Winning Wednesday Workshop: ART Inc.'s Nikki Romain, CEO & Co-Founder
Riveting Leadership for Founders — helping entrepreneurs scale with clarity, mission alignment, and embodied confidence.
As a CEO and Co-Founder who grew a grassroots vision into a thriving seven-figure organization, Romain specializes in:
Mission-driven strategic decision-making
Founder identity evolution during growth seasons
Building sustainable leadership systems
Strengthening executive presence and accountability
Leading teams with clarity while navigating fear and uncertainty
Nikki's work blends practical leadership frameworks with reflective tools that help founders move forward boldly, even when they don’t feel fully ready.
It demands identity evolution. In this engaging and practical workshop, CEO and Co-Founder Nikki Romain shares the leadership frameworks and personal insights that helped her grow a grassroots vision into a thriving, mission-driven organization — while navigating fear, growth tension, and the emotional weight of leadership. Designed for founders, entrepreneurs, and small business leaders, this workshop explores:
The Mission Filter: A tool for making bold decisions without losing focus
The Founder Identity Shift: Who you must become at each new level of growth
Scaling impact without carrying everything alone Leading teams with clarity and accountability
Moving forward with confidence, even before you feel ready
Participants will leave with actionable tools, renewed clarity, and a deeper understanding that being riveting isn’t about perfection, it’s about leading while evolving.
ArtIncPeoria.org | NikkiRomain.com
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Be sure to attend the Winning Wednesday Workshop Series at Distillery Labs! Learn from and engage with community leaders!
The in-person session takes place at 201 SW Adams Street and is free and open to the public. We highly encourage registration, yet all are welcome for this workshop.
Winning Wednesday Workshop's brief sessions are designed to work with your lunch break. Feel free to bring a meal with or purchase one from Chef Jeremy Washum's 'Reservations' residency at Cafe Distilled in the Main Lobby. It's the perfect time to learn something interesting, network, and catch a quick bite to eat supporting a local small business. What a treat, all under one roof!
Distillery Labs is grateful to the passionate experts sharing invaluable insights with our region's vibrant community. Thanks for contributing to a City of Innovation.
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Distillery Labs
201 SW Adams St.
Peoria, IL 61602
(Parking may be found at metered street spots on SW Adams and Fulton Streets as well as parking garages on SW Adams and neighboring streets.)
]]>Winning Wednesday Workshop: Kurt Norris, Angel Investor - Illini Angels & Central Illinois Angels
Be sure to attend the Winning Wednesday Workshop Series at Distillery Labs! Learn from and engage with Kurt Norris!
Kurt retired from Caterpillar after 35 years of international service. Most recently he was a Vice President for the Global Rental and Used Equipment Division and was responsible for the communication and development of the Corporate Rental Strategy. He has extensive knowledge of Global P & L’s, Cash Flow Statements and Balance Sheets and was responsible for the profitability of several multibillion global dollar divisions over the course of his career. He has developed an acute understanding of currency exchange rate implications on margin decisions and sourcing negotiations.
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The in-person session takes place at 201 SW Adams Street and is free and open to the public. We highly encourage registration, yet all are welcome for this workshop.
Winning Wednesday Workshop's brief sessions are designed to work with your lunch break. Feel free to bring a meal with or purchase one from Chef Jeremy Washum's 'Reservations' residency at Cafe Distilled in the Main Lobby. It's the perfect time to learn something interesting, network, and catch a quick bite to eat supporting a local small business. What a treat, all under one roof!
Distillery Labs is grateful to the passionate experts sharing invaluable insights with our region's vibrant community. Thanks for contributing to a City of Innovation.
---
Distillery Labs
201 SW Adams St.
Peoria, IL 61602
(Parking may be found at metered street spots on SW Adams and Fulton Streets as well as parking garages on SW Adams and neighboring streets.)
]]>Join us for Fail Club with Special Guest Speaker Chase Brower, COO of SWYCH Box
The in-person meet-up takes place in the Main Lobby of Distillery Labs.
Register for this FREE meet-up here: https://distillerylabs.proximity.app/events/17-jun-2026-fail-club-with-special-guest-speaker-chase-brower-coo-of-swych-box
Chase is a passionate entrepreneur and problem-solver who knows firsthand how valuable your time is—especially when you're stuck waiting. That’s why he helped launch SWYCH Box: to turn idle time at EV charging stations into productive, refreshing moments. With a background in franchise ownership, real estate development, and building community-focused businesses, Chase brings operational expertise and creative energy to every aspect of SWYCH Box. Whether it's making your charging stop more enjoyable or expanding access to smart on-the-go amenities, Chase is driven by one goal: to help people get the most out of their day.
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Fail Club: Celebrating Lessons from the Unexpected
On the 3rd Wednesday monthly, Distillery Labs hosts this unique gathering highlighting how every setback paves the way to a greater comeback. We provide an open setting focused on learning from professionals willing to share how their mishaps, unexpected detours, and outright failures have led to valuable new wins.
Speakers offer their insights for the Club speaking/presenting for a bit then taking questions after. There is also time for everyone to share their stories or current challenge for which they're seeking guidance. Complimentary beverages are provided by Distillery Labs, and all are encouraged to hear and share first-hand experiences connecting with others who value resilience and innovation.
Learn: Hear first-hand stories from individuals who turned their setbacks into setups for success.
Network: Connect with a community that values resilience, innovation, and growth.
Grow: Embrace the journey of entrepreneurship and self-development, bumps and all.
***
Distillery Labs
201 SW Adams St.
Peoria, IL 61602
DistilleryLabs.org
(Parking may be found at metered street spots on SW Adams and Fulton Streets as well as parking garages on SW Adams and neighboring streets.)
]]>Winning Wednesday Workshop: Brittany Strickland, VP Community Manager of JPMorgan Chase
Credit Is a Game…No One Taught Me the Rules
Game Over: My Early Credit Mistakes and the Rules I Learned the Hard Way
Many people are handed credit before they ever understand how it works. In this Winning Wednesday Workshop session, Brittany Strickland shares how early credit mistakes taught her that credit is a game—one with rules that many people are never taught. Through personal storytelling and practical insight, she explores how learning those rules transformed financial setbacks into tools for long-term success. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how credit works and how to start playing the game in their favor.
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Brittany Strickland is a Community Manager with JPMorgan Chase, specializing in financial health education, community partnership development, and workforce-focused financial capability programming. She regularly facilitates workshops on credit building, debt management, budgeting, and long-term financial stability for diverse audiences including students, entrepreneurs, and community members. Brittany’s approach combines practical financial education with real-life experiences, making complex financial topics accessible and actionable. Through her work across Central Illinois, she collaborates with nonprofits, educational institutions, and local organizations to help individuals build confidence in managing their finances and navigating the financial system.
***
Be sure to attend the Winning Wednesday Workshop Series at Distillery Labs! Learn from and engage with community leaders!
The in-person session takes place at 201 SW Adams Street and is free and open to the public. We highly encourage registration, yet all are welcome for this workshop.
Winning Wednesday Workshop's brief sessions are designed to work with your lunch break. Feel free to bring a meal with or purchase one from Chef Jeremy Washum's 'Reservations' residency at Cafe Distilled in the Main Lobby. It's the perfect time to learn something interesting, network, and catch a quick bite to eat supporting a local small business. What a treat, all under one roof!
Distillery Labs is grateful to the passionate experts sharing invaluable insights with our region's vibrant community. Thanks for contributing to a City of Innovation.
---
Distillery Labs
201 SW Adams St.
Peoria, IL 61602
(Parking may be found at metered street spots on SW Adams and Fulton Streets as well as parking garages on SW Adams and neighboring streets.)
]]>Join us for Fail Club with Special Guest Speaker Christine Bare-Kemper, VP of Philanthropy for Center for Prevention of Abuse
The in-person meet-up takes place in the Main Lobby of Distillery Labs. Register for this FREE gathering here.
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Christine Bare-Kemper is the Vice President of Philanthropy at the Center for Prevention of Abuse, where she leads strategic fundraising initiatives to advance the organization’s mission and expand its impact. With a proven record of success in development, Christine is skilled at cultivating meaningful relationships and securing resources that sustain essential programs and services.
Deeply committed to creating a safer, more compassionate community, Christine’s passion for philanthropy is closely aligned with the Center’s mission to protect and support those in need. She has been recognized for her leadership and dedication to education, including being named Illinois Central College Alumnus of the Decade in 2017. A graduate of Bradley University, Christine and her husband have raised their blended family of five children in Peoria, where her personal and professional life is deeply rooted.
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Fail Club: Celebrating Lessons from the Unexpected
On the 3rd Wednesday monthly, Distillery Labs hosts this unique gathering highlighting how every setback paves the way to a greater comeback. We provide an open setting focused on learning from professionals willing to share how their mishaps, unexpected detours, and outright failures have led to valuable new wins.
Speakers offer their insights for the Club speaking/presenting for a bit then taking questions after. There is also time for everyone to share their stories or current challenge for which they're seeking guidance. Complimentary beverages are provided by Distillery Labs, and all are encouraged to hear and share first-hand experiences connecting with others who value resilience and innovation.
Learn: Hear first-hand stories from individuals who turned their setbacks into setups for success.
Network: Connect with a community that values resilience, innovation, and growth.
Grow: Embrace the journey of entrepreneurship and self-development, bumps and all.
***
Distillery Labs
201 SW Adams St.
Peoria, IL 61602
DistilleryLabs.org
(Parking may be found at metered street spots on SW Adams and Fulton Streets as well as parking garages on SW Adams and neighboring streets.)
]]>Winning Wednesday Workshop + Book Signing: Dr. Patty Lindstrom, CEO of Creative Logic, Living the Brand® Academy
***
Be sure to attend the Winning Wednesday Workshop Series at Distillery Labs! Learn from and engage with community leaders!
The in-person session takes place at 201 SW Adams Street and is free and open to the public. We highly encourage registration, yet all are welcome for this workshop.
Winning Wednesday Workshop's brief sessions are designed to work with your lunch break. Feel free to bring a meal with or purchase one from Chef Jeremy Washum's 'Reservations' residency at Cafe Distilled in the Main Lobby. It's the perfect time to learn something interesting, network, and catch a quick bite to eat supporting a local small business. What a treat, all under one roof!
Distillery Labs is grateful to the passionate experts sharing invaluable insights with our region's vibrant community. Thanks for contributing to a City of Innovation.
---
Distillery Labs
201 SW Adams St.
Peoria, IL 61602
(Parking may be found at metered street spots on SW Adams and Fulton Streets as well as parking garages on SW Adams and neighboring streets.)
***
Creative Logic, is a strategy and innovation consulting firm focused on helping organizations align purpose, brand, leadership, and innovation to drive transformational growth. Living the Brand® Academy is an education platform for in person and online training, coaching, consulting and labs. For more than 30 years, I’ve worked with organizations ranging from Fortune 50 companies to startups, universities, nonprofits, and public sector leaders — helping them clarify vision, strengthen culture, accelerate innovation, and create long-term value. I’m also the author of Purpose at Work: How Purpose and Innovation Drive Transformational Change, based on my doctoral research exploring how purpose-driven leadership fuels innovation, resilience, and organizational performance.
]]>Distillery Labs Anniversary Celebration
7/30/26 @ 10am-4pm
Peoria, IL — 2026
Join us for Distillery Labs’ Anniversary Celebration! The innovation hub’s block party will highlight the region’s start-ups, creativity, and impact. As we celebrate the 2nd year since opening our doors at 201 SW Adams, we’re excited to give the public a glimpse of the innovation ecosystem.
Distillery Labs’ family-friendly Block Party is open to all who are passionate about start-ups, entrepreneurship, and the community!
Our team, founders, and entire start-up community welcomes the public to our Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, July 30th from 10am to 4pm.
Be a part of the excitement and enjoy:
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Location: Distillery Labs (201 SW Adams St.; Peoria, IL 61602) & Fulton Plaza (just outside DL)
Cost: FREE! (Registration at DistilleryLabs.org recommended)
Who: Open to the Public. All ages and abilities are encouraged to attend!
Learn more at:
https://distillerylabs.proximity.app/events/30-jul-2026-distillery-labs-anniversary-celebration-block-party
We look forward to celebrating with you!
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For more information, please visit DistilleryLabs.org. For media inquiries or more information about the event, please contact our team at info@distillerylabs.org. Get involved. Get inspired. Get connected.
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About Distillery Labs: Distillery Labs is a vibrant co-working space in Peoria, designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation. With a commitment to supporting local startups and entrepreneurs, Distillery Labs is an ideal setting for community-focused events like this one.
Host | Venue: Distillery Labs