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ALLIANCE NEWS & WEEKLY RECAP

Alliance Strategic Plan Update

The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance has engaged TIP Strategies to assist in the development of a five-year strategic plan. This week TIP has been preparing for their second trip to the Aurora region during the last week in March.

During this visit, the consulting team will be meet with representatives of downtown businesses, members of the former Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce, the Alliance Board of Directors, and the project Steering Committee. TIP also is reviewing the comments and suggestions received during the nine virtual roundtable discussions held the week of March 10. Information gathered from those discussions, as well as from the meetings next week, will be used to begin crafting a framework of opportunities for the Alliance's strategic plan. 

Alliance Celebrates St. Patrick's Day Weekend

The Alliance kicked-off St. Patrick's Day weekend with an engaging social event at Ballydoyle Aurora Irish Pub. Attendees got into the luck-o'-the-Irish spirit while networking and enjoying the evening.

We extend our gratitude to board member and sponsor, Dolan & Murphy, Inc., for their support and generous sponsorship of the event.

Special thanks to all who attended the celebration, including Alliance Executive Committee and Board members and Mayor Richard C. Irvin. Alliance President and CEO Kelly O'Brien provided brief remarks noting the special importance of the holiday for her and reminding the guests that everyone is Irish on St Patrick’s Day. A toast from the Dolan family added a special touch to the joyful holiday celebration.

On Sunday, Alliance staff joined parade-goers for the City of Aurora's St. Patrick's Day parade and Irish flag raising ceremony, which included Mayor Richard C. Irvin recognizing the Dolan family (Dolan & Murphy, Inc.), the Aurora Illinois Police Department Pipe & Drums Unit, and the McNulty Irish Dancers. Thank you to all the parade participants for braving the snowy weather as well as Clayton Muhammad for being a terrific parade master of ceremonies.

Alliance Seeks

VP of Operations, VP of Economic Development, & Manager of Grant and Loan Portfolio

The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance has kicked off its first phase of hiring to hit the ground running this fall when the strategic plan is complete. The Alliance currently is hiring for a Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Economic Development, and a Manager of Grant and Loan Portfolio.

The role of the Vice President of Operations assists the CEO in leading key initiatives to optimize resources, streamline processes, and maintain a culture of high performance throughout the organization. The Vice President of Operations will play a key role in the implementation and oversight of the Alliance’s strategic plan and development of Alliance staff.

The Vice President of Economic Development is responsible for economic development strategy, including business attraction and retention, executing the economic development-related priorities that will be identified in the strategic plan. The VP of Economic Development will work closely with the business community, Aurora-area governments, and state and federal government agencies.

The Manager of Grant and Loan Portfolio will work directly with the Alliance’s Loan Committee to oversee all facets of grants and loans provided to businesses in the Aurora region. The position also will identify various funding opportunities and research, write, and submit grant proposals.

Please share these job opportunities with interested candidates! We will update members as the hiring process continues.

UPCOMING ALLIANCE EVENTS

MARCH

Click on the links to register.



Women of Influence Tea Party

Honoring the legacy of the QCAACC

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 | Registration Required (ends 3/21)

Inspire Sponsor: City of Aurora

Empower Sponsors: Ellie Mental Health, HaloHeat Sauna Studios

APRIL

Click on the links to learn more or register.

First Fridays April

Friday, April 4 | 5:00–9:00 p.m. | Downtown Aurora | Free to the Public | Maps Coming Soon

Alliance April Breakfast Exchange

Alliance Update and Networking

hosted at Pomegranate Restaurant & Cafe

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

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 (limited; secure exhibitor tables by April 10)

Sponsored by Aurora Women's Empowerment Foundation, the Aurora Public Library Foundation, HaloHeat Sauna Studios, and The Alternative Board of West Suburban Chicago

See 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.

Find Career Opportunities on our Jobs Board Today!

Are you a member and hiring?

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



Questions? Contact victoria@auroraalliance.org.

Minding Our Businesses

Connect with the Alliance Economic Development team to discuss your business needs and explore how we can assist you in your growth and success. We offer:

• Strategic Guidance: Tailored advice and resources to enhance your operations
• Financial Assistance: Access to strategic rehabilitation and development financing programs
• Collaborative Opportunities: Discovering potential partnerships and networking avenues

These sessions allow us to tailor our economic programming based on insights into current trends, challenges, and growth potential within Aurora’s business landscape. Be sure to book your Business Development Session today.

We look forward to hearing from you as we shape Aurora’s economic landscape together.

Fuel Your Manufacturing Growth with

Made in Illinois

The Made in Illinois Grant Program is a game-changing opportunity for small- and mid-size manufacturers to access up to $50,000 in matching funds to support innovation and strategic technological advancements.

This initiative is brought to life through a collaboration between the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and IMEC, uniting state resources and hands-on manufacturing expertise. Together, we’re here to strengthen Illinois manufacturing—one company at a time.

Applications will be accepted April 15-30, 2025

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.

Vote for the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois!

Voting for the Illinois Manufacturing Association's 2025 Makers Madness is under way. Cast your votes now!

First Round (Top 16): March 18–23

Second Round (Top 8): March 25–30

Final Round (Top 4): April 1–6

Winner Announced: April 9