Under the Lens: How Visual Storytelling Elevates Small Brands from Seen to Remembered
In the noisy marketplace where everyone is angling for a second of attention, small businesses often feel like underdogs. There's less budget, less recognition, and fewer resources. But what many forget is that these brands carry an edge no amount of advertising dollars can buy: authenticity. Visual storytelling taps directly into that vein, giving small businesses the power to not just be seen, but to be remembered, shared, and felt. Brand Identity That Breathes Logos and color palettes only go so far
Alliance Announces Apex CPAs & Consultants, Inc., as the 2025 Golf Classic Presenting Sponsor
Alliance Announces Apex CPAs & Consultants, Inc., as the 2025 Golf Classic Presenting SponsorFox Valley–based accounting firm supports Alliance with $10,000 sponsorship Aurora, IL — 6/13/25 — The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) is pleased to announce the Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 Golf Classic on August 18, 2025, at the Aurora Country Club: Apex CPAs & Consultants, Inc. Apex is proud to partner with Alliance as the 2025 Golf Classic presenting sponsor. As part of the event, leadership
Kick Off Summer with First Fridays in Downtown Aurora
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 30, 2025Kick Off Summer with First Fridays in Downtown AuroraLive music, local art, delicious food, and summer fun throughout the cityAurora, Illinois — Downtown Aurora welcomes summer with open arms as First Fridays lights up the city center on Friday, June 6, transforming the area into a lively celebration of community, creativity, and commerce. From 5 to 9 p.m., residents and visitors are invited to explore local shops, galleries, cafes, and community spaces
Aurora, It’s Your Business Focuses on the Impact of Downtown Businesses
Aurora, It’s Your Business Focuses on the Impact of Downtown BusinessesEpisode Four with Brian Failing, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, and Karen Nicholas, Yellow Bird Books Aurora, IL — 5/29/25 — The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) announces its fourth episode of Aurora, It’s Your Business, a program on Aurora Cable Television (ACTV) geared toward shining a light on the people and companies shaping the future of the Aurora region. Hosted by Kelly O’Brien, president & CEO of the Alliance,
Aurora, It’s Your Business Celebrates Hispanic Business Owners
Aurora, It’s Your Business Celebrates Hispanic Business Owners Episode Three with Peter Aguilera, AA Electric and Aurora Electric, and Roberto Avila, Altiro Latin Fusion, Amore Mio, and Red Room on NY Aurora, IL — 5/15/25 — The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) launched its third episode of Aurora, It’s Your Business, a program on Aurora Cable Television (ACTV) geared toward shining a light on the people and companies shaping the future of the Aurora region. Hosted by Kelly O’Brien,
What Entrepreneurs and Owners Need to Understand Before It’s Too Late
Start a business and you’ll quickly learn that revenue streams and marketing strategies aren’t the only things that keep you up at night. Somewhere in between payroll and product-market fit lives a looming concern few are prepared for, though most assume they’re covered. Cybersecurity is that silent weight. You don’t see it until you feel it, and by then you’re usually bleeding money or trust or both. Whether you're an ambitious founder with a garage startup or you're running a multimillion-dollar
''Aurora, It’s Your Business'' Celebrates African-American Female Entrepreneurs
Aurora, It’s Your Business Celebrates African-American Female EntrepreneursEpisode Two with Donna Jolly, HaloHeat Sauna Studios, and Sandra Harrison, DVA Leadership & Development Training Aurora, IL — 5/1/25 — The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) continued strongly with the second episode of Aurora, It’s Your Business, a program on Aurora Cable Television (ACTV) geared toward shining a light on the people and companies shaping the future of the Aurora region. Hosted by Kelly O’Brien,
Alliance Launches ''Aurora, It’s Your Business'' on ACTV
Episode One with Greg Moore, Hollywood Casino Aurora Wednesday, April 16, 2025, marked the start of a new initiative for the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) with the recording of the first episode of Aurora, It’s Your Business, a new program on Aurora Cable Television (ACTV) geared toward shining a light on the people and companies shaping the future of the Aurora region. Hosted by Kelly O’Brien, president & CEO of the Alliance, the program will air twice each month and feature business
Earthmover Credit Union Pace Checking Account Receives National Certification by Banking Advocates as Safe, Affordable Account
OSWEGO, Ill. — Earthmover Credit Union is excited to announce that its Pace Checking Account was officially certified by the national Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) as meeting the Bank On National Accounts Standards (2025–2026). The national safe account standards, co-created by consumer advocates, leading national non-profit organizations, civic leaders and other financial institutions, designate both core and strongly recommended features that ensure low cost, high functionality and
New data center, built for sustainability, opens in Aurora
A new data center built to be sustainable in both its energy and water use has opened in Aurora. The new Edged data center, at 2835 Bilter Road, will save hundreds of millions of gallons of water each year compared to traditional data centers because it will not draw in any water from the community to cool its servers, company officials said at a ribbon-cutting for the new facility on Wednesday. The newly opened data center is the first of three planned for the site, which is set to eventually reach a
New organization aims to transform Aurora region into ‘premier hub of innovation’
Kelly O’Brien, president and CEO of the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance, said at the organization’s launch event Friday that it has an “ambitious agenda” to turn the Aurora region into a “premier hub for innovation and technological advancement.” (R. Christian Smith / The Beacon-News)New organization aims to transform Aurora region into ‘premier hub of innovation’ To a packed room of Aurora-area business and government leaders in the ballroom at North Island Center in downtown Aurora on Friday, Kelly
Major Aurora Civic Organizations Unite to Form Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance)
Major Aurora Civic Organizations Unite to Form Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) Alliance Formation Marks New Chapter in Aurora’s Economic Growth and Collaboration Aurora, Illinois — The newly formed Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) officially launched on January 31, 2025, unveiling an ambitious vision to transform the region into a premier hub for innovation and technological advancement. The event, which brought together leaders from the business, government, and civic
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
Supercharge Your Business by Switching to an LLC
In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, adaptability is key to survival and growth. As your sole proprietorship starts to thrive, the prospect of evolving into a Limited Liability Company (LLC) emerges as a strategic move brimming with potential. This transformation not only fortifies your business foundation with liability protection but also introduces a world of operational flexibility and credibility that a sole proprietorship may lack. Imagine steering your business with the agility of a small
Earthmover Credit Union Honored with Local Business Award
AURORA, Ill. — The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce honored Earthmover Credit Union (ECU) with the 2024 Mid-Size Business Excellence Award at its recent Third Annual Celebration of Business Excellence. The award recognizes a local business with 26 to 100 employees that demonstrates excellence, innovation and a positive contribution to the community. ECU is commemorated for several key projects including updated financial resources for local businesses, an upcoming merger with Peoples Energy Credit Union
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
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Launches New Awards Program: Business Excellence Awards
AURORA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LAUNCHES NEW AWARDS PROGRAM: BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS Applications for nominations are now open with the deadline closing Friday, June 17 (AURORA, IL, May 16, 2022) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the voice of and catalyst for business success in the Aurora region, announced the launch of the new Business Excellence Awards that seek to honor the distinctiveness of the members in the Chamber. Applications for nominations are now open through Friday, June
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Selected for National Workforce Training Program
AURORA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE selected for NATIONAL WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM One of Seven Regions Selected to Increase Access to High-Quality Credentials for African-American and Latinx Adults (AURORA, IL) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the voice of and catalyst for business success in the Aurora region, is elated to announce that it is one of seven organizations to be selected by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) to participate in a new national program to
Aurora Regional Chamber Jointly Announces New ALL IN Platform
AURORA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINTLY ANNOuNCES NEW ALL IN PLATFORM Chambers of Commerce across Illinois Are Urging the Legislature to Provide Additional Economic and Regulatory Relief for Businesses (AURORA, IL) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the voice of and catalyst for business success in the Aurora region, is jointly announcing legislative priorities as part of the Chambers All In for Economic Recovery initiative for its second year in a row. Chambers All In for Economic
Jessica Linder Gallo of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Graduates from Institute for Organiz
Jessica Linder Gallo of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Graduates from Institute for Organization ManagementA Leadership Training Program Produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce FoundationWASHINGTON, D.C.— Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is pleased to announce that Jessica Linder Gallo, IOM, President & CEO, of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce has graduated from the program and has received the
Jessica Linder Gallo, Aurora Regional Chamber Executive, Named to ACCE 40 Under 40 List
Jessica Linder Gallo, Aurora Regional Chamber Executive, Named to ACCE 40 Under 40 List Prestigious National List Recognizes Emerging Leaders in the Chamber of Commerce Industry (AURORA, IL, NOVEMBER 30, 2021) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the voice of and catalyst for business success in the Aurora region, is honored to announce that its own President & CEO, Jessica Linder Gallo, has been named by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) as one of this year’s Forty Under
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Leader is Part of the 2021 Leadership Academy
AURORA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEADER IS PART OF THE 2021 LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Colleen Doyle, Member Engagement Director, is one of 18 leaders enrolled in the time-honored program(AURORA, IL, September 10, 2021) – Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the voice of and catalyst for business success in the Aurora region, today announced that Colleen Doyle, Director of Member Engagement, is part of the Chamber’s prestigious Leadership Academy that focuses on personality inventory and personal/leadership
43rd Cohort of Leadership Academy Announced
43rd COHORT OF LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ANNOUNCEDLeadership Academy Runs August 27 – November 19(AURORA, IL, AUGUST 27, 2021) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 18-member cohort for Leadership Academy, its prestigious academy focused on personal and professional development of participants through both personality inventory and leadership development, is set to return in the fall of 2021. Leadership Academy is offered to representatives of businesses and organizations in the
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce is Proud to Announce the Return of Leadership Academy for Fall 2021
AURORA REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF LEADERSHIP ACADEMY FOR FALL OF 2021 ENROLLMENT FOR 2021 SESSION NOW OPEN(AURORA, IL, MAY 27, 2021) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Leadership Academy, its prestigious academy focused on personal and professional development of participants through both personality inventory and leadership development, is set to return in the fall of 2021. After a hiatus in 2020 due to COVID-19, the first in the
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Jointly Launches New All In Initiative for Economic Recovery
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Jointly Launches New All In Initiative for Economic Recovery Initiative urges Illinois Legislature to provide additional economic relief for businesses (AURORA, IL, APRIL 30, 2021) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to jointly launch the new initiative Chambers All In for Economic Recovery alongside nearly 50 chambers from across the state of Illinois. The Aurora Regional Chamber’s mission is to be the catalyst for business success in the Aurora
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Launches New Website that Helps Facilitate Business Connections
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Launches New Website that Helps Facilitate Business ConnectionsNew Website Greatly Improves Access to and Visibility of Members (AURORA, IL, JANUARY 19, 2021) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the voice of and catalyst for business success in the Aurora region, is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website. The new website, part of a renewal to its corporate vision, also includes the previously unveiled logo. The website can be found at
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces New All In Initiative
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce encourages all residents in the greater Aurora region to participate in masking efforts in order to keep businesses open (AURORA, IL, DECEMBER 16, 2020) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the voice of and catalyst for business success in the Aurora region, announced the launch of a new initiative: Chambers All In for Economic Recovery. Going “All In” is a new state-wide initiative that compliments the state’s existing All In message to encourage the community
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Wins 2020 Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award
Aurora Regional Chamber recognized for leadership, innovation, advocacy, member experience and business community support (AURORA, IL, November 20, 2020) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the voice of and catalyst for business success in the Aurora region, has been named the 2020 Outstanding Chamber of the Year in the large chamber category by the Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (IACCE). The IACCE Outstanding Chamber of the Year Award recognizes organization
One-Third of Businesses Surveyed are in Danger of Closing by February 2021 if Illinois Reverts Back
Regional survey reveals nearly 15 percent would close by November 2020. (AURORA, IL, October 5, 2020) – Nearly one-third (29 percent) of businesses surveyed are in danger of closing by February 2021 if Illinois reverts back to Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan, and nearly 15 percent would permanently close within two months, or by November 2020. While a majority (57 percent) of business and professional service firms are planning on permanently altering their business model to include telecommuting
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce and Invest Aurora Launch Second Survey to Understand the Implications of Covid-19 Business Decisions
(AURORA, IL, September 8, 2020) – Today, the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce and Invest Aurora launched the Business Implications Survey, their second COVID-19 business survey. The survey will be open until Monday, September 21 with the analysis report of the survey findings released on Monday, October 5. The Business Implications Survey is the latest in what will be a series of surveys aimed at measuring the impact and implications of COVID-19 on businesses across the Aurora region. With 524 total
Two-Thirds of Businesses Plan to Review Flexible Work Options, Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce
Regional survey reveals there is not a one-size-fits-all workplace or workforce solution and that businesses are mixed as to their longer-term work structures. (AURORA, IL, August 20, 2020) – Nearly a fifth of survey respondents (18 percent) were unsure as to their future work state and would closely monitor the situation while two-thirds of businesses (63 percent) plan to review flexible work options, including remote working. Another 14 percent stated employees would continue to work virtually in the
Aurora Regional Chamber Leader Selected for National Economic Recovery Fellowship
Jessica Linder Gallo one of 42 nationwide selected to participate in the program (AURORA, IL, August 6, 2020) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the voice of and catalyst for business success in the Aurora region, today announced that its President & CEO, Jessica Linder Gallo, has been selected by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) to study economic recovery and resilience strategies with 41 other chamber of commerce professionals from communities across the United
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce Launches New Logo for the Digital Age
New Logo Aligns with the Chamber's Values to Always Innovate and Make Big Impacts (AURORA, IL, JULY 6, 2020) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the voice of and catalyst for business success in the Aurora region, today unveiled a rebranded logo as part of a renewal to its corporate vision. The new branding will allow the Aurora Regional Chamber to stand out, not only within the ever-growing Aurora and Fox Valley regions, but also in today’s digital space. “We live in a modern, connected world
Regional Reopening Roadmap Launched to Help Businesses Reopen Safely
(AURORA, IL, JUNE 15, 2020) – The Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, along with Invest Aurora, are proud to announce the launch of the Regional Reopening Roadmap. Brought to you by Waubonsee Community College, the Regional Reopening Roadmap provides businesses across industries with a how-to for putting key guidelines into practice as they plan business reopening efforts in the age of COVID-19. At 50+ pages, the Regional Reopening Roadmap is a robust yet practical reopening tool that will help
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
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,
