Point of Difference Strategies

Point of Difference Strategies is proud to recognize two of our team members who are celebrating milestone accomplishments this week. After months of dedicated training, Jacqueline Duarte successfully completed the 46th Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday. We were thrilled to support her and cheer her across the finish line. Today, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas honored Maria Virginia Martinez with one of the Latino Heritage Month awards. This award celebrates community leaders, activists, and entrepreneurs for their significant contributions and commitment to giving back. Please join us in congratulating Jacqueline and Maria!

Latinos Progresando’s 12th annual MEX talks is just a few days away! The showcase gives emerging Mexican and Mexican American leaders the platform to reflect on a shared identity and to inspire positive change through storytelling. We’re proud to recognize Lisa Duarte, Founder and President of Point of Difference Strategies, as a member of this year’s MEX talks host committee. Reserve your seat for Thursday's event by visiting: https://bit.ly/3BzD32a

This morning, the Point of Difference Strategies team attended the Opening Breakfast for the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business Conference & Expo. The event showcased captivating speeches from various industry leaders, including a moving speech by Kevin Warren, President and CEO of the Chicago Bears. Warren inspired the audience with his story detailing his early childhood and the people who helped shaped him into the person he is today.

As promised, here is an overview of the budgets passed since 2021. As you review the graphic, please keep in mind the operating budgets for 2021 and 2022 reflect the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the 2023 budget includes additional pension payments that began under Mayor Lori Lightfoot and have continued under Mayor Brandon Johnson. If you have any questions about the budget process or the operating budgets from previous years, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

It is officially Budget Season for the City of Chicago and Point of Difference is here to help you understand the overall timeline of how a budget gets passed at City Hall. As part of the early stages of the process, the Mayor’s office recently issued the FY 25 Budget Forecast, providing a financial outlook of the city’s revenues, expenditures, and overall fiscal responsibility. This year’s forecast notably marks a projected budget gap of $982.4 million for the upcoming fiscal year. To read the 2025 Budget Forecast, please visit: https://bit.ly/3Xxm4oy. Later this week, we will share what the City’s budget has looked like over the past few years.

Point of Difference Strategies is thrilled to share that Founder and President Lisa Duarte has been honored by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago as its 2024 Leader Luncheon Outstanding Civic Leader. The YWCA's Annual She the People Leader Luncheon celebrates trailblazers from a variety of sectors, who through their leadership and work, are advancing towards a more equitable future for all. Congratulations, Lisa!

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker recently unveiled the "Open for Business: Illinois’ 2024 Economic Growth Plan," outlining a comprehensive five-year plan for the state's economic future. This plan emphasizes strategic investments and innovative incentives across Illinois' high-growth industries, including Life Sciences, Quantum Computing, AI, and Microelectronics, Clean Energy Production and Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing, Next Generation Agriculture, Ag Tech, and Food Processing and Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics. To read more about the plan, please visit: https://bit.ly/4cWlPcd

Last night, we had the pleasure of enjoying a fireside chat from Kevin Warren, President and CEO of the Chicago Bears, at The Economic Club of Chicago. In an inspiring discussion led by Chairman Sean Connolly, Warren shared insights into his upbringing, the values that guide him, and his vision for the future of the Bears as they gear up for their season opener on Sunday, September 8th. Go Bears!

Point of Difference Strategies is excited to welcome Maha Mohsin to the team as our Marketing Manager. Maha has over six years of experience as a marketing analyst and a proven track record of driving business growth through strategic marketing initiatives. Maha recently graduated from DePaul University, earning a Master’s degree in Business Analytics. Before that, Maha received a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Communications from the University of London. Welcome, Maha!

Last week, Point of Difference Strategies Founder and President Lisa Duarte appeared on WGN’s Political Report with Paul Lisnek to share her insights on the 2024 Democratic National Convention and the future of the Democratic Party. Missed the report? Catch up by watching it here: bit.ly/3T3fxk8