of its latest cohortâan inspiring group of emerging solar professionals ready to step into the rapidly growing clean-energy sector. This yearâs cohort was a powerful reminder of whatâs possible when education, industry partnership, and community support align with intention. A Cohort That

Rachael N. Turner
Nov 24, 20252 min read
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Happy Hour + Networking on November 5, 2025
Event Recap: Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce Happy Hour at Hidden Gem On Tuesday, November 4th, the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce hosted an energizing Happy Hour  at Hidden Gem , located at 6330 S. Racine Ave in Chicago. The event brought together business owners, community leaders, and entrepreneurs for an evening filled with meaningful connections, refreshing drinks, and valuable conversations. Networking & Community Connections From the moment guests arrived,

Rachael N. Turner
Nov 6, 20251 min read
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This Just In: MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON, BACP ANNOUNCES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR DRIVER RESOURCE CENTER
Selected organization will provide support, outreach, and education while continuing to build trust in communities to empower Public Chauffeurs with knowledge of their rights. Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced a Requests for Proposal (RFP) for the operation of a Driver Resource Center (DRC) for City of Chicago licensed Public Chauffeurs, including Transportation Network Provider (TNP) Drivers.

Rachael N. Turner
Oct 15, 20252 min read
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Inside the Field: Solar Training Cohort Learns Utility-Scale Solar in Manteno, IL
The Englewood Shared Renewables (ESR) training program took learning beyond the classroom with a hands-on visit to Knobelsdorff Energyâs...

Rachael N. Turner
Oct 10, 20251 min read
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Solar Installation Training Cohort Update
Beyond clean energy and environmental stewardship, our program invests in peopleâequipping youth and community members with the tools...

Rachael N. Turner
Oct 3, 20251 min read
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Emerald Reimagined Recap: From Vision to Victory â Celebrating 10 Years Bold
On August 28, 2025 , the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce hosted Emerald Reimagined: From Vision to Victory â Reimagining the Next...

Rachael N. Turner
Sep 8, 20252 min read
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Leading with Purpose: Felicia Slaton-Young Featured in Canvas Rebel
At the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce, leadership isnât just about strategyâitâs about heart, vision, and community. Thatâs why...

Rachael N. Turner
Jul 28, 20251 min read
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Empowering Progress: How GECC Is Fueling the Future of Englewood
At the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce (GECC), our mission has always been clear: to uplift our community, support our businesses,...

Rachael N. Turner
Jul 28, 20251 min read
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Block Club Chicago Features Englewoodâs Historical Swedish Lodge To Be Restored To âFormer Gloryâ As Community Hub
Felicia Slaton-Young, Executive Director of Englewood Chamber of Commerce, poses for a portrait in the ballroom inside the shuttered...

Rachael N. Turner
Jun 11, 20251 min read
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Case Study: FLOTOâs Collaboration with Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce to Address Digital Inequity
Posted on July 1, 2024 by mtrichardson@uchicago.ed Small Business in the Business of Growing Business EXCERPT: Key Findings Our...

Rachael N. Turner
Jun 4, 20251 min read
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GEC and E.G. Woode Highlighted by JP Morgan Chase for Creating Opportunities in Englewood
A Small Business in the Business of Growing Business JPMorgan Chase is supporting entrepreneurship opportunities in Chicagoâs South and...

Rachael N. Turner
Jun 2, 20251 min read
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New! Legal Aid for Entrepreneurs (LANE)
LANE provides services to entrepreneurs in the City of Chicago, Cook County, or those employing individuals or serving communities in the...

Rachael N. Turner
May 21, 20251 min read
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Beyond the Headlines: Our Executive Director on the Future of Clean Energy
As we continue to develop programming and education on Clean Energy and workforce development, it is vital to stay on top of changes in...

Rachael N. Turner
May 14, 20253 min read
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Navigating the SBA's 2025 Reforms: What Englewood Entrepreneurs Need to Know
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has introduced significant changes in 2025 that will impact small businesses nationwide,...

Rachael N. Turner
May 5, 20253 min read
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The Next Tech Empire: Gaming, Robotics, and Drones â A New Blueprint for Ownership
The Next Big Thing is Here. Are You Ready? There are moments in history when entire industries are born overnight. The internet in the...

Donnell Layne
Apr 23, 20253 min read
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Automation is the Future. And the Future is Ours.
There was a time when people thought computers were just for scientists. A time when they said the internet was just a trend. A time when...

Donnell Layne
Apr 23, 20253 min read
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Chicagoâs Quantum Corridor: The South Side is the Future
We Are Entering a New Era. And Chicago Will Lead It. Every major technological revolution in history has created two kinds of people...

Donnell Layne
Apr 23, 20253 min read
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