Overview

2nd annual half-day summit bringing together manufacturers, technology leaders, and innovators to explore industry 5.0

The Metals Hub and Daley College MTEC invite you to our 2nd annual smartXchange—a half-day summit uniting manufacturers, technology leaders, and innovators to explore how Industry 5.0 is transforming the way we design, produce, and collaborate.

Program Highlights:

• 8:00 – 8:30 AM – Networking Breakfast & Live Demos

• 8:30 – 9:00 AM – Opening Remarks & Keynote

• 9:00 – 9:45 AM – Expert Panel Discussion

• 10:00 – 10:45 AM – Innovation Case Study & Demo

• 11:00 – 12:30 PM – MTEC Tour & smartXchange Showcase

Why Attend?

smartXchange is where innovation meets collaboration—designed for manufacturers and stakeholders eager to thrive in the age of automation, increased cybersecurity compliance, AI, and human-centered design.

Seats are limited—reserve your spot today.

Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smartxchange-tickets-2001243627562

Event Overview:

• Event Name: Power Hour

• Format: Virtual event via Zoom Note: This needs to be a meeting format and make me (Jamie) a panelist

• Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026

• Time: 12:00-1:00pm

• Host: Southland Development Authority

• Audience: Local business owners and entrepreneurs

Presenter: Lauren Plug, Founder + Ethical SEO Strategist, Chaotically Mindful

• Event description: Did you miss the SEO webinar in July due to storms or lack of power? The webinar was a hit with those that were able to make it.  Those that were unable to attend expressed strong interest in the SEO topic so we have brought presenter, Lauren Plug back again to do an even more engaging and impactful webinar on SEO centered around the questions you want answered and the specific topics of SEO you want to know more about. 

We listened and we are responding, and this time it is centered on you, the business owners. Do not let the summer storms rain on your need for growth and education for your business when it comes to SEO. This webinar will dive into on-page SEO, how to build your SEO foundation and learning best practices on both AI & SEO.  Clients will discover how to move forward with confidence and build an SEO system that grows with them and their business.

Sign up here

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/t9J6eoeeQLqYIFb93MWbdQ

Join Southland Development Authority for another Power Hour session focused on helping entrepreneurs and small business owners build stronger, more visible brands.

This session will feature Megan Gasper, Founder and CEO of Megan Gasper PR, who will provide a practical introduction to public relations and strategic communications for growing businesses.

Public relations can often seem complex or out of reach for small businesses. This session will demystify PR by helping participants understand what public relations is, when it makes sense to invest in it, and how to develop a communications strategy that builds credibility, trust, and awareness.

Business owners will gain practical guidance on creating a communications approach that aligns with their goals and helps them establish a stronger presence within their industry and community.

Register Here https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Z7rc8PHZTsCw1fIdrxLqDA#/registration

This is a virtual event which will be held over Zoom.

Join Southland Development Authority for the next installment of Power Hour, a virtual learning series designed to provide practical tools and strategies for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

This session will feature Lauren Plug, Founder and Ethical SEO Strategist at Chaotically Mindful, who will break down the fundamentals of search engine optimization and provide a practical roadmap for improving online visibility.

Many business owners know they need SEO but aren’t sure where to begin. This session will help participants understand what actions to prioritize, what should be maintained regularly, and how to build a sustainable online presence that attracts and engages the right audience.

Attendees will leave with actionable insights they can implement immediately to strengthen their digital presence and support long-term business growth.

Register here https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/qsLxJ3yyS1Ktla_s8iYOYw#/registration

Own the Business. Own the Building.

Join the 3rd Annual Small Business Breakfast for a morning of practical insights, networking, and financing opportunities designed to help entrepreneurs grow and build long-term wealth through business ownership.

This year's keynote partner, SomerCor, will lead a special presentation and fireside chat featuring Manny Flores, President & CEO of SomerCor, Angelica Garcilozo, Chief Lending Officer at SomerCor, and Elisabeth Williams, Director of Business Lending. Together, they'll share expert guidance on SBA 504 financing, the Down Payment Assistance Program (DPAP), and strategies to help small business owners move from leasing to owning their commercial space.

Attendees will also learn how eligible businesses may qualify for up to $25,000 in down payment assistance, hear success stories from local entrepreneurs, and connect with valuable business resources—all while enjoying breakfast and networking with fellow business owners and community leaders.

📅 Friday, July 24, 2026
🕣 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 The Lyric Theater, Blue Island, IL

Reserve your spot today and take the next step toward owning both your business and your building.

Registration https://www.eventbrite.com/e/own-the-business-own-the-building-tickets-1992372406501?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=wsa&aff=ebdsshwebmobile

Join Southland Development Authority for Power Hour, a virtual learning series designed to equip entrepreneurs and small business owners with practical tools for sustainable business growth.

This session will feature Kelly Hernandez, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of K Collaborative and Co-Founder of Wine&, who will guide participants through the foundations of building a strong and strategic brand.

Whether you’re launching a new venture, refining your business identity, or preparing for growth, this session will help you better define your unique value, understand your target audience, and develop a marketing strategy that connects with customers in meaningful ways.

Attendees will learn how to create authentic messaging, strengthen brand positioning, and build customer experiences that support long-term success. The session is designed to provide practical insights that business owners can immediately apply to improve visibility, engagement, and growth.

Power Hour is free to attend and open to local business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals looking to strengthen their brand and marketing strategy.

Reserve Your Spot - RSVP Now!