The 2024 IHCC Annual Business Conference and Expo was held at Navy Pier and is one of the largest gatherings of professionals in the Midwest. This event aimed to provide resources and opportunities for professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs at any stage. It was a day filled with networking, learning, and collaboration.
The 2024 Day of the Dead Gala brought our community together to celebrate Día de los Muertos in a vibrant and meaningful way. This event honored the lives of those who have passed, while also celebrating the living traditions that keep their memories alive. It was a time to reflect on life, love, and remembrance, and to recognize the enduring connections that continue to unite us.
Your participation in the Gala was a vital part of supporting our mission to connect and empower the business community, helping us create a space where diverse traditions and stories were celebrated and shared.
Our final Breakfast Networking Breakfast of 2024 showcased the growing momentum and excitement surrounding the Southside Quantum Project. With thousands of jobs and a $60 billion economic impact on the horizon, this transformative initiative has the potential to reshape Chicago’s Southeast Side and create lasting opportunities for our community.
The conversations sparked today highlighted how minority-owned businesses can get involved, how this economic development will uplift local communities, and how professionals can leverage this initiative to advance their careers.
Our 2025 Kickoff Event was a dynamic start to the year, bringing together the Chicagoland business community to celebrate new opportunities and strengthen connections. We gathered to reflect on our shared goals, collaborate, and set the tone for the year ahead.
A special highlight was honoring our President and CEO, Jaime di Paulo, in celebration of his 60th birthday and six years of outstanding leadership at the IHCC. It was a fantastic way to kick off the year with energy, optimism, and a sense of community.
Our first Networking Breakfast of the year covered the economic power of Latinos, supplier diversity, infrastructure investment, the impact of legislative decisions on small businesses, and the strength of community in driving progress. In today’s fast-paced business world, staying informed and engaged is more important than ever.
We were energized by the conversations and the collective enthusiasm in the room. It was inspiring to see so many people come together, sharing ideas and building connections. The sense of unity and shared purpose reinforced that when we collaborate, we can make a meaningful impact on the future of our businesses and communities.
Our second Networking Breakfast brought together leaders from business, infrastructure, and advocacy for a powerful conversation on the future of DEI. These events are rooted in the belief that when we come together to share insights, experiences, and strategies, we can better support and uplift our communities.
From supplier diversity and inclusive procurement to workforce equity and policy impact, one message rang clear: DEI is about action, not just representation. It takes intention, collaboration, and leadership to create real change—and this gathering showed what’s possible when we all work together toward a more inclusive future.
Our Cinco de Mayo Networking Event at Bar Sol welcomed members of the Chicagoland business community for an evening of connection, culture, and celebration. Guests enjoyed vibrant festivities, including live mariachi, live DJ, a festive taco bar, drinks, and meaningful conversations that sparked new relationships.
It was a memorable evening filled with energy, collaboration, and community spirit, celebrating tradition while collectively building a brighter future. The event highlighted the importance of fostering authentic connections in a space where culture and professional growth come together.
The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was proud to participate in the 15th anniversary of Latino Unity Day in Springfield. This important event brought together hundreds of Latino leaders, professionals, and advocates from across the state to discuss how we can collectively reshape policies and systems to create a more equitable future for all communities in Illinois.
As part of the day’s events, IHCC hosted a reception that served as a vibrant space for connection, collaboration, and empowerment. The reception united business leaders, policymakers, and community advocates to engage in meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing Latino entrepreneurs and the broader business community.