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GECC NEWS


Powering Englewood: Our Local Talent is Building the Future
The transition to clean energy is no longer a distant goal—it is happening right here in our neighborhood. This week, our Solar Training Cohort hit a major milestone, proving that Englewood is ready to lead the green economy. Building More Than Just Skills Our participants are moving beyond foundational prep and into the high-stakes world of Technical Safety Certifications . This isn't just about learning a trade; it’s about equipping our community members with the rigorous c
Greater Englewood Chamber
Apr 102 min read
Build Your Future in Clean Energy: Construction & Solar Training Info Session
Join the Greater Englewood Chamber Foundation and Evolve Foundation for an in-person info session on the Englewood Shared Renewables Construction & Solar Training Program, a free workforce initiative preparing community members for high-demand careers in construction and renewable energy. Date: March 2 Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Location: 838 W. Marquette Rd., Suite 207, Chicago, IL 60636 Contact: klacy@gechamber.com , chris@evolvestrategies.co · 312-768-8573 Why this i

Rachael N. Turner
Feb 252 min read


Master Your Business Finances: Free Workshop Series in Chicago
Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce is empowering small business owners with practical financial skills through its "Basic Financials for Business: Money Moves for Makers" program. This free four-part training series helps participants turn finances into a growth engine. Event Details Sessions run daily from April 21–25, 2026, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at mHUB, 1623 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612. Register via QR code or at www.gechamber.com/bffb Session Breakdown Monday, Apri

Rachael N. Turner
Feb 201 min read


Empowering Englewood: Free Solar Training Program Now Open for Registration
Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce (GECC) launches a free Solar Installation Training Program for Englewood residents aged 21+, starting April 1, 2026 . This 10-week cohort offers hands-on skills, NABCEP certification prep, industry site visits, and direct job placement support. ...no experience required. Read the full press release Join the April 1 Cohort: Apply: Solar Training page Email: Jordan jbester@gechamber.com or Kedrick klacy@gechamber.com Deadline: March 27, 2

Rachael N. Turner
Feb 61 min read


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
Jan 162 min read


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. 📅 Wednesday, January 14 ⏰ 9 AM - 10 AM 📍 Imagine Englewood IF Our Members Meetings are more than updates, they’re an opportunity to come together as a business community rooted in Englewood’s growth, innovation, and shared success. Why Attend? This meeting will p

Rachael N. Turner
Jan 81 min read


Giving Tuesday 2025: Investing in the Future of Englewood’s 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 Englewood’s 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


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 cohort—an inspiring group of emerging solar professionals ready to step into the rapidly growing clean-energy sector. This year’s cohort was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when education, industry partnership, and community support align with intention. A Cohort That

Rachael N. Turner
Nov 24, 20252 min read


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


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


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 Energy’s...

Rachael N. Turner
Oct 10, 20251 min read


Solar Installation Training Cohort Update
Beyond clean energy and environmental stewardship, our program invests in people—equipping youth and community members with the tools...

Rachael N. Turner
Oct 3, 20251 min read


Emerald Reimagined Recap: From Vision to Victory – Celebrating 10 Years Bold
On August 28, 2025 , the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce hosted Emerald Reimagined: From Vision to Victory – Reimagining the Next...

Rachael N. Turner
Sep 8, 20252 min read


Leading with Purpose: Felicia Slaton-Young Featured in Canvas Rebel
At the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce, leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about heart, vision, and community. That’s why...

Rachael N. Turner
Jul 28, 20251 min read


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


Block Club Chicago Features Englewood’s Historical Swedish Lodge To Be Restored To ‘Former Glory’ 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


Case Study: FLOTO’s 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


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 Chicago’s South and...

Rachael N. Turner
Jun 2, 20251 min read


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


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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