ACE News

May 17, 2024 (ROCKFORD) – In a landmark celebration of two decades of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the EIGERlab, in collaboration with Winnebago County Board Chairman Joseph Chiarelli, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara, and former Congressman Don Manzullo, is thrilled to announce the first annual 815 Innovation Awards featuring the ACE Entrepreneurship Conference and Expo. This prestigious event is set to take place on May 23 at the Embassy Suites Rockford Conference Center, located at 416 S. Main Street in Rockford. The Day starts at 2 p.m. with the 3rd Annual ACE Conference and Expo, and Culminates at 6:30pm with the 815 Innovation Awards Ceremony.

The awards will honor outstanding achievements in various fields, including Aerospace, Robotics and Automation, New Product Design, Innovative Technology/Software Solutions, Healthcare, Education, Arts and Design, Architecture, Community Development, Young Innovators and the ACE Emerging Small Business Innovator Award, along with a special accolade for the John Lundin for Community Organizations.

The 2024 Nominees are representative of the following businesses and organizations:

Altruize

Beloit Health System

CEANCI

Comprehensive Community Solutions

Collins Aerospace

NICNE Collalab

Rootzbranches

Accelerated Machine Design and Engineering

Gallery Lans

Studio GWA

The Underground Art Academy

Greater Rockford Arab Chamber of Commerce

Inscape Collective

Kaney Aerospace

Kikifer’s Academy

NFB Clothing Store

Ollmann Ernest Martin Architects and Engineers

Positive Reflections

RJ Solution – a UIC Start Up Company

Rockford Network of Professional Women

Rockford Rides

Rockford Robotics

Serola Biomechanics

Soundscape

Spectrum School

Stephenson Business Center

Stateline Robotics

The Picture People

Members Alliance Credit Union

Think Big

Rockford Public Schools #205

Chris Agnitsch, EIGERLab Board Chairman, reflected on the region's rich history of innovation, stating, "Our community thrives on the ingenuity of individuals and organizations that work tirelessly towards our economic prosperity. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are privileged to spotlight the brilliant minds that continue to drive progress in our region."

The ACE Conference will begin at 2:00 pm, featuring educational sessions for aspiring business owners. An Expo will precede the 6:30 Awards Ceremony, highlighting the entrepreneurial support organizations, inventors, and sponsors instrumental in the region's innovation landscape.

Tickets for the event, which include access to A.C.E and the Expo, and the Awards Ceremony, are now available at www.eigerlab.org.

For more information, please contact: Chris Agnitsch at 815-871-6923 or Karmen Chiodini at 815-965-3522.

May 7, 2024 (ROCKFORD) – Accelerating Creatives & Entrepreneurs, better known as ACE, is back again this year to bring learning, networking and collaboration opportunities to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. The 2024 event brings with it a new twist, as ACE partners with EIGERlab during their inaugural 815 Innovation Awards. These two events will complement each other on May 23, beginning at 2:00pm at Embassy Suites Rockford Conference Center, located at 402 S. Main Street, in Rockford.

As in previous years, ACE will highlight small business resources and partners throughout the Rock River Valley that support entrepreneurs in their efforts to start, grow and expand their business. Through expert panel discussions, an exhilarating keynote speech, a networking hour and a resource-focused expo, participants are sure to walk away with valuable connections, tools and actionable items to take their business to the next level.

The ACE Conference and Expo portion of the day leads into EIGERlab’s special Nominee Appreciation Dinner at 5:00pm culminating in the 815 Innovation Awards Ceremony at 6:30pm, . The awards will honor outstanding achievements in various fields, including Aerospace, Robotics and Automation, New Product Design, Innovative Technology/Software Solutions, Healthcare, Education, Arts and Design, Architecture, Community Development, Young Innovators and ACE Emerging Small Business Innovator Awards, along with a special accolade for the John Lundin for Community Organization.

Chris Agnitsch, EIGERlab Board Chairman, reflected on the region's rich history of innovation, stating, "Our community thrives on the ingenuity of individuals and organizations that work tirelessly towards our economic prosperity. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are privileged to spotlight the brilliant minds that continue to drive progress in our region."

Teresa Beach-Shelow, a fellow Board Member, reminisced about the origins of EIGERlab, praising the visionary leaders and community's collaborative effort that led to its establishment in 2004. "We take pride in being a catalyst for innovative growth. We aim to illuminate the remarkable contributions of those who work at the organizational and grassroots levels to foster innovation in our region," Beach-Shelow commented.

Spitty Tata, a key figure in outlining the region's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and current EIGERlab Board Member, expressed excitement over the partnership between ACE and EIGERlab for this event. "Our collaborative efforts are geared towards creating a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs and emerging businesses to thrive within the Rockford Region," said Tata.

Tickets for the event, which include access to ACE, the Expo, and the Awards Ceremony, are now available at www.eigerlab.org. A limited number of seats are also available for the 5:00 pm Nominee Appreciation Dinner at the Embassy Suites. This ticket upgrade includes a chef-prepared banquet-style meal, showing thanks to our nominees for contributing to innovation in our community.

If you know of an innovator who deserves to be recognized for their contribution to our community, please submit your nomination online at www.eigerlab.org. The deadline for nominations is May 10th, 2024.

For more information, please contact: Chris Agnitsch at 815-871-6923 or Karmen Chiodini at 815-965-3522.