Chicago Urban League Brings Education, Economic Empowerment to the Forefront at First Annual Spring Summit

Mellody Hobson, Dr. Julianne Malveaux among economic and education experts to appear at summit presented by National City, now a part of PNC

CHICAGO, March 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The powerful link between a quality education and economic success is the focus of the Chicago Urban League's first annual spring summit on April 8, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Utilizing the theme Education = Economic Empowerment, the Urban League will convene local and national economic, education and business leaders to explore this important link as a catalyst for improving educational opportunities for children and adults in the region. The Urban League believes strongly that increasing economic empowerment opportunities for African Americans and other underserved communities is critical for the region's national and global competitiveness.  

The summit is presented by National City, now a part of PNC.  

"At this difficult time in Chicago and the nation, a quality education should be the norm, not the exception," said Herman Brewer, acting president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. "Through this summit, we are bringing the community together to break down the barriers that prevent people from receiving a good education that leads to economic opportunity. We must also eliminate the barriers that prevent African American and other underserved entrepreneurs and professionals from having equal access to contracts, jobs and advancement opportunities. The long term economic survival of the city and state depends on the survival of its most vulnerable citizens."  

"PNC's presentation of the Chicago Urban League Spring Summit is an innovative way to address our common goal – to build stronger communities," said Joseph Gregoire, president of Illinois Banking for National City, now a part of PNC and a member of the Chicago Urban League board of directors.  "This summit fosters an important dialogue to discover meaningful solutions to challenges in education and economic development. Working together, we can ensure that Chicago will provide opportunities for everyone."

The Chicago Urban League Spring Summit will include a CEO roundtable luncheon featuring prominent business leaders and concurrent breakout sessions designed to tackle issues that include education funding reform, high unemployment and job training, and challenges and opportunities in the professional services sector. Confirmed CEO roundtable speakers include: Mellody Hobson, president, Ariel Investments; Dr. Julianne Malveaux, president, Bennett College for Women; Ron Huberman, CEO, Chicago Public Schools; and Valarie King-Bailey, CEO, OnShore Technology Group.

Presenters for the breakout session on diversity in the professional services sector include: Shirley Evans-Wofford, CEO, Lambent Risk Management Services, Inc.; Elsie Harper-Anderson, CEO, Regional Economic Policy Research, LLC; Ted Parrish, principal, The Henssler Financial Group; Adrienne Pitts, partner, Sidley Austin LLP; Sheila Talton, vice president, globalization strategy, Cisco; and Emmett T. Vaughn, director, Diverse Business Empowerment, Exelon.  

Contributors for the breakout session on education and equity include: Dr. Malveaux; Ralph Martire, Executive Director, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability; Terry Mazany, president and CEO, The Chicago Community Trust; Sylvia Puente, director, Center for Metropolitan Chicago Initiatives; and Lisa T. Scruggs, partner, Jenner & Block, LLC.

Speakers for the breakout session on the economic and job outlook for 2010 include: Sharon Epperson, CNBC senior energy correspondent and personal finance correspondent; Jun Mhoon, social media and technology expert; Dr. Randal Pinkett, CEO, BCT Partners and winner of NBC's The Apprentice; Cheryl Freeman-Smith, director, workforce diversity and development, Chicago Urban League; Joe Watson, CEO, Without Excuses and Strategic Hire and author of Where The Jobs Are Now.  

A final solutions and recap session will be held to develop recommendations on how to bring about lasting change and actionable policies in education and economic development. This joint session of all summit attendees will be moderated by FOX Chicago anchor Robin Robinson.

For more information about the Chicago Urban League Spring Summit, Education Equals Economic Empowerment, visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org.

WHO: Chicago Urban League, Herman Brewer, acting president and CEO

WHAT: 2010 Spring Summit: Education=Economic Empowerment, presented by National City, now a part of PNC

WHEN: Thursday, April 8, 2010

11:45 a.m. Luncheon and CEO Roundtable

2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Breakout Panel Discussion

3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Solutions Session

WHERE: Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive

Note to editors and writers: photos and bios of the presenters are available upon request.

About the Chicago Urban League

Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League is a civil rights organization that empowers and inspires individuals to reach and exceed their economic potential.  The Chicago Urban League supports and advocates for economic, educational and social progress for African Americans through our agenda focused exclusively on economic empowerment as the key driver for social change. For more information visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org and www.DriveChangeNow.org.

About PNC

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management; asset management and global fund services.

SOURCE Chicago Urban League