Economic Impact

Jaemie, under the IL PTAC, influenced and coordinated the attendance of NASA's 7 Space Centers and 8 Prime Contractors to connect with 250 midwest businesses at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago for the first time ever.  The midwest businesses have been overlooked for years because NASA historically sources from areas surrounding its centers. This exposure will help firms get into NASA's supply chain. 

Government contracting is the best-kept secret from starting and scaling businesses. In addition to advising small businesses, Jaemie created the very first 8-week cohort program navigating businesses on how to do business with the City of Chicago, Cook County, and Federal agencies. This cohort has since went on to be replicated nationally in other PTAC centers and other program.

Jaemie Neely was appointed by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to Chair the Illinois Procurement Policy Board (PPB), an independent state agency. Jaemie is the first woman to hold the position since its inception in 1998. Jaemie brings procurement and diversity experience to the PPB encouraging additional oversight to ensure equity and fairness in Illinois contract opportunities. 

Jaemie has worked with many local and national corporations, government agencies, and private institutions in coordinating hundreds of small business matchmakers. These introductions lead to contracts and long-lasting working relationships. Jaemie also sits on many advisory councils advocating for women and minority businesses.  Some include: Sterling Bay, Clayco Construction, Chicago Transit Authority, IL Tollay, and more. 

Jaemie has challenged harmful legislation, like HB5412 that held unintended negative consequences to both Prime and sub-contractors. Jaemie is diligent in pushing good policies, like increasing the bond contract thresholds to promote business growth and capital access. Or addressing contract retainage by asking for interest and 60-day payout times. Helping firms get paid faster, helps the sustainability of the business. 

Jaemie has been celebrating and advocating for women in business and leadership since 2015. Whether hosting Women in Leadership panels, hosting the largest and most anticipated women's event in Chicago, FWC WomenRock, or hosting a yoga session for the Board of Directors retreat. She does this for the next generation of girls to see brave, beautiful, and bold women and inspire them to be. You can't be it if you don't see it!