2024 Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Membership Brochure

ABOUT THE CHAMBER

OUR MISSION

The purpose of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is to foster a vibrant environment in which Andersonville businesses can thrive by attracting a diverse customer base; provide business support services and advocacy; and engaging in business attraction, long-range planning, and economic development.

OUR VISION STATEMENT

All are welcomed, respected, and supported here, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, immigration status, religion, currently and formerly incarcerated, socioeconomic status, housing insecure, education, marital status, language, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, and learning style.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce recognizes that we have a responsibility to advocate for positive change and demonstrate our commitment to racial equity in our areas of influence. We condemn racism in any form, have zero tolerance for discrimination, and are committed to participate in authentic dialogues about race, diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will continue to advocate for positive change and continuously evaluate our own practices to ensure they live up to these values and standards. We encourage our business community, our colleagues, and our neighbors to join us.

DEI PARTNERS

Morten Group

Praxis

The Care Plan

Anixter Center

Four Corners Global Consulting

Chicago Therapy Collective

Brave Space Alliance

Trilogy

NAMI

Some of our past workshop topics have included:

Creating Cultures of Equity

Leading at the Intersections

Racial Equity and Business

Be a Stronger Ally Trans/GNC Workshop

A Compassionate Response to People Experiencing Homelessness

Structural Racism, Discrimination + Implicit Bias Awareness

Cultural Humanity in Global Community

Inclusive Hiring

Creating an Equitable Workplace

OUR STAFF AND BOARD

OUR STAFF

Laura Austin (she/her) Executive Director laustin@andersonville.org

Reach out to Laura for ACC Board inquiries, Andersonville special events, community outreach and collaboration, social justice work, sponsorship opportunities, and more

Lexie Lannom (she/her) Administrative Services Manager alannom@andersonville.org

Reach out to Lexie for membership services, website content, SSA, business permitting, and more

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Karin Moen Abercrombie (she/her) Swedish American Museum

Lindsey Anderson (she/her) Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar, Fromagerie & Tasting Room, and Aura Beach Bar

Ronna Hoffberg (she/her) 5443 N Broadway Commercial Building

Barbara Janusek (she/her) State Farm Insurance

Carol Jones (she/her) Metz + Jones LLC

Ed Kaczmarek (he/him) Urban Pooch Canine Life Center and Training & Fitness Center

Silas Leslie (they/them) Chicago Therapy Collective

Mark Liberson (he/him) Replay & Elixir

Dena Jo Pavlovic (she/her) ENJOY, An Urban General Store

Pat Staszek (she/her) Andersonville Physical Therapy

Charlie Wein (he/him) Director of Marketing & Communications cwein@andersonville.org

Reach out to Charlie for promotions in chamber newsletter and social media, media inquiries, partnerships, membership, promotions, and more

Matt Junger (he/him) Marketing & Graphics Manager mjunger@andersonville.org

Reach out to Matt for assistance and support with graphics, sustainability resources, SSA, and more

SSA #22

SSAs (Special Service Areas) empower local communities to address specific needs, foster ecocomic growth, and create vibrant, thriving districts. The Chamber is the administrator of SSA #22, responsible for district infrastructure, maintenance, and beautification.

ASCA

The mission of the Andersonville Sustainable Community Alliance is to foster sustainable community and economic development in the Andersonville commercial district. ASCA is a 501 c(3) nonprofit organization that promotes responsible community growth which allows the area to continue to develop while also helping to sustain its current character and diversity. Lasting health and prosperity can occur only if we work in concert with our natural environment.

Composed of a robust board of directors, ASCA currently oversees the Andersonville Farmers Market which operates for 24 weeks of the year from May-October. In 2024, look for exciting new programming and initiatives which will focus on plastic bag alternatives, composting, education, food insecurity, and fueling human sustainability. For more information about ASCA, email asca@andersonville.org. For more information about the Farmers Market, email market@andersonville.org

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

ATTRACT CUSTOMERS

List your business at andersonville.org, which receives 6,000+ views per week.

Include your business in our acclaimed Andersonville Neighborhood Guide, which reaches over 60,000 consumers, visitors, and residents in printed and digital form; as well as businesses, hotels, airbnbs, and organizations all over the city of Chicago.

Utilize our online member portal to share deals/promotions, job listings, special events, and connect with other members.

Promote your business in our weekly e-newsletter and event blast which reaches 17,000+.

Promote through our social media channels reaching a viewership of 30,000+ followers across our social media platforms.

Share your business’ story through our innovative #AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and other streaming platforms.

CONNECT & GROW YOUR NETWORK

Attend our networking events, and connect with other business owners, community stakeholders, and entrepreneurs.

Add your voice to our ongoing advocacy on behalf of Andersonville’s small business community.

Participate in the Chamber’s robust programming of 20+ events per year.

Be a part of the Chamber’s expansive network: connect with block clubs, other Chambers, Ward offices, State and National elected officials, the Chicago Police Department, and more through the Chamber’s ongoing partnerships.

Access updated membership lists and a set of mailing labels annually to directly reach other members.

SAVE TIME & MONEY

Get a competitive edge by learning from experts within the membership (or be a presenter!) at our monthly business workshops.

Stay up to date on legislative updates, construction alerts, and other news impacting your business through our member emails, weekly business updates, and private Facebook group.

Reserve the ACC Conference Room for your own business needs (max 12-15 people).

Receive one-on-one consultations to help grow your business and navigate city services and programs.

Scan here to schedule a meeting with us!

SAVE TIME & MONEY

Get discounts on participation in Midsommarfest, Andersonville Arts Weekend, Sidewalk Sale, Restaurant Week, and more!

Access our free notary service and conference meeting space.

Participate in cooperative advertising opportunities.

Take advantage of the Chamber’s installment plans for advertising, sponsorship, and membership.

Save money with our member driven Health Insurance plan.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

THE ANDERSONVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

The Andersonville Neighborhood Guide is a long standing publication produced by the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce that showcases business members in a variety of ways. The guide is a tool connecting residents with local businesses and is also an asset for tourism by highlighting the retail, dining, wellness resources, services, and entertainment that the neighborhood has to offer. Chamber membership includes a complimentary listing of your business in the guide. Additional opportunities for advertising are also available, from drop in ads to professional custom advertorials.

BUSINESS EVENT CALENDAR

Retail Round Table | March 18

Restaurant Round Table | March 18

Employee Handbook Workshop | March 20 Active Bystander Intervention with Praxis | August 21

Social Media with Hannah Kopach Masterclass | April 3

Northern Andersonville Business Round Table | April 8

Aville After Hours Networking @ Meeting House Tavern | April 10

Intro to Chamber Portal | April 19

Annual Membership Meeting & Board Elections | May 6

Identifying & Interrupting Microggressions Praxis Zoom | May 20

Financial Literacy with BMO Bank | May 22

Aville After Hours Networking | June 27

Business Resource Workshop | September 18

Aville After Hours Networking | September 19

Weaving Values into your work | October 21

Aville After Hours Networking | October 24

Business Resource Workshop | November 20

Members Holiday Mixer| December 12

2023 NEIGHBORHOOD HIGHLIGHTS

PRESS & ADVERTISING

The Chamber of Commerce advertised Andersonville events in the following publications & media sources:

Chicago Reader

Block Club Chicago

CHIRP Radio

Flyer

CTA

Newcity

Time Out Chicago

WGN

Secret Chicago

Fox News

Do312

ABC

Events are also advertised via concierge drops, billboard blips, and short term rentals. Plus, Andersonville received more than 250 press mentions across news sources domestically and internationally.

DIGITAL MARKETING REACH

Engaged users as of the end of 2023:

122,415 active users on andersonville.org

45,000 Neighborhood Maps and Guides distributed 25,000+ emails on the Chamber email list

12,000+ Facebook followers

6,575+ Twitter followers

13,300+ Instagram followers

1,700+ LinkedIn followers

42,000 downloads of #AlwaysAndersonville: The Podcast (177 episodes)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

WasteNot Compost at Ándale Market

Eric & Tyler from Paper & Pencil

The Understudy Coffee and Books

EVENTS

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce prides itself in producing professional, well-attended, and business-friendly events.

Last year we produced:

FESTIVALS: Midsommarfest and Andersonville Arts Weekend

MARKETS: Andersonville Farmers Market and Vintage Market

CRAWLS: Coffee & Cocoa Crawl, Spring & Fall Wine Walks, Taste of Andersonville, and Viking Pub Crawl

PROMOTIONAL EVENTS & CAMPAIGNS: Spring & Summer Sidewalk Sales, Restaurant Week, Fika Fest, Small Business Saturday, Holiday Events, Scavenger Hunts, and more! These events directly attract 200,000+ attendees to Andersonville each year.

Simon’s is celebrating 90 years in 2024!

LOCALISM

LOVE IT LIKE A LOCAL

Your support matters! Did you know?Locallyowned businesses generate a substantial Local Premium in enhanced economic impact. For every $100 in consumer spending with a local firm, $68 remains in the Chicago economy. For every $100 in consumer spending with a chain firm, $43 remains in the Chicago economy. For every square foot occupied by a local firm, local economic impact is $179. For every square foot occupied by a chain firm, local economic impact is $105.

Midsommarfest 2023

Taste of Andersonville 2023

Coffee & Cocoa Crawl 2023

2024 CALENDAR

For information about how you can get involved in our Andersonville public-facing events or if you have questions on Andersonville business events and networking opportunities please reach out to us at info@andersonville.org. Each calendar year, the Chamber hosts a variety of educational workshops, round table discussions, networking events. For event schedules, please visit the community events calendar. Events are also announced weekly in the Andersonville Business Update.

*Event calendar subject to change

WINTER

Fika Fest | February 9 - 11

The calendar year kicks off with Fika Fest. Fika is a Swedish term for taking time to socialize and enjoy coffee and pastries.

North Side Restaurant Week

March 1 - 15

Enjoy specials & prix fixe menus from your favorite North Side eateries in Andersonville and beyond.

Insidewalk Sale | March 22 - 24

Businesses make way for new spring inventory with indoor sales and specials throughout the district.

SPRING & SUMMER

Valborg | April 30

NEW! An annual Swedish tradition that takes place on the last day of April. This celebration marks the arrival of spring!

Wine Walk | NOW ON SATURDAY May 11

Wine Walk turns your favorite Andersonville businesses into wine tasting destinations.

Andersonville Farmers Market | Wednesdays from 3-7PM | May 8 through October 16

Midsommarfest | June 7 - 9

Start your summer with Midsommarfest; a weekend of food, drinks, concerts, games, and more!

Vintage Market

June 23 | July 21 | August 18 | September 22

Take a Sunday stroll on Catalpa to shop vintage and antique finds from local vendors.

Sidewalk Sale | July 28 - 30

A weekend of shopping sidewalk bargains from 40+ Andersonville businesses

Movie & Roller Skate Night | August 1

Before back to school, join us on Catalpa for a fun night of roller skating and a movie!

Taste of Andersonville | August 7

Choose between two routes highlighting the diverse cuisine within the district.

FALL

Andersonville Arts Weekend

October 4 - 6

A weekend of art featuring over 40 local businesses and 100 artists across multiple genres.

Fall Wine Walk | October 6

Enjoy wine tastings from Andersonville businesses while experiencing artwork from local artists.

Halloween on Catalpa | October 26

Come in costume and say trick-or-treat; a day of enjoying treats, playing games, and winning prizes!

HOLIDAYS IN ANDERSONVILLE

Viking Pub Crawl | November 17

Grab your friends, your best Viking costume, and enjoy deals on drinks through the Andersonville district.

Small Business Saturday | November 30

Kick off Holiday shopping by supporting your favorite small businesses.

Late Night Andersonville | December 6 & 20

Late Night Returns! Stroll the Andersonville district for last minute Holiday deals and specials.

St. Lucia | December 13

To celebrate the light during the dark winter, a candlelit, carolfilled procession kicks off the evening along Clark.

Holiday Mixer | December 12

A night to network and get to know community members and other business owners.

INTERESTED IN EXPLORING CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP?

We’d love to become a resource for your business! Scan the QR code to sign up for membership. For any questions on becoming a Chamber member, please contact us at info@andersonville.org