Who We Are
Addison Business Exchange (ABE)
We are a grassroots networking group dedicated to connecting local businesses, nonprofits, and community members in Addison, Illinois. We host regular in-person events focused on collaboration, economic growth, and civic engagement. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, ABE offers meaningful opportunities to grow your network and build strong local partnerships.
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Get Involved With Us
The Addison Business Exchange is built on collaboration, relationships, and community involvement. Our committees and groups give members the opportunity to connect more deeply, contribute their ideas, and help shape the future of our organization.
Whether you're interested in supporting events, helping grow membership, strengthening our financial foundation, or building referral relationships, there is a place for you to get involved.
Explore the groups below to learn how you can participate.
Get Involved
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee provides oversight and guidance for the financial health of the Addison Business Exchange. This group oversees budgeting, membership processing, grant opportunities, and financial strategy to ensure the organization continues to grow in a sustainable and responsible way.
Committee members work closely with leadership to review financial activity, make recommendations, and support initiatives that strengthen the long-term success of the organization.
The Finance Committee is led by Dean Stathopoulos, owner of Muggs N Manor.
For questions or more information, Dean can be reached at jdmuggs1@att.net.
ABE Leads Group
The ABE Leads Group is designed to help members grow their businesses through referrals, connections, and collaboration. This group provides a structured opportunity for members to share leads, build trusted relationships, and support one another’s success.
The group meets once a month at 4:00 PM on the first Tuesday of the month at Muggs N Manor, just before the Addison Business Exchange networking event. By pairing the meeting with the networking event, members can maximize their time connecting with other local professionals.
The ABE Leads Group is led by Alyssa Smith, owner of Belladonna Media & Marketing Group.
For more information about joining the leads group, Alyssa can be reached at
Events & Outreach Committee
The Events & Outreach Committee is responsible for planning and supporting the networking experiences that bring the Addison business community together. This committee was created by combining the previous Membership & Welcome Committee and Events Planning Committee, allowing the team to focus on both community engagement and event development in one place.
Members of this committee help welcome new businesses, strengthen relationships within the network, and coordinate the logistics and promotion of Addison Business Exchange events. From planning monthly networking gatherings to helping members feel connected and supported, this group plays a major role in building a vibrant and collaborative business community.
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The Events & Outreach Committee is co-chaired by Mya Shepard of BMO Harris (mya.shepard@bmo.com) and Fabiana Bertoncello of Wintrust Community Bank (fbertoncello@addisonbank.com).
Michelle Seiler
Realtor at Century 21 Circle
Michelle Seiler is a Realtor® with CENTURY 21 Circle in Addison, specializing in helping buyers, sellers, and investors navigate the real estate market with confidence and clarity. Known for her concierge-style approach, Michelle provides hands-on guidance, detailed market analysis, and strategic negotiation to deliver a seamless and results-driven experience.
With over 25 years of living and working in the Northwest suburbs, Michelle brings deep local knowledge, strong community connections, and a trusted network of professionals to every client she serves.
In addition to her real estate work, Michelle is the co-owner of The Bowlers ER, a specialty bowling pro shop located inside Bowlero in Mount Prospect. A long-time community connector, she is passionate about building relationships, supporting local businesses, and helping others succeed both personally and professionally.
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Visit Michelle's Business Website: www.seilersellsrealestate.com
Fabiana Bertoncello
Branch Manager of Addison Bank & Trust
Fabiana Bertoncello is the Branch Manager of Addison Bank & Trust, where she is dedicated to making the bank the community’s first choice through strong relationships and personal service.
As Vice President of the Addison Business Exchange, she is focused on bringing local businesses together to build connections and help each other succeed.
Her favorite thing is spending time with her family and her dogs.
Dean Stathopoulos
Commissioner and Treasurer of the Addison Park District; Owner of Muggs-N-Manor Bar & Grill
Dean Stathopoulos is a proud 30-year Addison resident, local business owner, and active community advocate. As the owner of Muggs-N-Manor Bar & Grill, he has built a welcoming neighborhood destination known for great food, friendly service, and strong community ties.
Dean brings that same level of dedication to his civic and philanthropic work. He serves as Commissioner and Treasurer for the Addison Park District, where he helps guide financial planning, support community programming, and contribute to long-term improvements that benefit residents.
Widely recognized for his generosity, hands-on involvement, and genuine passion for service, Dean continues to champion efforts that strengthen Addison and enhance the quality of life for the community he calls home.
Iridia Nevarez
Director of Student Career Development at the DuPage High School District 88
Iridia Nevarez has proudly served DuPage High School District 88 for more than two decades and is also a proud alumna of the district. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of leadership roles, including Dean, Counselor, and Assistant Principal, before stepping into her current role as Director of Student Career Development. In this position, she is dedicated to expanding career pathways by building strong partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, creating meaningful work-based learning opportunities, and helping students explore, plan, and take actionable steps toward their future careers. Through this work, she is committed to ensuring every student graduates with real-world experiences, professional connections, and a clear vision for their next steps.
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Visit Iridia's Business Website:
sites.google.com/dupage88.net/d88communitypartnershipscareer/home
OUR BOARD
Geondale Caliz
Account Manager at Braden Business Systems
Geo is a driven and highly motivated professional known for his strong work ethic and ability to build meaningful relationships. He thrives on connecting with others and brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to everything he does.
Geo attended Columbia College Chicago, where he initially pursued marketing before shifting his focus to business, ultimately graduating in 2018. This academic foundation helped shape his understanding of both strategy and communication skills he carries into his career today.
Currently, Geo works in technology sales with Braden Business Systems as an Account Manager, where he has developed a solid reputation over the past two years for delivering value to clients and fostering long-term partnerships.
Looking ahead, Geo is focused on continued growth, with plans to one day launch his own company centered around real estate investment and property development.
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Visit Geo's Business Website:
Mya Shepard
Retail Relationship Banker at BMO
Mya Shepard is a Retail Relationship Banker at BMO, where she is passionate about helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate their financial goals with confidence. She works closely with clients to provide personalized solutions, whether they are managing everyday finances, growing a business, or preparing for homeownership.
Mya holds a degree in Communications from Elmhurst University and is known for her approachable, relationship-focused style. Mya is dedicated to serving her community and building meaningful connections while helping others make informed financial decisions.
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Matt Williams
Business Services Specialist at the Addison Public Library
Matt Williams is the Business Services Specialist at Addison Public Library, where he supports entrepreneurs, job seekers, and small business owners through personalized consultations, training programs, and resource referrals.
With more than a decade of experience in public libraries, Matt brings a strong background in workforce development, community outreach, and public service. He is deeply committed to empowering individuals and businesses by connecting them with the tools, resources, and expert guidance they need to succeed. Matt is passionate about fostering opportunity and helping build strong, inclusive communities.
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Visit Matt's Business Website:
Alyssa Smith
Owner of Belladonna Media & Marketing Group
Owner of Belladonna Media & Marketing Group, specializing in strategy-led social media that focuses on real connection over quick wins. I’m passionate about helping brands show up in a way that feels human, intentional, and built for long-term growth. Wife, mom of two, and a long-time Addison community connecter who loves building relationships both online and off.
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Visit Alyssa's Business Website:
ABE Members
