Preparing Your Digital Presence for the Expectations of 2026
Aurora Regional Economic Alliance members are facing a pivotal moment: the expectations of customers, partners, and regional talent are shifting quickly, and your digital presence now determines whether your business is discovered, trusted, and chosen. Modernizing isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about structuring your online footprint so it works harder for you. What you’ll learn: Key upgrades that improve credibility and discoverability Practical steps for refreshing your brand’s digital
Earthmover Credit Union Announces Janel Cabadas as New President/CEO
OSWEGO, Ill. — Earthmover Credit Union is proud to announce that Janel Cabadas has been promoted to President/CEO of Earthmover Credit Union. A longtime Earthmover, Janel spent over 20 years building her career at the credit union. She will begin her new position on Jan. 1, 2026 after the retirement of current President/CEO Kelly McDonough. Kelly is retiring after an impressive career in the credit union industry, spending over 30 years in senior leadership positions. She leaves behind a legacy of
Practical Resources for Running and Expanding Your Business
Starting your first business often feels like stepping into a whirlwind of decisions: hiring, legal paperwork, marketing, and trying to keep finances in check. To navigate this, new owners benefit from a reliable toolkit of platforms and resources that make growth and daily management easier. The Value of Organized Support Early-stage entrepreneurs often underestimate how much clarity comes from using structured resources. Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) can provide mentorship, while
Todd Westmoreland Promoted to Executive Vice President of Lending & Collections at Earthmover Credit Union
Earthmover Credit Union is excited to announce that Todd Westmoreland has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Lending & Collections, a testament to his nearly 36 years of service at the credit union. Todd’s steady leadership has propelled Earthmover into a competitive financial institution with a team of experienced lenders; however, Todd’s primary focus is always on the members. “I’m most proud of helping to promote a sales culture that is more about educating our members on how our products
Tips for Shaping a Workforce Ready for the Challenges Ahead
Focusing on team education and training can drive meaningful progress within an organization. Recognizing the right moment for such investments requires evaluating current challenges and future goals. Tailored training programs often produce stronger outcomes, aligning directly with team needs and organizational objectives. Clear communication about the purpose and benefits of training fosters engagement and long-term value. Prioritizing education as an ongoing process ensures adaptability and growth in
Earthmover Credit Union Remodel to Revitalize Branch Experience
OSWEGO, Ill. — Earthmover Credit Union (ECU) is implementing a fresh appearance in its branches with an upcoming remodel, completing the final stage of its rebrand. The remodel will take a phased approach through four branches over the next two years, eventually resulting in a cohesive look between all locations. The goal of this project is to modernize the branches, while also improving member experience to continue providing quality financial products and services to the community. “This is
Bardwell Residences Seeking Vendors for Fall Market on Nov. 4th
Fall Taco Crawl to Benefit Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry on Sept 19
September 13, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Marissa Amoni (630) 674-2099 FALL TACO CRAWL TO BENEFIT FOOD PANTRY ON SEPT 19 Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry will host a fall Taco Crawl on Tuesday, September 19 in downtown Aurora. The pantry started hosting both a spring and fall taco crawl this year after the event proved successful after hosting it the last few years as a pantry fundraiser. The spring event, held in May, sold out. The fall event will be from 4 to 8 p.m. with guests
Aurora Area Tourism Contributes to Record Economic Growth in Illinois
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 MEDIA CONTACT Cort Carlson Executive Director, Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau cort@enjoyaurora.com 630.256.3191 Aurora Area Tourism Contributes to Record Economic Growth in Illinois The Aurora Area generated $13 million in local tax revenue and $268 million in visitor spending Aurora, Ill. – The Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) announced today the area generated a local economic impact of $268 million and
Bike the Burbs
'Christmas in July' Event to Raise Support for Holidays
July 13th, 2023For Immediate Release‘Christmas in July’ Event to Raise Support for Holidays Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry event to provide 2023 holiday meals for area householdsAURORA, IL - On Saturday, July 29th, from 6 - 9 p.m., a ‘Christmas in July’ themed fundraiser to benefit Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry’s annual Holiday Meal program will be held at O’Malley’s Pub & Eatery, 701 Hill Avenue in Aurora IL. Guests will enjoy appetizers, a Christmas photo booth, raffle prizes and more. Tickets start at $20
Jim Varney Chosen as New Trustee for Historical Society
Dr. Jim Varney, Ed.D., has been elected to the Board of Trustees of the Aurora Historical Society. Dr. Varney is a retired educator who spent nearly five decades working with students from preschool through master’s degree candidates. He served as principal at several Aurora schools and directed the Partnership School for 4th and 5th graders at Aurora University. Varney taught both undergraduate and graduate students at Aurora University and Waubonsee Community College. He holds degrees from Illinois
ANDERSON ADVERTISING•DESIGN AND BOBBI ERDMANN TEAM TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES OF A CHICAGO-BASED ADVERTISING AGENCY
David J. Anderson of Anderson Advertising • Design in Batavia is proud to announce that he and Bobbi Erdmann, of Erdmann Advertising, Inc. in Aurora, have teamed to offer even more services to its list of promotional offerings. Established in 1999, Anderson Advertising is celebrating its 24th year in business offering extensive experience in marketing, advertising, graphic design, web development, product literature, SEO,
2023 Outdoor Summer Concerts in Downtown Aurora
Bardwell Residences- Move in Special!
2023 Summer Concerts at RiverEdge Park in Aurora - Get Tickets by May 31 and Save!
JUST ANNOUNCED! 2023 SUMMER CONCERTSGET TICKETS BY MAY 31 AND SAVE!CONCERTS ON SALE NOWTHE TROUBADOUR PROJECTICONIC 70S ROCK CLASSICSSATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2023GET TICKETSHOLLYWOOD NIGHTSTHE BOB SEGER EXPERIENCEFRIDAY, JULY 28, 2023GET TICKETSSTAYIN' ALIVEONE NIGHT OF THE BEE GEESSATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2023GET TICKETSGET THE LED OUT A CELEBRATION OF "THE MIGHTY ZEP"FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023GET TICKETSMORE CONCERTS COMING SOON!THANK YOU TO OUR RIVEREDGE PARK SPONSORSRIVEREDGE PARK | 360 N BROADWAY |
AWE Awards ALIVE Aurora with Multi-Year Grant
ALIVE Aurora Awarded Multi-Year Grant to Bring Unique Empowerment and Leadership Programs to Teen and Tween Girls Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation Makes Grant PossibleAURORA, IL, USA, February 17, 2023. “We have been so impressed with the collaborative spirit and depth and breadth of the leadership and empowerment programs at the ALIVE Aurora teen center, that we wanted to show our continued support with a multi-year grant,” said Amy Baudouin, Board Chair, Aurora Women’s Empowerment
6 Features That Will Increase Newsletter Readership
Nothing is more disheartening than pouring your time and energy into a project that gets overlooked. This might be how you’re feeling, though, if your small business’s newsletter hasn’t garnered the audience you want. Luckily, the following six strategies from the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce can help you increase readership and boost your customer base in the process, too. 1. Engaging ContentThe single most important element of any small business newsletter is the content it contains. If you’re
AURORA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REACCREDITED WITH 5-STARS BY THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR 4th CONSECUTIVE TIME
AURORA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REACCREDITED WITH 5-STARS BY THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR 4th CONSECUTIVE TIMEAurora Regional Chamber is one of only seven 5-star accredited chambers in Illinois. (AURORA, IL, December 5, 2022) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the voice of and catalyst for business success in the Aurora region, is excited to announce that it has once again been awarded the prestigious 5-Star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for its sound policies,
AURORA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2022 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS
Outstanding businesses were honored at the Inaugural Celebration of Business Excellence (AURORA, IL, August 1, 2022) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the voice of and catalyst for business success in the Aurora region, announced the winners of the new Business Excellence Awards during the Celebration of Business Excellence on July 28 at Bureau Gravity in Aurora, IL. The gala-style event featured the awards ceremony where the Chamber honored 25 nominees who were vying for the Business
Loaves & Fishes Community Services Introduces New Online Grocery Market
(Naperville, IL – March 14, 2022) - Loaves & Fishes Community Services is proud to offer a new way for clients to receive healthy food. Clients can now pre-select their groceries through Loaves & Fishes' Online Market and then simply pick up their order from Loaves & Fishes' new Food Distribution Hub. Clients can access the Online Market through Loaves & Fishes' website or by visiting lffood.org. There, they can then select fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, proteins, beverages, bread, frozen foods,
Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation Makes Grant Possible
AURORA, IL, USA, February 24, 2022 - The Aurora Women’s Empowerment Foundation (AWEF) has awarded the Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project, also known as Proyecto de Ayuda para Trabajadores del Campo y Jardineros (FLAP), a grant to support its “Women’s Circles” community education, legal support, and emergency financial assistance program. The program benefits low-income Latinx female immigrants who live and work in the Aurora area. This is AWEF’s second year supporting the Women’s Circles Program;
Kluber Architects + Engineers Announces Expansion into Aurora
KLUBER ARCHITECTS + ENGINEERS ANNOUNCES EXPANSION INTO AURORAAURORA, ILL. (PRWEB) FEBRUARY 12, 2021 - Kluber Architects + Engineers, an in-house architecture and engineering firm, has closed on the future site of their new office building on 41 W. Benton Street in Aurora Though the new office location selection has been nearly a year in the making, Kluber Architects + Engineers has spent the last several months designing the significant improvements for the space. The building, which formerly served as
Start the New Year Off Right with Faster Business Internet + $500 Gift Card!
Get faster business internet from Metronet plus a gift card up to $500. ONNECT WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS!At the curb or at the counter, connect with your customers with Fiber Internet and Managed Wi-Fi Services from MetroNet Business. Wi-Fi allows your team to reach your customers on more devices providing flexibility and mobility throughout your business improving sales, communications and productivity.MetroNet Business is making it easier to get your Bundled Internet and Wi-Fi with a gift Card up to $500*.
Grant to Fund Wigs for Women of Color
Thanks to a $2,500 grant from First Midwest Charitable Foundation, Waterford Place will expand wig offerings to include more options for women of color. First Midwest Charitable Foundation has awarded a $2,500 grant to Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center to expand and diversify wig offerings to include more options for women of color. Wigs are provided to cancer patients free of charge, and the grant will fund more options for women of color. Additionally, the grant will support the hiring and
Waubonsee's Workforce & Solution's Council is a Strategic Partner
The Waubonsee Workforce and Solutions Council (Council) has a goal of providing individuals and organizations assistance necessary to solve complex problems. Through strategic partnerships, skill, and knowledge enhancement, this Council aims to be a resource for and a think tank to catapult economic, professional, and personal development.The Council has representation from the City of Aurora, Kane and Kendall counties, the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce,
Aurora Partners with the National League Cities to Address Needs of Postsecondary Students
AURORA, IL - The City of Aurora is proud to join a new peer-learning cohort led by the National League of Cities (NLC) to remove barriers to basic needs that often prevent college students from successfully completing postsecondary degrees, certificates, or other credentials needed to gain access to rewarding careers. Aurora joins twelve other cities from across the nation to engage in monthly peer-to-peer virtual learning opportunities and receive tailored technical assistance from NLC's staff and
Invest Aurora and Aurora-based Chambers of Commerce to Announce Restore Aurora Business Relief Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Aurora, IL - June 8, 2020 –Invest Aurora, the City of Aurora’s non-profit economic development office, along with the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Aurora Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerceand the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerceare establishing the Restore Aurora Business Relief Program to help businesses clean up and rebuild following the civil unrest that occurred in the region on Sunday, May 31 and Monday, June 1, 2020. The fund will begin
Mars Wrigley Foundation Contributes $25,000 to Local Coronavirus Relief Fund
Mars Wrigley Foundation Contributes $25,000 to Local Coronavirus Relief Fund to Help Vulnerable Children and Families AURORA, IL, May 20, 2020 – Mars Wrigley Foundation has donated $25,000 to the Fox Valley Coronavirus Relief Fund in an effort to help the most vulnerable members of the community during this unprecedented crisis. The fund, launched by Fox Valley United Way (FVUW) in March, is gathering business and individual contributions to rapidly deploy resources to social service agencies in Kane and
Earthmover Credit Union Contribution to Local Coronavirus Relief Fund Will Help Vulnerable Children
Earthmover Credit Union Contribution to Local Coronavirus Relief Fund Will Help Vulnerable Children and Families AURORA, IL, April 30, 2020 – In an effort to help the most vulnerable members of the community during this time of economic crisis, Earthmover Credit Union (ECU) has donated $5,000 to the Fox Valley Coronavirus Relief Fund. The fund, launched by Fox Valley United Way (FVUW) in March, is gathering business and individual contributions to rapidly deploy resources to social service agencies in Kane
Aurora lanza programa de préstamos de $1.4 millones para ayudar a las pequeñas empresas afectadas por el COVID-19
AURORA, IL – 28 de abril - La Ciudad de Aurora, en asociación con Invest Aurora y la Cámara de Comercio Regional de Aurora, está lanzando un nuevo programa de préstamos para ayudar a las pequeñas empresas. Aprobado por el ayuntamiento de Aurora esta noche, el fondo Standing Together with Aurora Businesses Local Emergency (STABLE, por sus siglas en inglés) ofrecerá $1.4 millones en préstamos perdonables a pequeñas empresas en Aurora afectadas por la crisis del COVID-19. "Estamos ayudando a proporcionar
Aurora Launches $1.4 Million Loan Program to Help Small business Impacted by COVID-19
AURORA, IL – APRIL 28 - The City of Aurora, in partnership with Invest Aurora and the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, is launching a new loan program to assist small businesses. Approved by the Aurora City Council tonight, the Standing Together with Aurora Businesses Local Emergency (STABLE) Fund will offer $1.4 million in forgivable loans to small businesses in Aurora impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. “We are helping to provide strength and stability to our local businesses during this crisis,
Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to Offer New Discount Program for Businesses
The Aurora Area CVB is introducing a mobile phone/text discount service that connects visitors with area businesses. Be a part of the action and reach thousands of visitors traveling to the Aurora Area. In previous years, visitors to the Aurora Area spent over $3.8 million on hospitality, shopping, dining, and recreation.This is a marketing opportunity you can’t afford to miss – and best of all, it’s FREE! Interested participants simply fill out the linked form below and return it to our project manager by































