Community & Events
Event Highlights
See All Events »
Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward
Thu., April 2
RISE Celebrity Bartender Event
Thu., April 2, 5-8 p.m.
Chatham Chamber Luncheon
Thu., April 9, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Workforce Institute Spring Career Fair
Wed., April 15, 9-11 a.m. & 4:30-6 p.m.
Latest Events
Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward
Thu., April 2
, ,
Hosted by IDOT’s Office of Business and Workforce Diversity, the conference provides female- and minority-owned businesses with opportunities to make connections and develop skills to grow and succeed. Celebrating its 35th gathering, Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward offers workshops to build skills, seminars on best business practices and networking opportunities for businesses and contractors wanting to partner with IDOT through the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. Conference topics include regulatory and DBE reevaluation updates, funding opportunities, leadership strategies and advancements in technology. Industry leaders and IDOT staff also will be leading sessions on how to participate in projects, from bidding through delivery. Featured speakers include three-time track-and-field national champion and 10-time All-American Charles Clark as well as Wilbur Milhouse, who founded a Chicago construction company that graduated from the DBE program and grew into a family of seven companies with more than 400 employees nationwide.
RISE Celebrity Bartender Event
Thu., April 2, 5-8 p.m.
The Office Sports Bar & Grill, 1919 W. Iles Ave., Springfield
Watch familiar faces trade their day jobs for bar tools while you enjoy great drinks, meaningful connections, and a fun night out with fellow young professionals. This event is a fun way to bring both Springfield’s young and seasoned professionals together while raising funds to help support the RISE program. All tips and proceeds will support RISE Springfield’s mission to empower young professionals through professional development, networking, and community engagement.
Chatham Chamber Luncheon
Thu., April 9, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Route 66 Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum Motordome, 600 Toronto Road, Springfield
This month’s speed networking luncheon will be a fast-paced, yet structured event designed to facilitate quick and efficient business connections. We will have up to six timed rotations, or table changes, so that everyone will have a chance to meet a variety of people. Don’t forget to bring your business cards! Please RSVP by 4 p.m., April 3.
Workforce Institute Spring Career Fair
Wed., April 15, 9-11 a.m. & 4:30-6 p.m.
Lincoln Land Community College, 5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield
The spring LLCC Workforce Institute Career Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 15, with a morning session from 9-11 a.m. and an afternoon/evening session from 4:30-6 p.m. The two sessions are to accommodate morning and evening classes. Due to construction in the Workforce Careers Center, the spring Career Fair will be held in Sangamon and Menard Halls on the main campus in Springfield and utilize the new construction lab in Sangamon South as well as A. Lincoln Commons and the Student Union based on employer turnout.
Mastering the State Contracting Game
Wed., April 15, 10-11 a.m. and Wed., May 13, 10-11 a.m.
Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology, 120 W. Jefferson St., Springfield
The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) Office of Supplier Diversity, in collaboration with the IT Procurement Office (ITPO), has announced the launch of a new webinar series titled “Mastering the State Contracting Game” as part of the Leveraging Diversity in Technology Procurement educational series. This five-part series is designed to equip current and prospective IT vendors with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the state of Illinois’ procurement process with confidence. The series will be presented by representatives from the ITPO team and moderated by Reginald Lampkin, BEP/VBP Manager for DoIT Supplier Diversity. Each session will include live demonstrations in BidBuy, the State’s electronic procurement system. All sessions will be recorded and made available to registrants. Attendees are encouraged to participate live for Q&A opportunities and real-time system walkthroughs.
Chamber on Tap – Woare’s Inc.
Thu., April 16, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Woare’s Inc., 2500 Peerless Mine Road,, Springfield
Woare’s Inc. will host our April Chamber on Tap. Central Illinois’ premier source for landscape and masonry products, including quality brick, natural and manufactured stone and outdoor living products.
Women’s Business Showcase
Thu., April 16, 4:30-7 p.m.
The Crowne Plaza, 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield
The Women’s Business Showcase is a relaxed, come-as-you-are evening event designed to make supporting women-owned businesses easy — and enjoyable — after a long day. Swing by after work, grab a drink from the cash bar, browse at your own pace, and discover local businesses you’ll be glad you found. Arrive early — the first 200 attendees will receive a free tote bag with swag from our sponsors, perfect for carrying your finds. Many vendors will also be offering giveaways at their individual booths, along with Showcase-only specials and surprises throughout the evening.
Knob Hill Landscape Company Open House
Sat., April 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Knob Hill Landscape Company, 661 W. Camp Sangamo Road, Springfield
Enjoy food, drinks and live music. Meet Knob Hill’s award-winning design and installation teams, Get a behind-the-scenes experience and enjoy exclusive discounts.
Wake up Chatham Chamber
Wed., April 22, 7:30-9 a.m.
Chatham IL Train Depot & Railway Museum, 100 N. State St., Chatham
Network with others and enjoy a light breakfast.
Communicating with Gen Z: What Actually Connects?
Wed., April 22, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Horace Mann, 1 Horace Mann Plaza, Springfield
How do organizations effectively communicate with Gen Z in a rapidly changing digital landscape? Join the Mid-Illinois Communications Association for a dynamic panel discussion featuring college students who will share firsthand insights on what captures their attention.
Ribbon Cutting
Thu., April 23, 12 p.m.
Beige Bee Boutique, 3255 Ginger Creek Dr., Springfield
Join the staff of Beige Bee Boutique as they celebrate the opening of their new boutique.
Building Better Workplaces: HR Basics That Matter
Fri., April 24, 9:30-11 a.m.
CAP 1908 Social Innovation Center, 1100 South Grand Ave. East, Springfield
Small businesses and nonprofits often face HR challenges without a dedicated HR team. In this CAPture Your Potential session, HR experts Denysha Crawford and Jessica Derhake will share practical insights on key HR topics and answer participant questions. Attendees can submit questions in advance during registration, making this an interactive opportunity to gain guidance from experienced HR professionals.
