BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//The Hatchery Chicago - ECPv6.18.3.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Hatchery Chicago
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261015T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261015T133000
DTSTAMP:20260911T212617Z
CREATED:20260911T212530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T212617Z
UID:8397-1792063800-1792071000@thehatcherychicago.org
SUMMARY:Lunch & Learn: Time Management for a Small Business with Wintrust
DESCRIPTION:About the Event:  \nRunning a small business requires balancing competing priorities\, responsibilities\, and limited time. In this session\, participants will learn the fundamentals of effective time management and why it is essential to running a successful business. We will explore practical strategies for prioritizing tasks and making the most of your time\, including Pareto Analysis\, the ABC Method\, and the Eisenhower Method. Participants will leave with tools they can apply immediately to better organize their workload\, focus on what matters most\, and manage their time more effectively.  \n  \n \nAbout the Speakers:  \nMarcus A Matthews is a Vice President Relationship Manager at Wintrust bank\, bringing over 25 years of expertise in the banking and financial services sector. A Chicagoland native and resident of the west side\, Marcus specializes in building robust support ecosystems by meticulously vetting both internal Wintrust Bank resources and external partners. By staying at the forefront of industry trends Marcus provides initiative taking\, growth -oriented recommendations tailored to each client’s unique needs.   \nElias Mitropoulos is a Vice President Business Banking Relationship Manager\, Wintrust. Elias holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA in Finance from Dominican University in River Forest. With 25 years of banking experience in the Chicagoland area\, he have worked for Chase\, First Bank of Oak Park (now US Bank)\, MB Financial\, and have been with Wintrust for the past 5 years
URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org/event/lunch-learn-time-management-for-a-small-business-with-wintrust/
LOCATION:The Hatchery Chicago\, 135 North Kedzie Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Meet the Expert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thehatcherychicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Wintrust-October-2026-Lunch-Learn.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T170000
DTSTAMP:20260911T210913Z
CREATED:20260911T210913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T210913Z
UID:8389-1791475200-1791478800@thehatcherychicago.org
SUMMARY:Sustainable Packaging Trends That Help Products Sell
DESCRIPTION:About the Event:  \nPackaging can play a big role in how customers see your product and whether they decide to buy it. But with new materials\, formats\, and printing options constantly coming to market\, it can be hard to know what is actually worth considering.  \nJoin Elevate Packaging for a practical look at current sustainable packaging trends\, including sustainable materials\, stand-up pouches\, custom printing\, and changing consumer expectations. We will talk about what is gaining traction\, what may not be worth the investment\, and how to make thoughtful packaging updates without overspending.  \nYou will leave with ideas and resources you can use to evaluate your current packaging and make decisions that work for your product\, brand\, and budget.  \nKey Takeaways  \n\n Understand the sustainable packaging trends that are shaping the market.\n Learn how sustainable packaging can influence customer perception and purchasing decisions.\n Explore practical and affordable ways to update your packaging.\n Identify sustainable packaging options that make sense for your product and budget.\n Find resources and suppliers to help with future packaging needs.\n\n \nAbout the Speaker:  \nGrace Listopad is a Zero Waste Ambassador at Elevate Packaging with extensive hands-on experience in recycling\, composting\, and sustainable materials management. She works closely with businesses and composters to advance compostable packaging solutions that support a circular economy. Grace specializes in compostable packaging and waste
URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org/event/sustainable-packaging-trends-that-help-products-sell/
LOCATION:Make City\, 320 N Damen Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Meet the Expert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thehatcherychicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Sustainable-Packaging.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261008T130000
DTSTAMP:20261007T022926Z
CREATED:20260911T211920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261007T022926Z
UID:8393-1791460800-1791464400@thehatcherychicago.org
SUMMARY:Securing What You've Built: Employee Ownership for Chicago's West Side
DESCRIPTION:About the Event: This informational webinar will focus on employee ownership (EO) and the benefits it can bring you and your business. During the session\, we’ll explore how employee ownership can help business owners plan for the future while strengthening their workforce and community. You’ll learn how employee ownership can provide:  \n\nProvide a succession path that preserves your legacy \n\n\nIncrease employee retention and engagement \n\n\nKeep jobs and wealth rooted in the local community \n\nWhether you’re simply exploring your options or actively planning for succession\, this webinar will equip you with the insights and resources needed to evaluate your next steps   \nAbout the Speakers:  \nProject Equity is a national NPO that helps businesses transition to employee ownership models. Their work focuses on keeping local businesses in community hands\, preserving quality jobs\, and wealth building for workers.  \nRevolution Institute is a Chicago-based community economic development organization that promotes cooperative wealth-building. It incubates and supports worker cooperatives and other shared-ownership businesses\, with a focus on closing the racial wealth gap in Chicago. 
URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org/event/securing-what-your-built-employee-ownership-for-chicagos-west-side/
LOCATION:Virtual\, IL
CATEGORIES:Meet the Expert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thehatcherychicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Webinar_Securing-Chi-West_LinkedIn-Post-1_i2-scaled-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260930T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260930T210000
DTSTAMP:20260923T153732Z
CREATED:20260909T155045Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T153732Z
UID:8369-1790787600-1790802000@thehatcherychicago.org
SUMMARY:Chicago Grown: Why Food Businesses Thrive Here
DESCRIPTION:PRESENTED BY CHICAGO FOOD & BEVERAGE NETWORK + THE HATCHERY \nJoin Chicago Food & Beverage Network (CFBN) and The Hatchery to explore why Chicago is one of the best places in the country to grow your food & beverage business. This event is designed for businesses of all sizes\, whether a startup just getting off the ground or an established enterprise scaling into new markets. \nFrom our world-class production and distribution infrastructure to our diverse ecosystem of growers\, manufacturers\, and innovators\, Chicago offers advantages that aren’t found anywhere else. This panel will dig into what sets Chicago apart and why so many food & beverage businesses plant roots here. \nPANEL TOPICS INCLUDE \n\nSupply chains\nInvestment\nRetail\nInnovation\n\nAGENDA \n5:30 p.m. – Check-in\n6 p.m. – Panel discussion\n7 p.m. – Networking and reception \n\nSPEAKERS \nREBECCA MOTLEY\nVice President of Economic Development\,\nWorld Business Chicago \nRebecca Motley is Vice President of Economic Development at World Business Chicago\, where she leads business attraction and retention efforts for science-based industries\, including life sciences\, quantum\, climate technology\, and advanced materials. She also advises and supports fundraising for a Chicago-based medical device startup developing a diagnostic for fibromyalgia. Her career spans technology commercialization\, municipal economic development\, commercial real estate\, consulting\, and banking\, with previous leadership of the technology incubator at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Rebecca holds a B.S. in Economics and an MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. \n  \nPAIGE LEYDEN\nDirector of Food and Drink Americas\nMintel \nPaige joined Mintel in 2022 and leads a team of analysts that analyze consumer attitudes\, behaviors and trends in the US food\, drink\, and foodservice industries. \nPrior to joining Mintel\, Paige spent 7 years leveraging syndicated and consumer data to deliver insights for a variety of CPG\, retail\, and foodservice clients. She spent time at SPINS building a product library focused on natural and organic CPG items before pivoting to the foodservice industry at Datassential where she blended syndicated\, consumer and operator data to provide clients with a comprehensive approach to category overviews\, product innovation\, and growth strategies. \nPaige holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Consumer Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. \nMICHAEL PFEIFFER\nSr. Relationship Manager\,\nBank of America \nMichael Pfeiffer is a Chicago-based Senior Relationship Manager at Bank of America\, where he partners with executives and owners when business strategy becomes a financing\, liquidity\, or banking decision. He advises middle-market industrial and consumer businesses\, including publicly traded companies\, and brings prior experience in Big 4 accounting\, corporate treasury\, and capital markets risk. \n  \nMIKE LOQUERCIO\nDigital Manufacturing & Supply Chain\,\nCoca-Cola\n \nMike Loquercio is a Digital Manufacturing and Business Technology leader responsible for enabling operational excellence across Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling manufacturing facilities. He bridges plant operations\, enterprise systems\, and emerging technologies to deliver scalable solutions that improve efficiency\, visibility\, reliability\, and business performance. \n  \nMargie Omastiak\nSENIOR FORAGER LOCAL AND EMERGING BRANDS\,\nWhole Foods Market\n \nMargie Omastiak has been with Whole Foods Market for 32 years\, beginning her career in wellness and beauty. For the past five years\, she has served as a Senior Forager for the Midwest\, focusing on discovering and supporting local and emerging brands and bringing innovative food and beverage products to Whole Foods Market customers.
URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org/event/chicago-grown-why-food-businesses-thrive-here/
LOCATION:The Hatchery Chicago\, 135 North Kedzie Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Meet the Expert,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thehatcherychicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Chicago-Grown-Why-Businesses-Thrive-Here-updated.png
ORGANIZER;CN="The Hatchery":MAILTO:info@thehatcherychicago.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260526T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260526T173000
DTSTAMP:20260514T233828Z
CREATED:20260406T184555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T233828Z
UID:8069-1779811200-1779816600@thehatcherychicago.org
SUMMARY:Strategies in Menu Costing and Pricing for Food Service Businesses
DESCRIPTION:This class is designed for food service entrepreneurs\, including restaurants\, caterers\, and mobile vendors\, who want to understand the financial side of menu planning. Participants will learn how to accurately calculate ingredient and production costs\, account for labor and overhead\, and understand the factors that influence profitability. The session emphasizes practical approaches to pricing that ensure each menu item contributes to sustainable business growth. \nAttendees will explore strategies for balancing competitive pricing with profit margins\, adjusting prices for different sales channels\, and avoiding common pitfalls in menu costing. By the end of the class\, food service business owners will have the tools to confidently price their offerings\, make informed financial decisions\, and optimize their menus for both customer appeal and long-term success. \nAbout the Speaker: \nKatherine Valleau is the Entrepreneur Engagement Manager at ICNC | The Hatchery. Prior to joining ICNC\, Katherine co-owned and operated Exit Strategy Brewing Company in Forest Park\, Illinois. As a founder herself\, she understands the realities of building a business from the ground up—from the excitement of launching something new to the constant problem-solving required to keep it moving forward. Katherine’s background also includes work in education and community leadership\, where she focused on creating supportive environments and helping people develop their ideas and skills. That experience\, combined with her work as a storyteller and podcast host highlighting the people behind craft businesses\, informs her approach to entrepreneur engagement.
URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org/event/strategies-in-menu-costing-and-pricing-for-food-service-businesses/
LOCATION:The Hatchery Chicago\, 135 North Kedzie Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Meet the Expert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thehatcherychicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Strategies-for-Menu-Costing-Pricing-for-Food-Service-Businesses.png
ORGANIZER;CN="The Hatchery":MAILTO:info@thehatcherychicago.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260521T170000
DTSTAMP:20260514T221113Z
CREATED:20260406T183837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T221113Z
UID:8066-1779379200-1779382800@thehatcherychicago.org
SUMMARY:Fundamentals of Scaling and Product Cost for Emerging CPG
DESCRIPTION:Understanding your costs is the foundation of a sustainable and profitable CPG business. This class will guide emerging food and consumer packaged goods entrepreneurs through the core principles of product costing\, with a focus on accurately calculating ingredient costs and translating them into effective pricing strategies. Participants will learn how to break down recipes into measurable costs and account for packaging and production expenses. \nThe session will also cover how to evaluate margins across different sales channels\, avoid common pricing pitfalls\, and ensure profitability as you grow. By the end of this class\, attendees will have a clear framework for costing their products and setting prices that support both growth and long-term success. \nAbout the Speaker: \nConnor Thompson has over 10 years of experience in the food industry. He spent 3 years working in scratch kitchens before pursuing his Culinary Nutrition degree at Johnson and Wales University. During school Connor developed recipes and products at America’s Test Kitchen and Valley Fine Foods Fresh Pasta. For the last 7 years Connor has worked as a Culinologist at Ingredion focusing on Product Development in the Clean Label\, Plant Based Protein\, and Foodservice space. He has developed food product solutions for numerous companies from small coffee shops to global hotel chains and large-scale food manufacturing.
URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org/event/the-fundamentals-of-product-costing-for-emerging-cpg-brands/
LOCATION:The Hatchery Chicago\, 135 North Kedzie Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Meet the Expert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thehatcherychicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/The-Fundamentals-of-Product-Costing-for-Emerging-CPG-Brands.png
ORGANIZER;CN="The Hatchery":MAILTO:info@thehatcherychicago.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260508T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260508T120000
DTSTAMP:20260417T180200Z
CREATED:20260406T183308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T180200Z
UID:8063-1778230800-1778241600@thehatcherychicago.org
SUMMARY:Small Business Licensing & Resource Fair
DESCRIPTION:Calling all businesses\, at every stage of growth! \nFood Trucks and Mobile Vendors:\nAre you preparing for your next inspection or looking to stay compliant and competitive? \nCPG Brands:\nDo you have the wholesale license needed to get your products onto retail shelves? \nManufacturers & Other Businesses:\nAre you set up with the proper licenses to expand your offerings? \nJoin us for a dynamic Resource Fair designed to support entrepreneurs from startup to scale. Whether you are just getting started or looking to grow\, this event will connect you with the latest information on inspections\, permitting\, licensing\, grants\, and operational support. Engage directly with experts from the Chicago Department of Planning and Development\, Chicago Department of Public Health\, City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection\, Allies for Community Business\, and other industry partners through interactive presentations and resource tables. \nWalk away with practical tools\, new connections\, and clear next steps to move your business forward. \n\nCity Programs\nSmall Business Resources\nInspections & Compliance\nLicensing Requirements\nProperty Tax Relief\n\nThis event will bring a variety of resources from key partners together in one place. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to propel your business to the next stage of growth! \n           
URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org/event/small-business-licensing-resource-fair/
LOCATION:The Hatchery Chicago\, 135 North Kedzie Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Meet the Expert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thehatcherychicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Small-Business-Licensing-Resource-Fair-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260430T180000
DTSTAMP:20260417T183925Z
CREATED:20260302T222902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T183925Z
UID:8006-1777564800-1777572000@thehatcherychicago.org
SUMMARY:Is Your Product a Problem Worth Solving?
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an energizing evening designed for founders who are serious about turning insight into impact. This interactive event will explore how to better understand your customer\, validate real demand\, and make smarter product decisions. Through expert perspective\, practical strategy\, and honest founder stories\, we will examine what separates products that gain traction from those that stall and how to respond when things do not go as planned.  \nExpect candid conversations\, actionable takeaways\, and real-world lessons from experts and entrepreneurs who have navigated the messy middle of building and refining products. If you are testing\, building\, pivoting\, or scaling\, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.  \nLight snacks and refreshments provided!  \nABOUT THE SPEAKERS: \nGlenn Pappalardo has over 20 years of experience in developing winning growth and innovation strategies for companies in the food and beverage industry\, including internationally\, in both consulting and corporate leadership roles. He has been a member of executive teams at both RXBAR (International\, COO) and Kashi (Strategy\, International) and led multiple consulting firms specializing in the space (JPG Resources\, Integral CPG). In addition\, his 15+ years of consulting experience includes time at multinational firms PwC and Deloitte\, holding leadership roles in the Consumer Products industry practices of each. Glenn holds an MBA in Management\, Marketing and Organizations.  \n  \nArwen Kimmell is the founder of Insomnia Insights and the Consumer Insights Lead for Integral CPG. With 20+ years of experience in the wellness industry including retail\, research and client-side brand strategy and insights\, Arwen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to answering your business questions. \n  \n  \nMelanie Bartelme is the Marketing Strategy Manager at Baldwin Richardson Foods Co.\, a true service business that offers customers a range of services\, including flavor innovation\, product development\, procurement\, logistics\, customer service\, and consumer insights. Prior to joining Baldwin Richardson Foods\, Melanie was a Global Food Analyst at Mintel and reported on industry news and trends for the Institute of Food Technologists. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University and regularly shares analysis with industry audiences through publications and conference presentations. Outside of her professional work she engages with food culture through personal travel and social media\, exploring cuisine and culinary trends from around the world. \n  \n \nLuke Saunders is the Founder and CEO of Farmer’s Fridge. Luke guides the company’s vision and strategic direction. An entrepreneur at heart\, Luke started the company while working as a traveling salesman after struggling to find fresh\, healthy\, and accessible food options on the road. Since 2013\, the rapidly expanding business has grown to 2\,000+ national Fridge locations and has established a strong retail presence with partners including Target\, Walmart\, Hudson News\, HMSHost\, and more. Luke has been honored as a Forbes “30 under 30\,” a Crain’s Chicago Business “40 under 40\,” and one of Fast Company’s “100 Most Creative People in Business.” In addition\, Time Magazine named Farmer’s Fridge one of the “100 Best Inventions” and Food & Wine Magazine honored the company as a 2025 Game Changer. \n  \nRegina Trillo Regina left a legal career in human rights to found Nemi Snacks after being struck by how underrepresented and stereotyped Latino food was on American grocery shelves — and how a nopal cactus chip could change that. She is now the co-founder and part of the executive team behind Tuyyo Foods\, a merger of three woman-owned companies bringing bold Latin flavors rooted in heritage to the market.  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org/event/is-your-product-a-problem-worth-solving/
LOCATION:The Hatchery Chicago\, 135 North Kedzie Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Meet the Expert,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thehatcherychicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Is-Your-Product-a-Problem-Worth-Solving-1-.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260415T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260415T173000
DTSTAMP:20260409T151305Z
CREATED:20260317T053350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T151305Z
UID:8027-1776268800-1776274200@thehatcherychicago.org
SUMMARY:The Middle Game: Practical Growth for Food Service Businesses
DESCRIPTION:This presentation and Q&A with Tim Garcia—Co-CEO of Food For Thought with catering and corporate dining operations in Chicago\, DC\, and Phoenix—is designed for catering and food service business owners who have moved beyond the basics and are navigating the challenges of running and growing their operations. Tim will explore both practical and philosophical hurdles that arise as businesses evolve\, with insights on making meaningful changes\, refining systems\, and approaching the next stage of growth with confidence and clarity. \nABOUT THE SPEAKER: \n \nTim Garcia is Co-CEO of Food For Thought Enterprises\, a Chicago-based hospitality company specializing in catering\, workplace dining\, and special event experiences. With more than 40 years inside the business\, Tim has helped guide companies from startups into a multi-division organizations built for scale\, consistency\, and long-term growth —learning a few things along the way\, usually the hard way. \nHis leadership centers on what happens through the phases of business growth. Tim focuses on strategic planning\, building structure\, refining systems\, selecting the right clients\, and developing teams that can sustain growth while maintaining quality. \nKnown for his direct\, practical approach\, Tim works at the intersection of operations and strategy\, helping businesses move from reactive to intentional. His perspective is grounded in experience\, shaped by mistakes\, constant change\, and focused on building companies that last.
URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org/event/the-middle-game-practical-growth-for-food-service-businesses/
LOCATION:The Hatchery Chicago\, 135 North Kedzie Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Meet the Expert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thehatcherychicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The-Middle-Game-Practical-Growth-for-Food-Service-Businesses-.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T170000
DTSTAMP:20260302T223033Z
CREATED:20260302T221707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T223033Z
UID:7999-1775750400-1775754000@thehatcherychicago.org
SUMMARY:Food Safety\, Shelf Life\, & Packaging
DESCRIPTION:This workshop will explore how shelf life is determined and managed across different food products\, using practical examples to highlight common challenges and potential solutions. Participants are encouraged to come prepared with insights into their own shelf-life testing to enrich discussion.  \nTopics will include shelf-life testing methods\, formulation strategies (natural and preservative-based)\, and the critical role packaging plays in protecting freshness by managing factors like moisture\, oxygen\, and light exposure. Food safety and regulatory considerations will also be integrated throughout to support both compliance and brand integrity. 
URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org/event/food-safety-shelf-life-packaging/
LOCATION:The Hatchery Chicago\, 135 North Kedzie Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Meet the Expert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thehatcherychicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Food-Safety-Shelf-Life-Packaging.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260226T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260226T103000
DTSTAMP:20260204T220357Z
CREATED:20260106T174141Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T220357Z
UID:7902-1772094600-1772101800@thehatcherychicago.org
SUMMARY:Building Prosperity: Employee Ownership for Chicago's Industrial Sector and Communities
DESCRIPTION:Project Equity and Revolution Institute invite you to a citywide convening focused on how employee ownership can support business succession\, retention\, and long-term resilience across Chicago’s manufacturing sector. \nAs thousands of industrial business owners approach retirement\, Chicago faces an urgent need for practical\, turnkey succession strategies to keep companies operating and growing in the communities they serve. Employee ownership offers a proven\, market-tested solution—one that preserves long-standing firms\, protects good manufacturing jobs\, rewards workers\, and keeps dollars circulating locally. \nOn Thursday\, February 26th\, at Make City Incubator\, we hope you will join us to learn more about Project Equity and Revolution Institute’s joint initiative to help manufacturing businesses stay rooted in Chicago and thrive through employee ownership. \nThe event will feature brief presentations followed by networking and informal conversation. During the program\, we will: \n\nIntroduce the Project Equity–Revolution Institute partnership and its dual focus on raising awareness and developing a pipeline of transition-ready businesses\nHighlight how EO offers a ready-made succession\, retention\, and growth strategy for industrial and manufacturing businesses\nClarify the essential role that advisors\, service providers\, and business support organizations play in building long-term\, self-sustaining demand for EO\nPreview upcoming 2026 events and concrete ways to stay engaged and partner with us\n\nWe’ve designed this convening for partners working across Chicago’s business support\, economic development\, and manufacturing ecosystems\, including: \n\nBusiness advisors\, including brokers\, exit planners\, CPAs\, CFPs\, wealth planners\, attorneys and other advisors to small- and mid-sized businesses\nEconomic development and small business support organizations\nManufacturing and industrial-focused service providers\nLocal chambers of commerce and trade associations\nCivic and community leaders interested in learning more about employee ownership\n\nIf you have any questions\, please don’t hesitate to contact Tyler Rivera\, Manager of Ecosystem Development at Project Equity (tyler@project-equity.org) or Sequane Lawrence\, President & CEO at Revolution Institute (sequane@therevolution.institute). \nAbout the Speakers:   \nProject Equity is a national NPO that helps businesses transition to employee ownership models. Their work focuses on keeping local businesses in community hands\, preserving quality jobs\, and wealth building for workers.  \n  \nRevolution Institute is a Chicago-based community economic development organization that promotes cooperative wealth-building. It incubates and supports worker cooperatives and other shared-ownership businesses\, with a focus on closing the racial wealth gap in Chicago.
URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org/event/employee-ownership-as-a-succession-strategy-for-chicago-manufacturers/
LOCATION:Make City\, 320 N Damen Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Meet the Expert,Networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thehatcherychicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Building-Prosperity-program.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260217T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260217T173000
DTSTAMP:20260106T182706Z
CREATED:20260106T162753Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T182706Z
UID:7895-1771344000-1771349400@thehatcherychicago.org
SUMMARY:Building a Gold Standard Recipe
DESCRIPTION:Discover the foundations of gold standard recipe formulation with Ingredion Senior Culinologist Connor Thompson. Participants will learn how to integrate their creative culinary skills with the technical expertise of food science to develop delicious recipes that maintain quality with scale.  \n  \n \nAbout the Speaker:\nConnor Thompson has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry. He spent 3 years working in scratch kitchens before pursuing his Culinary Nutrition degree at Johnson and Wales University. During school Connor developed recipes and products at America’s Test Kitchen and Valley Fine Foods Fresh Pasta. For the last seven years\, Connor has worked as a Culinologist at Ingredion\, focusing on product development in the clean label\, plant-based protein\, and foodservice spaces. He has developed food product solutions for numerous companies from small coffee shops to global hotel chains and large-scale food manufacturing. 
URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org/event/building-a-gold-standard-recipe/
LOCATION:The Hatchery Chicago\, 135 North Kedzie Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60612\, United States
CATEGORIES:Meet the Expert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thehatcherychicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Building-a-Gold-Standard-Recipe.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260122T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260122T173000
DTSTAMP:20260121T150345Z
CREATED:20251208T213609Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T150345Z
UID:7817-1769097600-1769103000@thehatcherychicago.org
SUMMARY:Determining What’s ’Next’: Expanding Your Business and Portfolio with Intention
DESCRIPTION:About the Event:  \nMost founders and businesses get off the ground based on an original pain point or inspiration that drove their first product\, brand creation and even go-to-market approach.  But often\, as that initial product takes root in the market\, these same businesses struggle in deciding what is their best next move\, and how to make it\, including new product categories\, new channels pursuits or new ways to engage with consumers that represent a departure from what ‘has got them there’ to date.  \nThis session will introduce a holistic way of thinking about growth strategy that enables founders and companies to practically and efficiently build on their past success and work\, while still harnessing the creativity and excitement around the possibilities of ’new’ and ’next’.  It will speak not only to the process of exploration and ideation\, but to evaluation and prioritization – the bedrocks of choosing your next move.  All within a continuous approach that takes into account the complete set of success drivers while generating objectivity\, transparency and alignment for the team.  \n We invite you to bring your product for an immersive opportunity to receive direct feedback.  \nAbout the Presenter:  \n  \nGlenn Pappalardo has over 20 years of experience in developing winning growth and innovation strategies for companies in the food and beverage industry\, including internationally\, in both consulting and corporate leadership roles. He has been a member of executive teams at both RXBAR (International\, COO) and Kashi (Strategy\, International) and led multiple consulting firms specializing in the space (JPG Resources\, Integral CPG). In addition\, his 15+ years of consulting experience includes time at multinational firms PwC and Deloitte\, holding leadership roles in the Consumer Products industry practices of each. Glenn holds an MBA in Management\, Marketing and Organizations. 
URL:https://thehatcherychicago.org/event/determining-whats-next-expanding-your-business-and-portfolio-with-intention/
LOCATION:Virtual\, IL
CATEGORIES:Meet the Expert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thehatcherychicago.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Determining-Whats-Next-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Margaret Doherty":MAILTO:margaret@thehatcherychicago.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR