The Center for Business Education, Innovation and Development (CBEID) has become my first priority and it continues to engage me in ways I find satisfying and that I believe are useful in the community.  

CBEID is an all-volunteer initiative to encourage and enhance small business and start-up success in the Fox River Valley area (Illinois).  Having collaborated to  present numerous educational programs and organized a large network of people with skills, experience and interest in small business innovation, CBEID is gaining traction and focus.

Recently CBEID became involved in organizing the new Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center (FVEC).  Waubonsee Community College's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and CBEID co-sponsored a series of events in response to community discussions about having some sort of entrepreneurship "center.  The objectives of the events were twofold: we wanted to help articulate the characteristics and services of such a center and then to identify the stakeholders in the community who were willing to make it happen. As a result, FVEC was incorporated and is still piloting some programs, and expectations are high.

My personal entrepreneurial venture, 405 S First Street is almost finished.  Located walking distance from the train to downtown Chicago (a little over 60 minutes) and to the shops and restaurants in Geneva, it should be attractive for lease or purchase.  I don't see myself becoming a developer, but it feels good having a real business venture again, and I've learned a lot..

Also, I have recently joined a task force in Geneva working on a proposal to the City Council on recommended strategies to recreate affordable housing for young and old, and people who work in Geneva. I haven't contribute much, yet, but I'm noodling whether a  private housing trust might be created.

Executive Service Corps of Chicago remains in my experience THE most impressive organization for its ability to develop and engage retiree talent in meaningful ways.  I have been engaged in numerous satisfying projects.

At Erie Neighborhood House I haven't done much lately, but I continue to be committed to highlighting and supporting the contributions of Mexican immigrants to our communities.

Eckerd College's Academy for Senior Professionals (St. Petersburg, FL)

I continue to support Eckerd College programs helping retirees to make significant contributions to society while enjoying a healthy lifestyle and  and ASPEC. I still enjoy co-hosting ASPEC's Discussing Differences Online learning group, an outgrowth of which is ASPEC's African American Student Support Program (AAASSP), whereby ASPEC mentors help Eckerd College recruit and retain high-achieving minority students.  AAASSP has celebrated its tenth year!

For more specifics, see Updates...