09/23/2026
The 2026 SBAC Advocacy Awards are getting even more exciting! We’re thrilled to introduce our event emcee, Emmy Award-winning Rob Johnson, and recognize our incredible drink sponsors helping make the evening possible.
Inspiro Tequila will be serving two signature cocktails, the Main Street Margarita and Prairie Street Paloma, while Revolution Brewing will also be joining us as a drink sponsor. A huge thank you to both for their generous donations and support!
We’re also excited to introduce more of this year’s outstanding Advocacy Awards nominees:
🏆 Red Tape Cutter of the Year Nominee
Amy Masters (BOMA Chicago)
🏆 Economic Impact Award Nominees
Matt Gallagher (Suncatcher Brewing)
Dr. Mary Camper (Reestablishing Hope Inc.)
🏆 Next-Gen Impact Award Nominee
Harrison Harms (Central Metal Recycling)
🏆 Small Business Champion Nominees
Stephen Ball (Byline)
Leslee Cohen (All Rise Legal Counsel)
Maureen Martino (Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce)
🏆 Community Connector Award Nominees
Mara Smith (Inspiro Tequila)
Kristen Prinz (The Prinz Law Firm)
Laurel Delaney (Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global)
Matt Palmisano (South Loop & Greater Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce)
These outstanding nominees have gone above and beyond to champion Illinois’ small business community through advocacy, leadership, innovation, and service. We’re proud to recognize their contributions and the organizations they represent.
Join us on November 12 as we celebrate this year’s nominees and the people helping small businesses thrive across Illinois. Meet the nominees, enjoy signature drinks, connect with leaders across the small business community, and celebrate with us!
🎟️ Get your tickets: https://bit.ly/47brf2C
