CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 12, 2025--
Elev8ors ®, the groundbreaking virtual networking organization, is proud to announce its recognition as Company of the Year at the 2025 American Business Awards® (Stevie Awards). This prestigious honor highlights Elev8ors’ innovative approach to professional networking, placing the organization among iconic winners such as Apple, Ford, and Samsung.
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Hot on the heels of this achievement, Elev8ors is thrilled to launch the Elev8 U Conference Chicago 2025, an event designed to inspire and connect business owners and service providers from across the nation. Taking place over the Columbus Day weekend, October 9th and 10th, this destination conference blends professional growth opportunities with a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect experience for both work and leisure.
A Premier Business Event in the Heart of Chicago
The Elev8 U Conference Chicago 2025 will deliver an unparalleled experience for B2B leaders, showcasing world-class speakers who will discuss timely and impactful topics aimed at driving businesses forward. Attendees will also enjoy award-winning cuisine prepared by top chefs at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, ensuring an elevated culinary experience throughout the event.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Chicago, attendees and their families will also have the chance to explore the city’s rich culture and attractions during the three-day holiday weekend. Whether it’s enjoying the VIP dinner with live entertainment or building meaningful connections in thoughtfully designed networking sessions, the Elev8 U Conference offers a truly memorable event experience.
“Elev8ors’ mission has always been about transforming the way people connect and celebrate success,” said Francesca Kenney, co-founder of Elev8ors. “With Elev8 U Chicago 2025, we’re providing a space where professionals can not only grow their businesses but also create lasting memories with their families.”
Celebrating Recognition and Commitment to Excellence
The announcement of the Elev8 U Conference 2025 comes as Elev8ors celebrates its Company of the Year award from the Stevie Awards, a recognition lauded for highlighting organizations that achieve exceptional impact and innovation.
“Receiving the Stevie Award is a tremendous milestone for Elev8ors and validates the focus we’ve placed on building trust and transformation within our community,” said Brian Keltner, co-founder of Elev8ors. “This award inspires us to continue creating opportunities for business leaders to thrive, and the Elev8 U Conference reflects everything we stand for as a company.”
Take Advantage of the Early Bird Special
Registration for the Elev8 U Conference Chicago 2025 is now open! Attendees are encouraged to secure their spot early and take advantage of the early bird special, which is available until July 30th. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of one of the most exciting B2B events of the year.
For more information and to register, visit www.elev8ors.net/eu25.
About Elev8ors®
Founded in 2024, Elev8ors ® is a pioneering virtual networking organization that empowers entrepreneurs and business owners to cultivate meaningful relationships and drive continuous referrals. Anchored in its unique “8 Dimensions of a Business Ecosystem” framework, Elev8ors is committed to trust, generosity, and action, redefining the way professionals connect and grow. Learn more at www.elev8ors.net.
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Empowering Business Leaders of Tomorrow – Chicago, IL
NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of nurses in three hospital systems in New York City went on strike Monday after negotiations through the weekend failed to yield breakthroughs in their contract disputes.
The strike was taking place at The Mount Sinai Hospital and two of its satellite campuses, with picket lines forming. The other affected hospitals are NewYork-Presbyterian and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx.
About 15,000 nurses are involved in the strike, according to New York State Nurses Association.
“After months of bargaining, management refused to make meaningful progress on core issues that nurses have been fighting for: safe staffing for patients, healthcare benefits for nurses, and workplace violence protections,” the union said in a statement issued Monday. “Management at the richest hospitals in New York City are threatening to discontinue or radically cut nurses’ health benefits.”
The strike, which comes during a severe flu season, could potentially force the hospitals to transfer patients, cancel procedures or divert ambulances. It could also put a strain on city hospitals not involved in the contract dispute, as patients avoid the medical centers hit by the strike.
The hospitals involved have been hiring temporary nurses to try and fill the labor gap during the walkout, and said in a statement during negotiations that they would “do whatever is necessary to minimize disruptions.” Montefiore posted a message assuring patients that appointments would be kept.
“NYSNA’s leaders continue to double down on their $3.6 billion in reckless demands, including nearly 40% wage increases, and their troubling proposals like demanding that a nurse not be terminated if found to be compromised by drugs or alcohol while on the job," Montefiore spokesperson Joe Solmonese said Monday after the strike had started. "We remain resolute in our commitment to providing safe and seamless care, regardless of how long the strike may last.”
New York-Presbyterian accused the union of staging a strike to “create disruption,” but said in a statement that it has taken steps to ensure patients receive the care they need.
"We’re ready to keep negotiating a fair and reasonable contract that reflects our respect for our nurses and the critical role they play, and also recognizes the challenging realities of today’s healthcare environment,” the statement said.
The work stoppage is occurring at multiple hospitals simultaneously, but each medical center is negotiating with the union independently. Several other hospitals across the city and in its suburbs reached deals in recent days to avert a possible strike.
The nurses’ demands vary by hospital, but the major issues include staffing levels and workplace safety. The union says hospitals have given nurses unmanageable workloads.
Nurses also want better security measures in the workplace, citing incidents like a an incident last week, when a man with a sharp object barricaded himself in a Brooklyn hospital room and was then killed by police.
The union also wants limitations on hospitals’ use of artificial intelligence.
The nonprofit hospitals involved in the negotiations say they’ve been working to improve staffing levels, but say the union’s demands overall are too costly.
Nurses voted to authorize the strike last month.
Both New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani had expressed concern about the possibility of the strike. As the strike deadline neared, Mamdani urged both sides to keep negotiating and reach a deal that “both honors our nurses and keeps our hospitals open.”
“Our nurses kept this city alive through its hardest moments. Their value is not negotiable,” Mamdani said.
State Attorney General Letitia James voiced similar support, saying "nurses put their lives on the line every day to keep New Yorkers healthy. They should never be forced to choose between their own safety, their patients’ well-being, and a fair contract.”
The last major nursing strike in the city was only three years ago, in 2023. That work stoppage, at Mount Sinai and Montefiore, was short, lasting three days. It resulted in a deal raising pay 19% over three years at those hospitals.
It also led to promised staffing improvements, though the union and hospitals now disagree about how much progress has been made, or whether the hospitals are retreating from staffing guarantees.
Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Nurses strike outside Mount Sinai West Hospital, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
FILE - A medical worker transports a patient at Mount Sinai Hospital, April 1, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)
