09/20/2026
This past week, we hosted the BLC Lakeside Chat on the Future of Business in Chicago w/Mayor Brandon Johnson.
We were delighted to host such a distinguished slate of Chicago’s finest business, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders.
As of late we often hear phrases such as ‘Having a seat at the table’ and ‘Being in the room’.
For the Business Leadership Council, our North Star is more intentional than simply being in the room.
It is about creating access, cultivating relationships, and advocating for meaningful & measurable business collaborations that mature from opportunity to a legacy of outcomes.
We made history by convening the inaugural BLC Lakeside Chat—another milestone in what has been a remarkable year of firsts for the Council.
In February, we launched our inaugural Congressional Candidates and Public Policy Forums.
In March, we celebrated Women’s History Month with our Breakfast of Champions.
In May, we launched our signature speaker series, entitled Titans Talk, bringing together the founders of the BLC.
And this past week, we launched the Lakeside Chat—creating another platform for candid conversation, connection, and collaboration around the future of Chicago’s business community.
Undoubtedly, these firsts certainly warrant applause.
But the real ovation comes from what we do with them.
Because our measure of success is not simply how many people we convene, how many seats we fill, or how many conversations we host.
It is whether we can move the needle—toward sustainable growth, greater access to opportunity, and the systemic integration of Black business talent and value into the broader Chicago economy.
Thank you Mayor Johnson for discussing your accomplishments and your vison for greater business and community-based development across our city.
