EFBC CommunityHub: Your New Digital Space for Connection and Collaboration

We’re excited to announce that our online platform, EFBC CommunityHub, will officially launch on Wednesday, May 1st! While you’ve already seen the initial announcement in your inbox, we wanted to share the journey that brought this platform to life and give you a sneak peek at what’s in store.

How It All Started

The inspiration behind EFBC CommunityHub began in early September 2023, when our current Vice President, Darrin Shillair, envisioned a space where EFBC members could connect, engage, and collaborate more effectively. With his vision in mind, the EFBC team jumped on board and worked diligently to bring this platform to life.

EFBC team collaborating with Vice President Darrin on the CommunityHub platform

Our team took care of all the technical and design aspects of the platform, ensuring that it caters to the needs and preferences of our community. With the collective effort of everyone involved, the EFBC CommunityHub came to life. This new platform embodies our commitment to fostering a sense of community and belonging among our members.

The Inspiration Behind the Name

The inspiration behind the name “CommunityHub” lies in our commitment to building a strong and supportive network for our members. The name embodies the idea of a central gathering place — a hub — where entrepreneurs and family business owners can come together to share ideas, gain insights, and find support. The platform serves as a virtual extension of our physical community, providing members with a space to engage. CommunityHub represents the essence of EFBC’s mission: 

What You Can Expect from EFBC CommunityHub

As a member of the EFBC CommunityHub, you can enjoy a range of features and benefits, including:

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow EFBC members through 1:1 and group chat options, and access the member directory to find and engage with like-minded individuals.
• Events at Your Ease: Conveniently browse through upcoming EFBC events, register and manage them directly from the platform making it a seamless experience.
• Discussion Boards and Groups: Share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate with peers in various discussion boards and interest-based groups.
• Resources: Access to the extensive EFBC resources, from past event materials to insightful publications and exclusive content, ensuring you never miss out on any learning opportunity.
• Live News Feed: Stay updated with latest news within our community, right at your fingertips.
• Mobile Accessibility: Stay connected on the go with our mobile app. With just a click, you can quickly access EFBC’s services or communicate with members at any time and anywhere. User-friendly for first-time users!

Countdown to Launch

The official launch of EFBC CommunityHub is just around the corner — May 1st! Stay tuned for the launch announcement in your inbox.

We’re excited for you to explore this new digital space and discover all the opportunities it offers for connection, collaboration, and growth. We look forward to seeing you on CommunityHub!

EFBC NEWS: Congratulating Cha Mi on her Promotion!

This month we are excited to announce that intern, Cha Mi Fung, has been promoted to Marketing Coordinator! We are excited to keep her on with us and looking forward to what she has in store for EFBC!

Please tell us about you experience as an EFBC Intern and prior experience prior to your time with us!

Reflecting on my journey, I have had the privilege of gaining invaluable knowledge & skills and working in a dynamic and collaborative work environment through my time as an intern at EFBC. Working closely with a teeny tiny but the BEST team, I had the opportunity to learn and grow, acquiring hands-on experience not only in marketing, but in event planning as well. Prior to joining EFBC, I had the opportunity to undergo management training in the hospitality industry at Hilton Chicago.

How did you hear about EFBC originally?

Well, let me take you back to my days as a graduate student at DePaul University. During that time, I was on the lookout for internships that could provide valuable real-world experience in the marketing field. My search led me to a job posting site affiliated with the university, where I stumbled upon EFBC and it caught my attention and curiosity!

What are you most excited about in regards to working for EFBC in a full time capacity as opposed to an intern?

As I step into this new role, I am most excited about the chance to be more involved in decision-making process and contribute fresh ideas to ensure our marketing efforts align with the organization’s goals and objectives. On top of that, now as a I hold a full-time position, I can fully immerse myself in the EFBC’s culture and build stronger relationships with my team as well as EFBC community. I look forward to taking on new challenges and contributing to the growth and success of our marketing and programming efforts!

In your spare time, what do you like to do for fun?

I absolutely love exploring new coffee shops and restaurants here in Chicago. Being a total foodie at heart, this has become a weekly tradition for me! If you have any hidden gem recommendations or favorite spots, I would love for you to share them with me! Beside indulging in delicious food, I’m also taking jiu jitsu classes and recently started attending salsa dancing classes!

What is your go-to karaoke song?

I have 3 staple karaoke songs!

1. Imagine Dragons – “Demons”
2. Adele – “Someone Like you” I gotta admit that I can’t hit those high notes though
3. Black Eyed Peas – “I gotta feeling”

CLICK HERE to read Cha Mi’s full biography.