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MARCH

First Fridays March



Friday, March 7 | 5:00–9:00 p.m. | Downtown Aurora | Free | Download Your Map Here

March Breakfast Exchange: Alliance Update and Networking

hosted at Pomegranate Restaurant & Cafe

Wednesday, March 12 | 8:30–9:30 a.m. | Pomegranate Restaurant & Cafe | 55 S. Commons Dr., Aurora | Free for Members | Registration Required

Sponsored by NuMark Credit Union

St. Patrick's Day Kick-Off Social

hosted at Ballydoyle Aurora

Thursday, March 13 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. | Ballydoyle Aurora | 28 W. New York St., Aurora | Free for Members | Registration Required

Sponsored by Dolan & Murphy, Inc.

Women of Influence Tea Party

hosted at The Influence Event Suite

Sunday, March 23 | 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | The Influence Event Suite | 285 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery | Save the Date | Registration Opens Soon

Honoring the legacy of the QCAACC

APRIL

LeadHER Speaker Series

The Influence Edge: How Women Leaders Shape the Future

Speaker: Dr. Maria Malayter

hosted at Sage Event Space

Thursday, April 17 | 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Sage Event Space | 1167 Oak St., North Aurora | Registration Required | Exhibitor Tables Available

ALLIANCE EVENT WEEKLY RECAP

February Lunch & Learn: Honoring Black History Month with Sherman Jenkins

Tuesday, February 25 saw a celebration of Black History Month with an Alliance Lunch & Learn hosted and sponsored by Dream Contemporary Dance, owned by Charmaine Petersen. Attendees enjoyed networking and lunch before listening to the presentation by Sherman L Jenkins.

Lunch & Learn presenter Sherman Jenkins detailed the formation of the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce in 1993, its immediate growth to 16 members, and its newest evolution into part of the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance. Jenkins emphasized the importance of continued economic development, networking events with more diverse voices, and ongoing foundational grants for businesses.

Jenkins also discussed his current book project on African-American history in Aurora from 1921 to 1978, highlighting the Turner's Club and 66 Club as significant social venues of the time. He mentioned interviewing 45 African Americans, many of whom had positive experiences in Aurora. The book is expected to be published next year.

Alliance Represents at

Valley Industrial Association 2025 AI Event

Last Friday, February 21, Jen Mendoza from the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance represented the organization at the Valley Industrial Association 2025 AI Event held at Waubonsee Community College. Attendees explored the transformative power of AI and its strategic implications for businesses.

Ribbon Cutting for Edged Energy's New Aurora Data Center

Alliance President's Circle Member Edged Energy marked the start of its new Aurora-based data center on February 26, 2025, with a grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration.

The ribbon cutting featured remarks from Mitch Fonseca, Edged COO, as well as Mayor Richard Irvin from the City of Aurora; Kelly O’Brien, President & CEO of the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance; Melissa Washington, ComEd Senior Vice President of Customer Operations and Strategic Initiatives; and Elda Bruza, President of Endeavour Women in Tech.

Those in attendance also got a tour of the brand-new facility, located at 2835 Bilter Road, and learned about its modular design the innovative technologies, like multiple redundant power-generating backups and an advanced cooling, that were created to run the data center.

Read more about the event in an article published by the

Chicago Tribune/The Beacon News.

Check out a full list of Community Events here.

Do you have events or news to share?

Upload them to the Member Information Center (MIC).

Interested in getting out an E-blast?

Reach out to victoria@auroraalliance.org for more information.

Check out Opportunities on our Jobs Board today!

Are you a member and hiring?

Don't forget to upload your jobs to the Member Information Center (MIC).



Questions? Contact victoria@auroraalliance.org.

The Finish Line Grant program is designed to support commercial business and property owners in completing vital property rehabilitation and improvement projects. Finish Line Grants cover expenses overs a broad range of enhancements—inside and out. Receive up to 30% reimbursement for qualified expenses, ensuring your project reaches its full potential.

The Alliance is dedicated to fostering opportunities for local businesses. To ensure that we can connect you with available business services and opportunities and enhance protection for your property and our first responders, please register your business with the City of Aurora for free today.

Pick the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois!

Nominate a Product Today

The Illinois Manufacturing Association has opened nominations for its 2025 Makers Madness. Nominate a product today for a local Illinois business.

Nominations are being accepted through March 2, 2025, and voting begins March 4!