Planning for Next Year Begins as Inaugural ACHIEVE Summit Exceeds Expectations in Chicago's South Suburbs

Nearly 700 participants experienced a combination of community-led celebrations, dynamic keynote speeches from renowned leaders, and high-impact workshops to elevate their careers

TINLEY PARK, Ill., July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Southland Development Authority (SDA) proudly announces the major success of the inaugural ACHIEVE Summit, held June 27 to 29 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Accomplishing nearly every goal the organization set out to achieve less than six months ago, and fueled by momentum, SDA, its funders, and partners have already begun planning for next year's event: ACHIEVE 2026. In collaboration with more than two dozen financial sponsors and community partners, countless state and municipal leaders, and local small business owners, SDA was thrilled to host such an exceptional experience that set the stage for even greater impact in years to come.

The ACHIEVE Summit 2025 was a landmark event uniting some of the top leaders in business, real estate, philanthropy, and community development to build wealth and shape the future of Chicago's South Suburbs. Over three days, participants engaged in transformational workshops, powerful keynote speeches, and vibrant community celebrations, all designed to enhance professional growth, showcase local innovation, and promote meaningful business deals. Thanks to a diverse mix of world-class professionals and high-net-worth investors, the ACHIEVE Summit covered multiple avenues for success, offering a comprehensive understanding for participants to achieve growth across multiple sectors. Attendees walked away inspired and with new partnerships, actionable business strategies, and tangible next steps to advance their ventures and careers.

The Summit shed light on economic opportunity, innovation, and leadership from across the nation. Event speakers included Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle; Star of ABC's Shark Tank & CEO and Founder of FUBU, Daymond John; Self-Made Mogul and Former President of Entertainment at Telemundo, Nely Galán; Founder of the Powerhouse Conference, Seth Ferguson; impact investor and author, Nathalie Molina Niño; and entrepreneur, author, and acquisitions expert Walker Deibel, who kicked off Saturday's program.

Daymond John shared a motivational perspective focused on personal branding and leveraging entrepreneurship as a tool for growing companies and building generational wealth. Additionally, Nathalie Molina Niño focused on alternative methods to success and creating a legacy, rather than relying solely on investors and venture capital. Their perspectives offered a powerful balance, from practical, wealth-building strategies for individual entrepreneurs to bold calls for more inclusive opportunities for all. Additionally, over 100 elected officials from state and local governments attended to support the Summit and receive community impact recognitions from the SDA. 

Bo Kemp, CEO of the SDA and the founder of the ACHIEVE Summit, said, "We are thrilled by the energy and outcomes of the first-ever ACHIEVE Summit and have already turned our focus toward building an even more impactful event next year. Too often, the south suburbs are left out of conversations around innovation and economic opportunity. The Summit proved what we've always known: that our region is rich in vision, grit, and talent. We're excited to continue this cutting-edge platform for years to come in the Southland and beyond, striving to create the most fruitful experience we can for every attendee."

The SDA expresses its sincere gratitude to all financial sponsors, community partners, and collaborators who made the first-ever ACHIEVE Summit a resounding success. Together, they helped highlight the entrepreneurial spirit and professional passion alive in the Southland, creating an innovative platform blending entrepreneurship, wealth creation, real estate development, and business expansion into a single experience.

Powerhouse Conference Founder Seth Ferguson added, "ACHIEVE is more than just a conference, it's a catalyst. The energy, collaboration, and ambition that were on display in Tinley Park during ACHIEVE were a testament to the region's bright future. The ACHIEVE Summit is where entrepreneurship and innovation converge, making it a destination for leaders everywhere. I am confident that the ACHIEVE Summit will become a staple of the south suburbs and a model for economic reinvention across the country."

The Summit highlighted the Southland's position as a rising center for real estate development, entrepreneurship, and wealth-building, one that is now attracting national attention. Attendees can remain up to date on future events and network with fellow achievers by using Bright Crowd. The ACHIEVE Summit aims to foster a strong community among past and future attendees.

For more information about the impact of ACHIEVE 2025 and developments on next year's event, visit www.achievesummit2025.com.

About the Southland Development Authority
The Southland Development Authority, a not-for-profit economic development organization, is committed to driving equitable and sustainable economic growth in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and impactful direct investments, the SDA is building a vibrant, inclusive economy that drives wealth growth for individuals, businesses, and municipalities. Combined with the benefits of the South Suburban Land Bank and the Monarch Fund, the SDA serves as a model for regional development.

For more information, visit southlanddevelopment.org.

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SOURCE Southland Development Authority