On April 10 I joined State Senator Steve Stadelman, Representative Litesa Wallace and several state agencies for the first of many Minority Business Summits. The purpose of these meetings is to inform minority business owners about programs and opportunities offered by the state. These events create a space for open dialogue about issues minority owned businesses face and how we can foster an environment that is more welcoming for the expansion of minority owned businesses in Illinois.The event was a great success, and I am looking forward to being a part of more in the near future.

The next event will be April 27 with Senators Dave Koehler and Napoleon Harris, State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth and Larry Ivory, president of the Black Chamber of Commerce. The event is from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Morning Star Baptist Church in Peoria, IL.

On Monday, March 16 Senator Harris, along with many others, joined in welcoming the new South Holland Burger King restaurant at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Those who assisted in the ceremony include South Holland Mayor Don De Graff, business owner Barrington Rutherford, Director of Economic Development John Watson, Village of South Holland trustees and Bonita Parker with ComEd.

"Anytime a new business opens in our community, it is a great thing. Business brings new jobs and opportunities that will continue to help our community prosper,” Harris said.

The new restaurant is located at 359 E. 162nd Street, South Holland, IL.