EIGERlab

05/18/2024

🌟 Exciting times ahead at the 815 Innovation Awards and A.C.E. Entrepreneurship Conference & Expo! 🚀

Join us in celebrating a milestone—the 20th anniversary of EIGERLab, as we honor the exceptional minds propelling innovation across Winnebago County. The event takes place on May 23rd at the Embassy Suites Rockford Conference Center, where we will applaud achievements in sectors like Aerospace, Robotics, Healthcare, and more.
Kick off the day with the informative A.C.E. Conference and Expo and stay for the evening's main event, the 815 Innovation Awards Ceremony at 6:30 pm. Witness the power of creative solutions that are transforming our community.

Get your tickets now to be part of this landmark event! Visit Eigerlab.com for more details.

05/17/2024

🎉 Congratulations to all the nominees of the 815 Innovation Awards and A.C.E. Entrepreneurship Conference & Expo!🌟

This event celebrates innovation in Winnebago County, marking EIGERLab's 20th anniversary. Join us on May 23rd at the Embassy Suites Rockford Conference Center to honor our brightest innovators whose creative solutions drive regional growth.

Hosted by EIGERLab and A.C.E. partners, the day begins with the A.C.E. Conference and Expo and culminates in the 815 Innovation Awards Ceremony at 6:30 pm. We'll recognize achievements in Aerospace, Robotics, New Product Design, Technology, Healthcare, Education, Arts, Architecture, Young Innovators, and more.

Let's celebrate the inventive spirit and congratulate all the nominees! 🎉

05/14/2024

Meet The Speaker for the ACE Conference & Expo.

CLARENCE GREER III
Clarence Greer III is a creative business entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in developing and starting businesses. He graduated from East High School and attended Rockford Business College in 2002-03. Clarence is currently attending the University of Phoenix, in which he graduates in September with his Bachelor of Science in Business/Management.

Clarence owned and operated various businesses in the Rockford area including B City Clothing in 2004, a retail clothing for men and women, and Greer’s Repairs & Maintenance in 2013 where he worked with various REALTOR organizations in the Rockford area.

Over the years, Clarence worked on various projects, both academically and professionally, which allowed him to develop his skills in business management and problem solving. Clarence is in the process of starting and growing a retail clothing and graphic design business, using new print technology innovations with t-shirts, clothing and other items designed using the free jet 330 TX DTG printers.

Clarence is passionate about moving forward in a positive way and working with the youth to start small businesses and build problem solving and business development skills in Rockford and the surrounding areas.

Get your tickets today! Limited Seating Available.
https://www.eigerlab.org/event-details/815-innovation-awards-ace-conference-expo

05/13/2024

EIGERlab and the 815 Innovation Awards Night is proud to announce another sponsorship - Ingersoll Cutting Tool Technology

05/10/2024

🔥 Trailblazer Alert! Nicole Sdao, the dynamic force behind Altruize, is nominated for the Innovation in Technology & Software Award. 🏆 With the groundbreaking Altruize app(altruize.com), Nicole has transformed how volunteer hours are tracked, making a massive impact on nonprofits and volunteers alike. Join us in celebrating her innovative spirit and dedication to community service! 👏

05/10/2024

🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Education! 🎓 We are proud to shine a spotlight on Keishonda & Henry McDavid, founders of KIKIFER’s Entrepreneurial Academy, nominees for the Innovation in Education Award. 🏆 Their visionary leadership has expanded entrepreneurial education from Rockford to Georgia, empowering students to become published authors and leaders. Let’s applaud their dedication to building a brighter future! 🌟

05/10/2024

Recognize excellence in Education, Arts, Architecture, or Community Development at the 815 Innovation Awards.

If you know someone transforming learning environments, enriching cultural experiences, or innovating community infrastructure, submit their names today. 🎓🎨🏠🌍

👉 Nominations www.eigerlab.org

05/09/2024

🌟 Meet This Speaker at the 815 Innovation Awards ACE Conference 🌟
BRYAN AMEZQUITA, President of Amezquita Enterprises, Inc.

We are thrilled to introduce Bryan Amezquita, a distinguished local from the Rockford area, as one of our key speakers. Bryan is a Harlem High School alumnus who furthered his education at Rock Valley College and Rockford University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education.

🚀 Professional Journey
Bryan has built an impressive career by collaborating with various organizations across different industries to enhance their operational systems. He has gained experience working with companies at every stage, from inception through growth and succession phases. Presently, Bryan holds multiple influential roles including educator, speaker, published author, Vice President of Sustain Rockford, and Co-owner of Amez Enterprises.

📈 Business and Community Impact
Bryan is deeply invested in expanding his business and making significant contributions to the community. His expertise lies in analyzing diverse business ventures, understanding their history, and crafting strategies to boost their operational efficiency. He is adept at facing challenges head-on and devising sustainable solutions.

👨‍👧‍👦 Personal Life and Inspiration
Outside of his professional endeavors, Bryan values spending quality time with his family, who are his greatest motivators and supporters. His passion for excellence is driven by a desire to leave a lasting, positive impact on the world.

Join us at the conference to gain insights from Bryan's extensive experience and learn how to drive your own ventures towards sustainable success! 🌍✨

05/09/2024

🌟 Meet Matthew J. Simpson at the 815 Innovation Awards ACE Conference 🌟

We are excited to introduce Matthew J. Simpson, a dedicated development professional from Rockford, as one of our distinguished speakers. Matthew graduated Cum Laude from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and Finance in 2010 and earned a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University in 2013, specializing in Leadership and Public Management.

🏢 Professional Achievements
Matthew has a decade of experience in economic and community development. His journey includes roles as Business Development Specialist at the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, Community Development Manager for the Rockford Housing Authority, and Neighborhood Impact Manager at United Way of Rock River Valley. Most recently, he served as Economic and Diversity Procurement Coordinator for the City of Rockford, IL.

🌟 Awards and Recognition
His impact in the community has been widely recognized with several accolades, including Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s “20 People You Should Know” (2014), Rockford Register Star's "10 People to Watch" (2015), and Soul News Networks’ “25 Black Leaders to Watch” (2015). He was also a finalist for the Crusader Community Health "Spirit of Caring" award (2016) and received the Soar Radio "Civic Leader" award (2018) and Rockford Register Star "Next Up Future Leader" award (2019).

📈 Current Role
Today, Matthew serves as the African American Business Development Manager, focusing on ensuring that Illinois is a place where all businesses can thrive.

Join us to learn from Matthew’s extensive experience in fostering growth and promoting inclusivity within communities and businesses! 🚀✨

05/09/2024

Welcome to the premiere episode of "Innovation Unleashed" by EIGERLab, your gateway to the pulsing heart of innovation in Rockford. In this episode, we uncover innovations shaping our community across diverse sectors.

As we approach the 815 Innovation Awards and ACE Entrepreneurship Conference & Expo on May 23rd at the Embassy Suites Rockford Conference Center, celebrate with us the 20th anniversary of EIGERLab and the transformative impact innovators have on our economy and culture.

Discover their stories of breakthrough and ambition as we gear up for an evening dedicated to honoring Rockford's most visionary minds.

For event details and to purchase tickets, visit our Event Page here at Eigerlab.com

This is "Episode 1: Innovation In The Rockford Area" by Evolution Digital Marketing on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

05/07/2024

05/07/2024

🌟 Meet Michael Gasparini, Our Dynamic New Speaker at the 815 Innovation Awards ACE Conference🌟

We are delighted to introduce Michael Gasparini, the newest addition to the RLDC team and one of our dynamic speakers at the conference. Michael completed his BS in Economics at DePaul University, where he first connected with RLDC through an internship as a credit analyst.

🎓 Educational Journey
After his internship, Michael's thirst for knowledge took him back to DePaul University where he obtained his Master’s in Economics and Policy Analysis. His academic background equips him with a robust understanding of economic theories and their practical applications, particularly in policy analysis.

🏢 Professional Path
Returning to RLDC, Michael now serves as a full-time loan officer. His experiences, from intern to master's graduate to professional, have given him a unique and young dynamic perspective on mission-based lending and economic development.

🌍 Vision and Impact
Michael’s fresh approach and innovative ideas contribute significantly to RLDC’s goals of fostering economic growth and development through strategic lending.

Join us to hear from Michael and gain insights into the future of economic development and mission-based lending! 🚀✨