Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce

09/08/2026

09/07/2026

Attention, our office is closed for the day, but we are still here to support virtually!

09/05/2026

Workplace wellness isn’t passive, it takes intention.

During the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce’s Mental Health in the Workplace panel, Shanetta Cowgur, MA Counseling, LPC, NCC emphasized that having resources available isn’t enough if we aren’t intentional about creating a culture that encourages people to use them.
Support needs to be visible, accessible, and destigmatized every single day.

How is your organization being intentional about mental health this year?

09/05/2026

🌐 Chicago Southland, Let’s Help Close the Digital Divide!

As a proud member of the Digital Equity Action Coalition (DEAC), the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce is encouraging our business, nonprofit, education, and community partners to get involved in Digital Inclusion Week, October 4–10.

Cook County is working toward a goal of 150 events, and there is an opportunity for organizations across our region to be part of this important effort.

Your event doesn’t have to be complicated. Host a workshop, offer digital skills training, provide technology resources, hold a virtual conversation, support employees with digital literacy, or create an activity that connects people to the tools and resources they need to thrive in today’s digital world.

💻 Businesses. Nonprofits. Libraries. Schools. Community organizations. Employers. There’s a role for everyone.

We encourage our network to register an event, share this opportunity with your partners, and help spread the word.

👉 Register your Digital Inclusion Week event:
https://bit.ly/diw2026events

Let’s work together to expand digital access, strengthen digital skills, and ensure more residents have the opportunity to participate fully in our increasingly connected economy.
Chicago Southland businesses and community leaders — let’s show up and help DEAC reach 150 events!

09/04/2026

🌟 Leadership Spotlight: Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, Ed.D.

The Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, Ed.D., 2026 Chairperson of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce and President of South Suburban College.

For nearly 25 years, Dr. Stokes has dedicated her career to education, public service, community leadership, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. In 2018, she made history as the first African-American woman to serve as President of South Suburban College in the institution’s 97-year history.

Her journey is one of resilience, purpose, and impact. From advocating for children and families in the foster care system to preparing hundreds of families for foster licensure, developing educational programs, and advancing access to higher education, Dr. Stokes has consistently used her leadership to create meaningful change.

Her commitment to the Chicago Southland extends well beyond the classroom. Through her service on community and educational boards, scholarship initiatives, volunteer efforts, and support for children and families, she continues to demonstrate what it means to lead with persistence, dedication, commitment, and compassion.

As Chairperson of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Stokes brings that same spirit of service and leadership to our business community.

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, and to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

Thank you, Dr. Stokes, for your continued leadership and for making a difference across the Chicago Southland.

09/02/2026

🌟 WOMEN WEDNESDAY SPOTLIGHT 🌟

We are proud to celebrate Ralleda Hayes, Founder & CEO of The Braid and Beauty Bar LLC!

Driven by a lifelong passion for hair care, inclusion, and empowering others, Ralleda is using beauty and wellness as a vehicle for confidence, connection, and community impact.

As a 2025 SCORE Pitch Competition winner, Ralleda continues to expand her reach by partnering with schools, park districts, senior facilities, and community agencies to create meaningful hands-on experiences for disadvantaged women and children across Illinois.

One of her memorable moments came during the 2025 Chicago Heights Park District Black History Jamboree, where she led an interactive workshop that gave youth the opportunity to learn styling techniques, practice with mannequins and classmates, and participate in activities designed to build self-esteem.

Through The Braid and Beauty Bar LLC, Ralleda is showing us that beauty is about more than appearance, it’s about dignity, belonging, confidence, and empowerment. 💜

Join us in celebrating Ralleda Hayes and the incredible impact she is making throughout our community!

09/02/2026

At our recent Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce Mental Health in the Workplace discussion, one of our panelist, Alexandra Glumac, delivered a message every leader and employee needs to hear:
“ChatGPT is not your EAP.”

More often, employees are turning to AI for answers when their workplace already offers dedicated, confidential resources through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). EAPs are designed to support mental wellness, family challenges, financial stress, and work-life balance areas, where technology simply falls short of real human care.

Real support requires real people, confidentiality, and professional care. Check your benefits, tap into your EAP, and remind your team that help is already built into their workplace.

09/02/2026

This years Sports luncheon will feature, NBA First Round Draft pick, University of Illinois Basketball Haller of Famer, and, President Chicago Chapter of the National Basketball Retired Players Association, the King of 360s, Kenny Battle. 🏀

Not only our keynote speaker will be there, but many business owners, decision makers, and more will be in the room. You will share lunch with business and community leaders from across the Southland, take your shot at raffle prizes and split-the-pot, and get the chance to grab signed memorabilia during a special autograph session after the program.

Networking, great food, and a front-row seat to a real basketball story. Bring your team.

📆Wednesday, September 23, 2026
🕘11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
📍DoubleTree by Hilton, Alsip, IL

Register here: https://business.chicagosouthlandchamber.com/ap/Events/Register/R1FNlE0SRC0CX

08/31/2026

The Monday Memo is in!

Check out all the great things happening with the Chicago Southland Chamber and our members!

08/26/2026

Meet Chastidy Dix, owner of Ernestine Foods Inc, a family-owned business bringing a taste of the holidays to tables every day! 🥧

What started with a vision from her mother, Ernestine in 2006, has grown into a thriving business and, in 2026, Ernestine Foods landed its first retail chain with Meijer! 🎉

Ernestine’s Sweet Potato Pie Filling is a pre-seasoned, ready-to-bake mix that makes it easy to enjoy sweet potato pie, or get creative and use it in your favorite recipes.

From a family recipe to retail shelves, Chastidy continues to carry her mother’s vision forward while building a legacy. ❤️

We’re proud to spotlight this woman-owned business and can’t wait to see where Ernestine Foods goes next!

A taste of the holidays, everyday! 🥧