All Topics in Chicago
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3: Browse for a topic, Click the orange request button, Fill out the contact form.Now the speaker will contact you in the next few days to coordinate details.
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Seeking alpha: What accredited investors and aspiring accredited investors need to succeed
Terry Nugent, Partner, AlphasNext, LLC
TOPIC CATEGORY: Financial
In this session, you will learn about alternative investment opportunities from the perspective of an experienced accredited investor. Topics include: What are the most popular types of investment among accredited investors? What are the risks and potential rewards? How does an individual investor evaluate opportunities?
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Innovating Earned PR in an Evolving Media Environment
Jennifer Fortney, President, Cascade Communications
TOPIC CATEGORY: Business
While the media world continues to shift and change, companies of all sizes are still hungry for the valuable earned media mentions and features that bring an unparalleled credibility. So, what are they to do? Jennifer shares that today, PR is much more than just earned media. It's more than the newspaper story on a plaque on the wall. MORE >
It's search, reviews, how you use a story to gain even more traction and create content campaigns around it and best utilize the psychology of marketing and story telling to boost sales and donations. -
The Power of Storytelling to Your Organizations Culture, Growth and Innovation
Jennifer Fortney, President, Cascade Communications
TOPIC CATEGORY: Business
The way you tell the story of your business or organization is all that matters to your customer. Today, customers want to be more engaged with the companies in which they do business and organizations' they support. The story is the reason they buy or donate. It is what they will share with friends and family when asked about where they purchased or what causes to do they support. MORE >
The trick is that not everyone knows how to tell their story well across all platforms. This is where Jennifer comes in to walk you through finding your story and telling it appropriately and consistently for brand building. -
Discover What’s Really Wrong In Your Life And How To Fix It!
Diane Moca, Child Care Benefits Expert / Working Mother / Television Personality, MomSub
TOPIC CATEGORY: Self-Improvement
For years, my vision for my life was to HAVE IT ALL -- manage kids, spouse and work successfully. But the harder I tried to accomplish that, the less fulfilled, happy and healthy I felt. I was unaware that I was neglecting a critical component in life that didn't seem important but was eating away at my sanity. By sharing my story and what I did to turn my life around, your group will learn the four main categories and six key areas in life that we must all nurture, and audience members will engage in an interactive session to help each person discover which component they need to fix and the steps to bring their life into balance. MORE >
My presentation begins with the emotional journey that allowed me to develop my Goal Awareness and Achievement Formula. I explain how drastically life changed when there were so many demands on my time that I felt out of control and in a constant state of frenzy. After having two kids, working as a journalist and developing my own real estate business, I began to feel frustrated and overwhelmed every day. I was having chest pains and yelling at my kids and husband all the time. I realized I had to change my way of thinking or risk continued erosion of my physical and mental health. I began listening to dozens of audiobooks on productivity, passion and joy. I followed the guidance and insights of these authors. Through overcoming denial, becoming aware of what was really wrong, ending the cycle of blaming others, taking on personal accountability for my situation, putting in the hard work of changing my attitudes and habits, and maintaining patience throughout the process, I drastically improved my life.I'm now accomplishing more than ever in pursuits that are meaningful, and I have control over my schedule to be able to spend quality time with my family. I am on a mission to help others do the same.
Many professionals feel we are pulled in too many directions and don't know how to meet the high standards of our bosses, our family, our friends and ourselves. I have discovered some of the secrets for making it all work through books, courses, coaches and interviews with successful professionals. I’ve spent more than a decade of my life studying how to do it all – taking in hundreds of articles about raising happy and healthy kids, about striving for career aspirations and running a successful business, about keeping a marriage fresh and lively yet deeply meaningful and long-lasting. At this point in life I have turned my study to the real-life heroes living their dreams and discovered what they went through to manage everything -- career, kids, spouse, home, health, fitness, style, finances, spirituality, growth, and purpose.
As a result of interviewing working moms for my Working Mom Warrior YouTube channel, I now have a greater understanding of the motivation that can enrich women’s lives every day. I am creating a community of working moms who share and prop each other up, instead of competing. I am offering their insights and the lessons of my own transformation to groups who would benefit by hearing specific details showcasing how anyone can mold their life to feel invigorated and successful on a daily basis.
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A Consumer’s Guide to Going Solar
Kate Shonk, Sustainable Communities Liaison , Citizens Utility Board (CUB)
TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational
Are you interested in going solar? Learn if solar is right for your home and how to get the most value out of your solar system from consumer advocate experts. In 2019, CUB staffers gave over 70 solar presentations, and we are excited to answer all your solar questions! MORE >
CUB is very excited about new solar incentives available to homeowners in Illinois. However, we know that with all the new advertising and high pressure sales pitches it can be confusing to know what is best for you. At this presentation we will go over solar basics, including:
---why now is the best time yet to go solar,
---how solar panels work with your home and the grid,
---an overview of state and federal incentives,
---why it is almost always better to purchase, rather than lease solar panels.Please note that depending on my availability, another one of our trained outreach staff may take my place as speaker at your meeting, but I will confirm when you contact me.
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The 3 Biggest Problems with Utility Bills
Kate Shonk, Sustainable Communities Liaison , Citizens Utility Board (CUB)
TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational
Most Illinoisans are overpaying for gas and electricity and don’t even know it! In this engaging lecture, I’ll show you how to decode your bills, spot errors, and take advantage of real programs designed to save you money. MORE >
CUB is a non-profit, statewide utility watchdog organization created in 1983 to work for lower gas, electric and telephone rates. CUB has been on your side for 30 years—blocking utility rate hikes, winning consumer refunds and helping to pass important consumer protection laws. Our outreach team has spoken at hundreds of community meetings across Illinois and would love to come to yours.Please note that depending on my availability, another one of our trained outreach staff may take my place as speaker at your meeting, but I will confirm when you contact me.
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Energy Efficiency, Utility Bills, & Your Home
Kate Shonk, Sustainable Communities Liaison , Citizens Utility Board (CUB)
TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational
Wouldn’t it be great to do your part to save the environment, and save money at the same time? Here in Illinois, it’s possible--thanks to a number of statewide policies that CUB fought long and hard for. In this talk, I’ll give you the lowdown on how you can benefit from cost saving energy efficiency programs. MORE >
CUB is a non-profit, statewide utility watchdog organization created in 1983 to work for lower gas, electric and telephone rates. CUB has been on your side for 30 years—blocking utility rate hikes, winning consumer refunds and helping to pass important consumer protection laws. Our outreach team has spoken at hundreds of community meetings across Illinois and would love to come to yours!Please note that depending on my availability, another one of our trained outreach staff may take my place as speaker at your meeting, but I will confirm when you contact me.
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Tax Planning in Retirement
Gregory Kurinec, CFP®, Certified Financial Planner
TOPIC CATEGORY: Financial
If you're nearing retirement or already retired you need to understand how taxes (including the new 2018 changes) impact your retirement income, as it may be possible for you to pay less in taxes on your hard-earned dollars. Since each person's tax situation is unique, and the tax rules can change year to year, it can be challenging to get accurate and timely information. That is why we've developed a special seminar to help people navigate the retirement tax maze. MORE >
Our seminar will equip you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding retirement taxation, including ways to efficiently harvest your income sources- whether they are Social Security, 401(k)/IRA, other sources, or a combination of them all. -
Successful Supply Chain Strategies for Today’s Uncertain Times
Lauren Pittelli, Principal, Baker Logistics Consulting Services Inc.
TOPIC CATEGORY: Business
Drawing on thirty year's experience shipping internationally, Lauren will discuss current supply chain challenges and provide strategies to navigate today's uncertain and competitive marketplace. Plan for success by increasing your company's flexibility while driving down transportation costs and risk. MORE >
In this session, Lauren will cover specific strategies to capitalize on today's market opportunities by:- Reducing supply chain risk
- Increasing efficiency and cost effectiveness
- Incorporating new tools -
The China Trade War: Trade, Tariffs and Supply Chain Considerations
Lauren Pittelli, Principal, Baker Logistics Consulting Services Inc.
TOPIC CATEGORY: Business
Global Supply Chains have always had their intricacies, and with international trade and the global economy in flux it is vital to understand the complexities of trade relations. What's the status of the trade war? Will it end soon - and if not, what should we expect in the future ...and most importantly, what should U.S. companies be doing today to address these uncertainties? MORE >
If you are currently doing business in China you should not miss this presentation and if you are not currently doing business in China you still should not miss this presentation - because you and your business are likely to be affected by what happens with trade between the U.S. and China.