On April 10 I joined State Senator Steve Stadelman, Representative Litesa Wallace and several state agencies for the first of many Minority Business Summits. The purpose of these meetings is to inform minority business owners about programs and opportunities offered by the state. These events create a space for open dialogue about issues minority owned businesses face and how we can foster an environment that is more welcoming for the expansion of minority owned businesses in Illinois.The event was a great success, and I am looking forward to being a part of more in the near future.

The next event will be April 27 with Senators Dave Koehler and Napoleon Harris, State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth and Larry Ivory, president of the Black Chamber of Commerce. The event is from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Morning Star Baptist Church in Peoria, IL.