The Aspen Institute, in partnership with Chicago Climate Corps, invites media to the announcement of Aspen Ideas: Climate Chicago and a panel discussion hosted at HIRE360 on “Powering the Future: Practical Solutions for the Energy Transition and Workforce Development”
WHAT: Members of the media are invited to attend a press conference and preview panel announcing Aspen Ideas: Climate Chicago (AICC). Organized by the Aspen Institute in partnership with Chicago Climate Corps (C3), attendees will hear from local and national climate leaders on plans for the multi-day event taking place in July 2025. AICC builds on three years of momentum in Miami Beach, Florida, which established the platform as the premier solutions-driven climate event, assembling climate leaders and the public to accelerate solutions.The event will showcase Chicago and the greater Midwest’s leadership in innovation and implementation of critical climate, energy, and sustainability initiatives. The press event will take place at HIRE360, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding employment opportunities through recruiting, training, and placement assistance. A panel of energy and climate leaders will then discuss how the energy transition presents an exciting workforce opportunity to Chicago, the Midwest, and broader United States.WHEN: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 9:30 am -11:30 am CT WHERE: HIRE360 Training and Business Development Center, 2540 S State St, Chicago, IL 60616CONTACT: Jon Purves, Aspen Institute Media Relations Director: [email protected] SCHEDULE:9:30 AM – Doors Open10:00 AM – Press Conference
- Remarks from Margot Pritzker, Chair of the Aspen Institute Board of Trustees; Dan Porterfield, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute; Kobi Weinberg and Rachel Star, co-founders, Chicago Climate Corps; and Jay Rowell, CEO, HIRE360
10:30 AM – Discussion: Developing the Workforce of the Future
- With Bria Scudder, Deputy Governor for Public Safety, Infrastructure, Environment, and Energy, Illinois; Gil Quiniones, President and CEO of ComEd; and Utopia Hill, CEO of Reactivate; moderated by Tara Molina, CBS News Chicago Reporter
11:30 AM – Event Concludes
RSVP: Media (including camera crews) are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Aspen Institute Media Relations Director Jon Purves: [email protected]. Organizers will be available for interviews during the event.Parking at HIRE360 is limited; we encourage reporters to use rideshare services or public transportation.MORE INFORMATION: Aspen Ideas: Climate is the premier solutions-oriented convening where leaders and climate innovators gather with the public to showcase climate solutions with the potential to reshape our world. For the past three years, Aspen Ideas: Climate was hosted in Miami Beach, Florida and welcomed thousands of participants and a highly diverse audience, with speakers from around the world. Participants from 48 countries and 50 states represented the private sector, nonprofits, and the government.The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. Chicago Climate Corps (C3) unites rising climate leaders aged 25-40 to accelerate regional climate action.C3 is helping to establish Chicago and the Midwest as a global hub for climate innovation and leadership. Launched in January 2020, HIRE360 is an industry-led, community-focused nonprofit ensuring that our city’s future is inspired by all the communities that call Chicago home. Our “demand” driven approach to workforce development allows a direct connection with employers and unions to develop workforce recruitment and training programs that meet the specific and timely employment needs of the hospitality and construction sectors. As a workforce intermediary, we identify, recruit, skill up and help community members navigate the apprenticeship process. Our business development program creates wealth and career opportunities in Chicago’s communities by investing capital, time and mentorship to help Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises start, grow and thrive. Learn more at www.HIRE360Chicago.com.
