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ALLIANCE NEWS & WEEKLY RECAP

Alliance Stakeholder Engagement Sessions

Begin Next Week

The newly formed Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance), an economic development and chamber of commerce corporation, was founded to help Aurora businesses thrive and increase the prosperity of the city’s economy. To this end, the Alliance has engaged T.I.P. Strategies, a nationally recognized economic development consultant, to develop a five-year strategic plan.

The Alliance currently is engaged in identifying key players in Aurora's many industries to share important experiences, current trends, and insights that will shape the Alliance’s strategies and initiatives in the next five years to help businesses thrive and to impact Aurora’s future.

Next week, input sessions are scheduled to encourage productive discussions around a targeted set of topics. Roundtable invitees include select community, business, and academic leaders as well as economic and workforce-development professionals. The primary purpose of these meetings is to identify trends, barriers, opportunities, and assets as well as expectations and key priorities for the Alliance.

Alliance Sponsors Heritage Dinner Honoring Black History Month

The Alliance was a proud sponsor of the 19th Annual Heritage Dinner on Friday, February 28. An unforgettable night, this crowning event of Black History Month in Aurora shined brightly with the celebration of the Class of 2025 Cowherd Scholars—named in honor of the legendary Henry Cowherd.

The outstanding, college-bound students, who put in hard work both in the classrooms and in their communities, received hard-earned scholarships and brand-new laptops, courtesy of Comcast/Xfinity.

More than $20,000 in scholarships were sponsored by the Dunham Foundation, the Northern Illinois Chapter of NOBLE, Joy Bowling, Rush Copley Medical Center, Comcast/Xfinity, and Mayor Richard Irvin.

Alliance President & CEO Kelly O'Brien Noted in the Crain's Chicago Business People on the Move

Featured in the Crain's Chicago Business "People on the Move," Kelly O'Brien has been named President & CEO of the newly formed Aurora Regional Economic Alliance, which unifies four major economic development organizations in the region. Read More.

UPCOMING ALLIANCE EVENTS

MARCH

Click on the links to register.

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



REGISTRATION CLOSES Tuesday, March 11 at 3:00 p.m.

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.

REGISTRATION CLOSES Thursday, March 13, at 2:00 p.m.

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 | Registration Required |

Sponsorships Available

(secure by March 13)

Honoring the legacy of the QCAACC

APRIL

Click on the links to register.

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 by April 10)

Next week, get ready for big F-U-N with the laugh out loud musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in the Copley Theatre March 12-April 27. Six underdogs are competing for the spelling bee championship, and it's pure comedy gold.

Critics and audiences are loving the hit musical Waitress, on our Paramount stage until March 30. The Chicago Sun-Times gave it 4 stars and the Daily Herald said it's a "sweet treat" and "highly entertaining." You don't want to miss this one!

Million Dollar Quartet continues to rock at Stolp Island Theatre - a great weeknight date night idea! And the $1 Classic Movie Mondays continue to please with affordable tickets and concessions.

Head to ParamountAurora.com for more info about all of the shows or email holliss@paramountarts.com with any questions.

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.

Vote for the Coolest Thing Made in Illinois!

Voting for the Illinois Manufacturing Association's 2025 Makers Madness has begun. Start casting your votes now!

Nomination Voting: March 4–16

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