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SUMMARY:2026 Aurora Alliance Business Summit
DESCRIPTION:Join top local industry leaders at the 2026 Aurora Alliance Business Summit on April 28\, 2026\, for a morning and afternoon focused on HR interviewing\, capital access\, how to tie it all together with AI\, and sustainability. Discover actionable strategies\, network with peers\, and gain insights into the future of business in the Aurora region and how you can excel in this community. \n\n\n\nFeaturing expert speakers\, informative exhibitors\, and interactive networking\, this summit at Waubonsee Community College's Sugar Grove Campus will empower you to drive innovation and accelerate business growth in your industry and beyond. Lunch is included. Sponsorships and exhibitor table options are available.\n\n\nBusiness Summit Sessions\n\n\n\nSession 1: Mastering the Art of Interviewing\n\nMastering the Art of Interviewing is a practical\, skills-focused session designed to strengthen every stage of the hiring conversation. Participants explore effective questioning techniques\, structured selection methods\, and strategies for evaluating candidates with clarity and fairness. This session also incorporates mock interviews and roleplay exercises\, giving attendees the chance to practice\, refine\, and build confidence in real-world interviewing scenarios.\n\nCarolyn Chiovino\, CEO and Owner of Express Employment Professionals North Aurora \n\nCarolyn leads a mission driven team dedicated to connecting talented people with meaningful work. Express supports businesses across office administration\, accounting\, IT\, non clinical medical\, hospitality and leisure\, skilled trades\, and manufacturing\, offering contract\, evaluation to hire\, and direct-hire solutions. Her guiding mantra is "Leaving People Better Than We Found Them." Carolyn has a diverse background as an ordained minister\, musician\, jazz and blues vocalist\, licensed John Maxwell coach\, and motivational speaker. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (and was a former Chair of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce)\, She also is on the Board of Directors for the Kane County Workforce Development and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Lazarus House.\n\n \n\nSession 2: Access to Capital (and Real Estate)\n\nEric Bacon and Mike Magliano will discuss how small businesses can access capital through a variety of methods. They will talk about real estate lending\, landlord and seller negotiations and expectations\, and how grant and public funds can play a role in your company's growth. \n\nEric Bacon\, Senior Vice President Managing SBA 504 Loan Origination\, SomerCor\n\nEric Bacon joined SomerCor as a credit analyst in 2016 focused exclusively on the SBA 504 loan program and transitioned into the loan origination team in 2018. He was promoted to SVP\, Managing Director of SBA 504 Loan Originations in 2025. Eric has a strong credit background and SBA 504 eligibility expertise. As a loan officer\, Eric has authorized more than $750 million in total project costs accounting for more than $260 million in SBA debentures spread between nearly 250 projects. Eric recently completed a Certificate for Nonprofit Management program through Northwestern University\, Kellogg School of Management.\n\n\n\nMichael Magliano\, Executive Managing Director of Brokerage Services\, Cushman & Wakefield\n\n\nMichael specializes in business development and client services\, such as structuring and negotiating commercial leases\, and assisting with the acquisition and dispositions of owned or leased properties for industrial/corporate owners and users. Michael's geographic expertise is in the Chicagoland Suburban Market in DuPage\, Cook and the Fox Valley Submarket.\n\n\n\n \n\n\nSession 3: Connecting the Dots: AI Across Talent and Capital Decisions\n\nThis session explores practical ways that business owners can apply AI to the core areas discussed by other speakers: hiring\, access to capital\, real estate decisions\, and operational efficiency. Participants will examine how AI can streamline interviewing workflows\, assist with financial analysis and forecasting\, support property research and negotiations\, and reduce administrative workload across teams. Dr. Jean will demonstrate how AI can be layered into the strategies shared by the day's speakers to increase efficiency\, improve clarity\, and save time. Attendees will see how small adjustments can strengthen the work they are already doing.\n\n\n\nDr. Jean Hess\, Human-Centered AI Strategist\, brAInwave consulting\, LLC \n\nDr. Jean Hess is a strategist\, educator\, and internationally recognized thought leader known for helping organizations make sense of artificial intelligence with clarity and care. Drawing on decades of experience leading large-scale initiatives across education\, technology\, and organizational systems\, she works with leaders to integrate AI in ways that are ethical\, practical\, and human-centered. Dr. Hess is trusted for her ability to turn complex ideas into clear\, actionable guidance\, particularly where communication\, decision making\, and accountability intersect. Rather than focusing on tools or hype\, her work helps organizations understand how AI fits into their culture\, workflows\, and responsibilities\, strengthening trust and consistency as they scale. Known for her warmth\, insight\, and grounded approach\, Dr. Hess brings calm leadership to conversations about AI\, helping organizations move forward thoughtfully in a rapidly changing landscape.\n\n\nSession 4: Fueling a Sustainable Future\n\nThis session will focus on Nicor Gas's sustainability\, energy efficiency\, and community engagement initiatives\, focusing on the importance of clean\, safe\, reliable\, and affordable energy for business retention and attraction and economic development. \n\n\n\nKevin Gadzala\, Regional Manager of Community Affairs\, Nicor Gas\n\n\n\nKevin Gadzala is a regional community affairs representative with Nicor Gas. He has been with the company for 10 years in a variety of roles\, including energy efficiency\, infrastructure project communications\, and community affairs\, Kevin's primary role is to serve as a liaison for municipalities\, emergency service organizations\, and business and economic development organizations.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nSponsorships and Exhibitor Tables Available\n\n**All sponsorships include company's logo featured as a sponsor on all event communications\, registration page\, and social media channels. Exhibitor tables are informational only and may not have items for sale.** Download a PDF of the Sponsorships.\n\n\n Presenting Sponsor (Exclusive): $3\,500 SOLD\n\n \n Ten (10) tickets (with lunch)\, logo on standing banner and digital signage\, opportunity to speak/present\, logo in digital program\, two (2) full-page (8.5'' x 11'') ads in digital program and on digital signage\, two (2) 6-foot exhibitor tables with premium location\; logo on exhibitor map\n \n \n Visionary Sponsor: $2\,000\n \n Six (6) tickets (with lunch)\, 6-foot exhibitor table with priority location\, logo on banner and digital signage\, full-page (8.5'' x 11'') ad in digital program and on digital event signage\, and logo in digital program and on exhibitor map\n \n \n Impact Sponsor: $1\,000\n \n Four (4) tickets (with lunch)\, 6-foot exhibitor table\, logo on banner and digital signage\, half-page (8.5'' W x 5.5'' H) ad in digital program and on digital event signage\, and logo in digital program and on exhibitor map\n \n \n Accelerator Sponsor: $500 \n \n Two (2) tickets (with lunch)\, 6-foot exhibitor table\, logo on banner and digital event signage\, quarter-page (4.25'' W x 5.5'' H) ad in digital program\, and logo in digital program and on exhibitor map\n \n \n Exhibitor Table Sponsor (Alliance Members): $200\n \n One (1) ticket (with lunch)\, 6-foot exhibitor table\, company listing in digital program and on exhibitor map\, company listing on digital event signage\, and eligibility for one (1) extra ticket at $25 off (For this opportunity\, select the Exhibitor Table PLUS option at registration.)\n \n \n Exhibitor (Non-Members): $350\n \n One (1) ticket (with lunch)\, 6-foot exhibitor table\, company listing in digital program and on exhibitor map\, and company listing on digital event signage\n \n \n\n\n**All exhibitors are highly encouraged to have a giveaway (minimum $50) at their tables and are responsible for the ticketing and delivery of the items.**\n\n\n\nClick the Registration link (top right) to secure your sponsorship\, exhibitor table\, or tickets for the event.\n\n\n\n\nAurora Alliance Event Registration Refund Policy\n\nRegistrants are eligible for a full refund if their written request is received at least 14 calendar days prior to the scheduled event date. For more information on the guidelines\, click here.
X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:Join top local industry leaders at the 2026 Aurora Alliance Business Summit on April 28\, 2026\, \;for a morning and afternoon \;focused on HR interviewing\, capital access\, how to tie it all together with AI\, and \;sustainability. \;Discover actionable strategies\, network with peers\, and gain insights into the future of business in the Aurora region and how you can excel in this community. \;
\n
\nFeaturing expert speakers\, informative exhibitors\, \;and interactive networking\, this summit at Waubonsee Community College'\;s Sugar Grove Campus will empower you to drive innovation and accelerate business growth in your industry and beyond. Lunch is included. Sponsorships and exhibitor table options are available.
\n\n
\nBusiness Summit Sessions
\n
\nSession 1: Mastering the Art of Interviewing
\nMastering the Art of Interviewing is a practical\, skills-focused session designed to strengthen every stage of the hiring conversation. Participants explore effective questioning techniques\, structured selection methods\, and strategies for evaluating candidates with clarity and fairness. This session also incorporates mock interviews and roleplay exercises\, giving attendees the chance to practice\, refine\, and build confidence in real-world interviewing scenarios.
\n\n
Carolyn Chiovino\, \;CEO and Owner of Express Employment Professionals North Aurora \;
\n\nCarolyn leads a mission‑\;driven team dedicated to connecting talented people with meaningful work. Express supports businesses across office administration\, accounting\, IT\, non‑\;clinical medical\, hospitality and leisure\, skilled trades\, and manufacturing\, offering contract\, evaluation‑\;to‑\;hire\, and direct-hire solutions. Her guiding mantra is "\;Leaving People Better Than We Found Them."\; Carolyn has \;a diverse background as an ordained minister\, musician\, jazz and blues vocalist\, licensed John Maxwell coach\, and motivational speaker. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (and was a former Chair of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce)\, She also is on the Board of Directors for the Kane County Workforce Development and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Lazarus House.
\n \;
\n\n
Session 2: Access to Capital (and Real Estate)
\nEric Bacon and Mike Magliano \;will discuss how small businesses can access capital through a variety of methods. They will talk about real estate lending\, landlord and seller \;negotiations and expectations\, and how grant and public funds can play a role in your company'\;s \;growth. \;\n\n
Eric Bacon\, Senior Vice President Managing SBA 504 Loan Origination\, \;SomerCor
\n\nEric Bacon joined SomerCor as a credit analyst in 2016 focused exclusively on the SBA 504 loan program and transitioned into the loan origination team in 2018. He was promoted to SVP\, Managing Director of SBA 504 Loan Originations \;in 2025. Eric has a strong credit background and SBA 504 eligibility expertise. As a loan officer\, Eric has authorized more than $750 million \;in total project costs accounting for more than $260 million in SBA debentures spread between nearly 250 projects. \;Eric recently completed a Certificate for Nonprofit Management program through Northwestern University\, Kellogg School of Management.
\n
\n
Michael \;Magliano\, Executive Managing Director of Brokerage Services\, \;Cushman &\; Wakefield
\n
\nMichael specializes in business development and client services\, such as structuring and negotiating commercial leases\, and assisting with the acquisition and dispositions of owned or leased properties for industrial/corporate owners and users. Michael'\;s geographic expertise is in the Chicagoland Suburban Market in DuPage\, Cook and the Fox Valley Submarket.\n\n
\n \;
\n\n
\nSession 3: Connecting the Dots: AI Across Talent and Capital Decisions
\n\nThis session explores practical ways that business owners can apply AI to the core areas discussed by other speakers: hiring\, access to capital\, real estate decisions\, and operational efficiency. Participants will examine how AI can streamline interviewing workflows\, assist with financial analysis and forecasting\, support property research and negotiations\, and reduce administrative workload across teams. \;Dr. Jean will demonstrate how AI can be layered into the strategies shared by the day'\;s speakers to increase efficiency\, improve clarity\, and save time. Attendees will see how small adjustments can strengthen the work they are already doing.
\n
\n
Dr. Jean Hess\, \;Human-Centered AI Strategist\, brAInwave consulting\, \;LLC \;
\n\nDr. Jean Hess is a strategist\, educator\, and internationally recognized thought leader known for helping organizations make sense of artificial intelligence with clarity and care. Drawing on decades of experience leading large-scale initiatives across education\, technology\, and organizational systems\, she works with leaders to integrate AI in ways that are ethical\, practical\, and human-centered. \;Dr. Hess is trusted for her ability to turn complex ideas into clear\, actionable guidance\, particularly where communication\, decision making\, and accountability intersect. Rather than focusing on tools or hype\, her work helps organizations understand how AI fits into their culture\, workflows\, and responsibilities\, strengthening trust and consistency as they scale. \;Known for her warmth\, insight\, and grounded approach\, Dr. Hess brings calm leadership to conversations about AI\, helping organizations move forward thoughtfully in a rapidly changing landscape.
\n\n
\nSession 4: Fueling a Sustainable Future
\nThis \;session will focus on Nicor Gas'\;s sustainability\, energy efficiency\, and community engagement initiatives\, focusing on the importance of clean\, safe\, reliable\, and affordable energy for business retention and attraction and economic development. \; \;
\n
\n
Kevin Gadzala\, Regional Manager of Community Affairs\, Nicor Gas
\n
\nKevin Gadzala is a regional community affairs representative with Nicor Gas. He has been with the company for 10 years in a variety of roles\, including energy efficiency\, infrastructure project communications\, and community affairs\, Kevin'\;s primary role is to serve as a liaison for municipalities\, emergency service organizations\, and business and economic development organizations.
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\nSponsorships and Exhibitor Tables Available
\n\n**All sponsorships include company'\;s logo featured as a sponsor on all event communications\, \;registration page\, and social media channels. Exhibitor tables are informational only and may not have items for sale.** Download a PDF of the Sponsorships.
\n\n\n Presenting Sponsor (Exclusive): $3\,500 \;SOLD
\n\n \n - \;Ten (10) tickets (with lunch)\, logo on standing banner and digital signage\, opportunity to speak/present\, logo in digital program\, two (2) full-page (8.5'\;'\; x 11'\;'\;) \;ads in digital program and on digital signage\, two (2) 6-foot exhibitor tables with premium location\; logo on exhibitor map
\n
\n - Visionary Sponsor: $2\,000\n
\n - Six (6) tickets (with lunch)\, 6-foot exhibitor table with priority location\, logo on banner and digital signage\, full-page (8.5'\;'\; x 11'\;'\;) ad in digital program and on digital event signage\, and logo in digital program and on exhibitor map
\n
\n \n - Impact Sponsor: $1\,000\n
\n - Four (4) tickets (with lunch)\, 6-foot exhibitor table\, logo on banner and digital signage\, half-page (8.5'\;'\; W x 5.5'\;'\; H) ad in digital program and on digital event signage\, and logo in digital program and on exhibitor map
\n
\n \n - Accelerator Sponsor: $500 \;\n
\n - Two (2) tickets (with lunch)\, 6-foot exhibitor table\, logo on banner and digital event signage\, quarter-page (4.25'\;'\; W x 5.5'\;'\; H) ad in digital program\, and logo in digital program and on exhibitor map
\n
\n \n - Exhibitor Table Sponsor \;(Alliance Members): \;$200\n
\n - One (1) ticket (with lunch)\, 6-foot exhibitor table\, company listing in digital program and on exhibitor map\, company listing on digital event signage\, and eligibility for \;one (1) extra ticket at $25 off \;(For this opportunity\, select the Exhibitor Table PLUS option at registration.)
\n
\n \n - Exhibitor (Non-Members): \;$350\n
\n - One (1) ticket (with lunch)\, 6-foot exhibitor table\, company listing in digital program and on exhibitor map\, and company listing \;on digital event signage
\n
\n \n
\n\n**All exhibitors are highly encouraged to have a giveaway (minimum $50) at their tables and are responsible for the ticketing and delivery \;of the items.**
\n
\nClick the Registration link (top right) to secure your sponsorship\, \;exhibitor table\, or tickets for the event.
\n\n
\n\n
Aurora Alliance Event Registration Refund Policy\n
Registrants are eligible for a full refund if their written request is received at least 14 calendar days prior to the scheduled event date. For more information on the guidelines\, \;click here.