When: 22 Aug 2008 - 7:30am - 12:00pm America/Chicago
Where: Chicago Cultural Center - 78 E. Washington St., Chicago IL

Be part of the Innovation Discussion in Chicago!!

Each table at our event will have a group discussion lead by a local CIO, Entrepreneur, i.c.stars alums, sponsors, volunteers, University students, and you.

This year’s i.c.stars iOpener event is an interactive discussion to generate and capture a series of recommendations for Chicagoland to attract and retain the best workforce. One of the major priorities of InnovateNow is to Expand the Innovation Talent Pool by developing a new breed of innovation talent in Illinois that can start new businesses and drive innovation in existing businesses in Illinois.

In 2006, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, World Business Chicago and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity established a program called “InnovateNow,” which brings together businesses, schools and governments to create new strategies for business success in Chicagoland and throughout Illinois. The group aims to enable and promote the knowledge and relationships that will form the foundation for ongoing business innovation and regional economic growth.

Browse the CIO and Entrepreneur hosts via the menu’s to the right.

Agenda:
7:30 - Registration and Breakfast
8:30 - Welcome address - Ellen Barry, CIO, MPEA
8:45 - Keynote Address - Edwin B. Lange, EVP and Chief Customer Officer, SAP
9:15 - Break
9:45 - i.c.stars Vision - Sandee Kastrul, President and Co-Founder, i.c.stars
10:00 - Lance Pressl, President of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Foundation
10:20 - Small Group Discussions - Facilitated by Tom Kuczmarski, Chicago Innovation Awards
12:00 - Wrap up

A Measurable Impact

Initial placement rate:
95%
Industry retention rate:
81%
College attendance rate:
44%
Alumni actively engaged in their communities:
70%
Average 12-month earnings before program:
$9,000
Average 12-month earnings after program:
$31,000