How can one individual or one business speak with the power of nearly 600 voices? By teaming up with one of the region’s most powerful business forces, the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance.
We all come from diverse backgrounds—from independent contractors, entrepreneurs, small businesses and large corporations, to family-owned, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. United, we become a single, unifying force with the power to shape the future of the Aurora region.
Our Mission
The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance was founded to foster a dynamic, inclusive economy by promoting economic development; supporting small, minority, and women-owned businesses; and driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Through collaboration and strategic initiatives, we aim to create a thriving business environment, strengthen regional partnerships, and position Aurora as a competitive hub for emerging technologies and economic growth. Together, we are committed to building a prosperous, resilient community where businesses and individuals can succeed and grow.
About Us
The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) is an Economic Development and Chamber of Commerce corporation charged with fostering equitable and sustainable economic growth. By joining forces through the Alliance, the region will present a unified front in support of existing businesses, advocate for a positive economic environment, amplify the voices of women- and minority-owned businesses, and attract investment. Its work will support and complement Aurora’s development and redevelopment initiatives by marketing the city’s assets and competitive advantages and supporting existing businesses.
The organization was established to unite the efforts of Invest Aurora, the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce, and Aurora Downtown, forming an umbrella organization that provides the collaborative structure necessary for greater impact. It became officially operational in January 2025.
Why Aurora?
Aurora is built for business. Aurora’s economy is bolstered by a diverse collection of large- and small-scale companies that employ our highly educated workforce across industries, including professional, scientific, technical services, transportation, logistics, and warehousing, and healthcare. Leaders in Aurora’s public and private sectors work together to build a sustainable, economically friendly business environment. From internationally recognized companies to innovative local startups, Aurora is where thriving businesses choose to be. The goal of the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance is to promote economic development in this unique community that we call home.
Strategic Planning
Strategic Plan Overview
The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (the Alliance), in partnership with TIP Strategies, is developing a comprehensive strategic plan to chart a path for long-term economic growth and resilience in the Aurora region. This strategy will serve as a roadmap for business expansion, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and inclusive economic prosperity—positioning Aurora for a stronger, more competitive future.
Strategic Plan Timeline Project Schedule (2024-2025)
What Informs the Strategic Plan?
The plan is grounded in direct engagement with stakeholders—businesses, community leaders, educators, and Alliance staff—through focus groups, interviews, workshops, and surveys. TIP Strategies will combine this input with market research to conduct an economic assessment, benchmarking Aurora against peer regions and analyzing key industries. These insights will shape tailored strategies and best practices to move the Alliance forward and elevate the region’s economy.
Project Goals
The strategic plan will prepare both an economic development roadmap and an organizational framework for the Alliance. It will:
- Define clear goals and objectives for the new organization.
- Recommend strategies and a business plan for launch.
- Outline approaches for recruiting, retaining, and expanding high impact industries.
Objectives
The objectives of the strategic plan include the following:
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Community Engagement |
Engaging with community, business, and academic leaders to identify key priorities for the new organization |
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Action Planning |
Designing initiatives, action steps, and metrics to advance the priorities identified by the stakeholder engagement |
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Economic Research |
Researching and analyzing industries that currently influence Aurora’s economy, identifying assets and challenges, and drafting an economic development strategic plan with specific outcomes |
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Future Industry Readiness |
Creating strategies to position Aurora for success with the industries building the economy of tomorrow that include quantum computing and artificial intelligence |
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Talent Alignment |
Preparing recommendations for the Alliance as it relates to the talent needed to accomplish the goals and objectives set forth in the strategic plan |
Key Outcomes
The strategic plan will deliver a clear, actionable framework to guide the Alliance’s work and strengthen the Aurora region’s economy—these are the key outcomes you can expect from this effort.
- Clear Vision & Strategic Direction: A roadmap defining the Alliance’s mission, goals, and economic leadership role in the region
- Stronger Support for All Businesses: Expanded services for local businesses with a focus on training, advocacy, and MWBE support
- Data-Driven Priorities for Growth: Strategic focus areas informed by regional data and community engagement
- Alignment of Workforce & Industry Needs: Talent strategies that connect employers with a future-ready, inclusive workforce
- Framework for Impact & Accountability: Measurable goals, timelines, and tools to ensure follow-through and progress
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The Team Working For You
Core Values
We believe that the same tenets that drive you and your business also drive us. That’s why, as we work, our core values serve as our guiding principles.
Lead With Energy and Passion.
Engaging with our members and the community is key to our mutual success. Our role as the Alliance is to lead our communities to new heights. When we engage with energy and passion toward our vision to be a catalyst for business success, people will return that energy and be equally as passionate about engaging with us to build a stronger region.
Make Big Impacts.
In today’s world, we are constantly connected. It’s easy to busy our minds and our hands. At the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance, being busy is not our goal. We work strategically to make big impacts on our communities and for business in order to see our region thrive.
Put People First.
We believe we’re better together. We put people and solutions at the heart of our work. Above all else, we prioritize our members, the people behind them and the support they seek as we work together to make big impacts.
Value and Embrace Diversity.
We live and work in one of the most diverse areas in Illinois, and we believe that is an asset. It is part of who we are in the greater Aurora area—both today and into the future. We value and embrace diversity of people, businesses, backgrounds, and thoughts. When we put people first and come together as one region, we are at our strongest.
Innovate Always. Never Stop Learning.
We are never satisfied with ‘okay.’ We are a team of life-long learners who constantly seek innovative solutions to problems. We value education and the diverse wisdom that others have to offer. We will never stop learning and will always keep innovating.
