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• Beyond the Finish Line: Leadership Insights with Julie Giese

  • When
    05/13/2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Kimpton Gray Hotel - Adler Ballroom

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  The Chicago Finance Exchange will host a special dinner event featuring a conversation with Julie Giese, CEO of NASCAR Chicago Street Race.

  Enjoy an evening of networking and conversation over dinner, followed by an engaging program where Julie will share insights into her personal background and the professional decisions that have shaped her remarkable career in the racing industry. We’ll explore how her innovative "blank sheet" approach to business management has driven significant economic impact and how she applies this mindset to lead major projects.

  In addition, Julie will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the creation and evolution of the Chicago Street Race and discuss NASCAR’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships and expanding opportunities across Chicagoland’s diverse communities.

  It promises to be an inspiring and dynamic evening. Guests are welcome. Reserve your spot today!

  Sponsorships Available - Download the Sponsor Brochure

  
  

  About Julie Giese:

  Julie Giese is the President of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, leading the groundbreaking initiative to bring NASCAR racing to city streets for the first time in the organization’s 75-year history. Under Giese’s stewardship, the NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend has drawn visitors from 25 countries and all 50 states, and resulted in more than $236 million in economic impact for the city to-date. Named “Sports Event of the Year” by Sports Business Journal, the 2023 and 2024 Chicago Street Races represented the two most-watched Cup Series race on NBC since 2021.  Since 2022, Giese has led a team of nearly two-dozen full-time staff in Chicago. In keeping with her lifelong passion for enriching the communities in which NASCAR races – Giese has overseen the development of a robust community engagement program that has invested more than $5 million in local community-based initiatives throughout Chicago to-date.
  Click to continue reading Julie's full bio.

  
  

  
  

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• Getting Your Financial House in Order: Insurance Essentials

  • When
    05/21/2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Location
    Virtual on Zoom

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  Following our well-received session on estate planning, Chicago Finance Exchange continues the Getting Your Financial House in Order series with a focus on insurance. This program is designed for those who want to stay current, identify potential gaps, and make sure their protection strategies align and evolve with their personal and financial goals. Our expert speakers, Leigh Harter and Rebecca Woan, will explore industry trends, common oversights, and smart planning considerations across a range of policies, including:

  Life Insurance
  Homeowners
  Umbrella
  Auto
  Disability (Short and Long-Term)
  Long-Term Care

  Join us for a practical and insightful discussion that will help you make more informed decisions about your insurance portfolio.

  SPEAKER:

             
  Leigh Harter                           Rebecca Woan
  Managing Director                 CEO and Founder
  NFP Insurance Solutions       Chartwell Insurance Services
  

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• West Suburban Book Club

  • When
    05/22/2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Antico Posto - Oak Brook

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  Join fellow Chicago Finance Exchange members for an engaging evening at the West Suburban Book Club gathering on May 22 at Antico Posto in Oak Brook. This month, we'll be diving into The Measure by Nikki Erlick, a thought-provoking novel that explores the power of choice and the meaning of life.

  In The Measure, ordinary lives are upended when mysterious boxes arrive on doorsteps worldwide, each containing a string that reveals how long the recipient will live. As people grapple with their fates, the novel examines how these revelations affect relationships, personal ambitions, and the way society functions. This compelling and imaginative story promises to spark deep conversations and reflections.

  Enjoy great company, delicious food, and a lively discussion. Whether you've finished the book or are just curious, all are welcome to join the conversation!

  Hosted by Barbara Best

  
  

  
  

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• In the Boardroom: From Seat to Success Nonprofit Boards

  • When
    05/29/2025
  •  
    5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    TBD - Downtown Chicago

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  From Seat to Success – Nonprofit Boards

  Are you looking to make a meaningful impact through non-profit board service? Serving on a nonprofit board is a fulfilling leadership opportunity that provides the opportunity to learn, grow, and impact your community.

  Join us alongside three accomplished panelists as they share their expertise and personal experiences on selecting the right nonprofit board, excelling in your role, and making a lasting impact. Whether you’re considering board service or looking to enhance your effectiveness in an existing board role, this session will provide valuable insights on:

  Selecting the Right Fit: Aligning your passions with an organization’s mission and needs.

  Keys to Being a Successful Board Member: Understanding governance, engagement, and financial commitments.

  What’s Next: Leveraging your current board roles to get on larger NP or corporate boards 

  Getting Started: Practical steps to secure and thrive in a board position.

  Panelists:
  Nicole Robinson, CEO, YWCA
  Julie Scott, CEO, CTS Impact & Non-Profit Board Member
  Brenda Asare, President & CEO, The Alford Group

  In the Boardroom is a three-part series that will guide you through securing, serving, and succeeding on both non-profit and corporate boards. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experienced leaders and gain actionable strategies for effective board service.

  Next session: July 21st
  From Seat to Success - Corporate Boards

  
  

  
  

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• Summer Social

  • When
    07/16/2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    Saddle & Cycle Club, 900 W Foster Ave, Chicago

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  CFE's Summer Social returns to the Saddle & Cycle Club

  Set against the backdrop of a summer evening in Chicago, CFE's Summer Social returns to The Saddle & Cycle Club on Wednesday, July 16. This hidden gem has become a favorite among our members, offering the perfect setting for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

  Join us for dinner, cocktails, and great conversation as we gather to connect and celebrate summer together. Whether you're catching up with familiar faces or making new connections, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

  
  

  
  

  
  

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