Hawthorne Strategy Group

07/16/2026

While the Illinois Department of Early Childhood is working to make childcare options accessible to families, supporting childcare providers is the other side of the coin.

In a recently published Chicago Sun-Times letter, the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) Childcare Business team—Managing Director Aisha Ahrens and Director Yvonne Villalpando—break down how supporting the small-business owners can help close the gaps in childcare across Illinois.

Congratulations to our client, the WBDC, on a great feature and for continuing to champion issues that directly impact their clients.

Read the letter here:

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood has the potential to benefit families and providers. Also, funding Chicago Public Schools and a response to an op-ed about "techno-peasants."

07/08/2026

We're honored our clients trust us with furthering their mission and goals — and we were proud to take home FOUR incredible awards from Bulldog Reporter recognizing the work we've produced for them. These awards celebrate the best and brightest in public relations, marking excellence in communications campaigns from beginning to end. Our team's accomplishments showcase Hawthorne's stand-out capabilities among global organizations at the highest level.

We received recognition in the following categories:
- Best Green/Environmental/Sustainability Campaign with Solar Powers Illinois
- Best Local/Hyperlocal Campaign with Organogenesis
- Best Integration of Traditional and New Media with Chicago Dental Society
- Best Public Affairs Campaign with Solar Powers Illinois

07/02/2026

Today we followed up a job well done with a meal well done!

As we head into the holiday weekend, the Hawthorne team took some time to celebrate our recent awards from Bulldog Reporter. We're incredibly proud of our accomplishments and look forward to continuing to deliver unrivaled campaigns for our clients.

07/01/2026

Introducing Hawthorne's newest intern, Jade Walker! We're incredibly happy to have her on board now with summertime in full swing.

Learn more about Jade on our website: https://www.hawthornestrategy.com/jade-walker

06/30/2026

Today is the last day of Pollinator Awareness Month, which recognizes an essential piece of global agricultural practices. Our friends at Solar Powers Illinois shared their insight into how solar energy is tied to pollinators through agrivoltaics - a process that allows land to host both crops and energy production.

Summit Ridge Energy's pollinator habitat is a wonderful example, showcasing responsible development that can improve the wellbeing of humans and wildlife alike.

Where Frogs, Butterflies, and Locally Generated Energy Share the Same Backyard in Rural Illinois  Morgan Solar 1 and Morgan Solar 1B are a pair of community solar arrays near the village of Meredosia in Morgan County, Illinois. Developed by Pivot Energy and operated by Summit Ridge Energy....

06/18/2026

A conversation about the future of the events industry? This calls for a toast.

Recently, McCormick Place Beverage Director Donna Mackey connected with Trade Show Executive's Senior Digital Editor Andrew Warrick to discuss how more show organizers are embracing non-alcoholic beverage options.

We're proud to have helped facilitate such an engaging conversation. Read more here:

Non-alcoholic beverages are all the rage. Trade Show Executive investigated this trend with a leader at McCormick Place.

06/08/2026

“Entrepreneurship thrives on resilience, innovation, and community”

Recently, Erica T. Kuhlmann, President and CEO of Women's Business Development Center, was featured in the Spring issue of Enterprising Women Magazine, reflecting on the WBDC’s inspirational 40-year legacy of impact. Erica also offered a look at the promising future ahead.

Check out the full story along with the rest of the issue here:

Our annual Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Commemorative issue is my favorite issue of the year because it gives us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on our award honorees, inductees to our Hall of Fame, Business Icon Award Winner, and more.

06/04/2026

Say hello to Hawthorne's newest intern, Griffin! We're excited to welcome him to the team and can't wait to see what lies ahead this summer.

Learn more about Griffin on our website: https://www.hawthornestrategy.com/griffin-owens

05/27/2026

When eighth grade students outperform the stock market, it's news.

We're proud to have secured coverage on WGN TV and WBBM Newsradio for Big Shoulders Fund's stock market program to highlight the success of these bright students. Over the last school year, eighth grade students across Chicago managed a $3,000 stock portfolio. They picked stocks, conducted research, and created presentations to justify their decisions. The winning portfolio from St. Mary Catholic Community School grew 50.2%! Everyone worked hard and deserved a shoutout, so we're happy to have helped make that happen on two major Chicago news stations!

Congrats to the students and mentors involved!

05/26/2026

Light up Chicago like nobody else!

BOMA/Chicago is offering one Illinoisan the chance to determine the colors of the city's skyline for up to a week in 2027. This new Skyline Lighting Raffle gives the winner the opportunity to design a custom lighting display and have it captured by renowned cityscape photographer Barry Butler. We're thrilled to support our client by securing media coverage and spreading awareness for this incredible opportunity.

Read this article from NBC to learn more about BOMA and how you can enter the raffle:

Soon, a lucky someone will get to choose the color of the Chicago skyline for a set period - for whatever reason they choose.