Join Us
Events & Webinars
HIRE SOUTHLAND – Career Discovery & Workforce Development Day
Hire Southland 2025 event.
ServSafe Managers Certification Training & Exam
The Southland Development Authority, in collaboration with the Illinois Restaurant Association, is once again offering the ServSafe Managers Certification Training & Exam this year. This one-day, in-person training is designed to help food business owners and managers meet state food safety requirements and strengthen operations.
SDA Training Seminar: Anatomy of an RDA – Part 1
Redevelopment Agreements (RDAs) are the backbone of economic development deals, helping municipalities, developers, and investors protect their interests while driving growth.
ServSafe Managers Certification Training & Exam
The Southland Development Authority, in collaboration with the Illinois Restaurant Association, is once again offering the ServSafe Managers Certification Training & Exam this year. This one-day, in-person training is designed to help food business owners and managers meet state food safety requirements and strengthen operations.
ACHIEVE Summit - Presented By the SDA
SDA will be hosting the achieve summit on June 27th- June 29th, an event for real estate investors and business owners.
2nd Annual Beyond the Call: Veteran Symposium
The SDA’s Business Growth Services team, in collaboration with the village of Richton Park, will host a veteran business support symposium. The symposium will feature a panel discussion with business and civic leaders who have also served in our nation’s military.
Small Business Week Breakfast at The Lyric
Join us as we celebrate National Small Business Week with our annual Small Business Breakfast
HIRING & RETENTION for Small Businesses
Elester Williams, CEO of HR Solution Focused Consulting, LLC, brings over 30 years of HR experience helping businesses grow with practical solutions. From recruiting to employee relations, she’s worked with companies like Corning, Steppenwolf Theatre, and SDA.
IMPROVING PROFITABILITY THROUGH EXPENSE REDUCTION
Discover practical strategies to cut costs and drive greater profitability for your business.
Roll Call! Veteran Professional Networking
Join us for Roll Call: Veteran Professional Networking hosted by the Southland Development Authority (SDA) in Tinley Park. This is your chance to meet our partners, sponsors, and other supporters dedicated to helping veterans thrive.
2025 Investment Outlook for Chicagoland Webinar
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the economic forces shaping your community
Elevate Your Business with a Strong Personal Brand Webinar
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to strengthen your personal brand and take your business to new heights.
Sourcing Opportunities Webinar
hosted by the Illinois APEX Accelerator and the Southland Development Authority (SDA).
CMMC for Small Businesses Webinar
hosted by the Illinois APEX Accelerator and the Southland Development Authority (SDA).
Government Contracting 101 Webinar
hosted by the Illinois APEX Accelerator and the Southland Development Authority (SDA).
2025 Tax Pro Assistance Program Orientation
Are you ready to take control of your business finances? Join us on January 8th at 11:00 AM for the 2025 Tax Pro Assistance Program Orientation!
The Missing Middle Riddle: How to Build Housing for the Middle Class in Today’s Economy
Join us for an engaging seminar that addresses one of the most pressing challenges in today’s housing market: building affordable, high-quality housing for middle-income families. The housing market in Chicagoland is deeply polarized, with affordable housing on one end and luxury housing on the other, leaving a critical gap known as the “missing middle.”
This event will explore innovative approaches to zoning, building, and financing housing solutions that fill this gap—such as townhomes, duplexes, and small multi-family units. Attendees will gain insights into how these housing models can meet the needs of young families and middle-income workers, offering practical solutions for creating sensibly priced homes in the region.
Speakers:
Eleanor Gorski, CEO & President, Chicago Architecture Center
Katherine Darnstadt, Founding Principal, Latent
Jay Readey, Southland Development Authority & Metro Alliance
Wyllys Mann, Pivotal
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with housing and economic development experts and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable housing market in Chicagoland.
What is Worker Ownership as a Succession Planning Tool?
A Southland Development Authority webinar on using worker ownership for succession planning, covering its benefits for business legacy, employee empowerment, and sustainability.
ServSafe Managers Certification Training
A Southland Development Authority in-person session covering instruction and the exam for ServSafe Managers Certification.
October Edition: Coffee Connections
A Southland Development Authority networking opportunity for business owners to connect while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Hire Southland - October
SDA is excited to invite you to HIRE SOUTHLAND: Career Discovery and Workforce Development Day, a dynamic event designed to support job seekers and workforce development.