Uptown Chamber of Commerce

Uptown’s business association since 1923, the Uptown Chamber of Commerce is committed to leading efforts to build a strong, unified business environment; facilitate economic development; and strengthen community—all to nurture a diverse, vibrant, thriving, and strong Uptown. We do this through marketing, advocacy, technical assistance, special events, business trainings, and more. We work to keep your business, organization, and the Uptown community a top choice for residents, visitors, consumers, and investors.

The Uptown Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit membership organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors. The board members are all current members and are elected by membership, which consists of businesses and organizations which are located in or work in Uptown. Learn more about membership.

We work closely with Uptown’s many businesses, nonprofit organizations, and residents to enhance our vibrant community. We serve the entire Uptown community area from Irving Park Road on the south to Foster Avenue on the north, Lake Michigan on the east and Ravenswood Avenue on the west.

The histories of Uptown and the Uptown Chamber of Commerce are inextricably linked. After all, it was one of the Chamber’s founding members who coined “Uptown” as the name for our neighborhood. Since its incorporation in 1923, the Chamber has been serving and promoting Uptown’s rich business districts and connecting local business owners with area residents and visitors.

Click here to join the Chamber.

Benefits of Membership

Marketing and Promotion:

Listing in our online business directory
Listing in annual printed neighborhood guide
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies with local elected officials
Regular business and consumer newsletters
Social media and newsletter mentions
Street pole banner advertising opportunities
Event sponsorship opportunities
Access to member-only neighborhood promotions

Connection and Community:

Access to community of businesses and organizations
Monthly networking events
Personal introductions and referrals
Ability to serve on Chamber committees and serve as a community steward
Help ensure Uptown’s continued vibrancy and growth

Business Services & Technical Assistance:

Educational seminars and workshops
Business advocacy and government relations
Permitting, licensing, and zoning assistance
Assistance with SSA-funded and SBIF rebate programs
One-on-one business consulting and referrals
Business location assistance
Free notary service
Neighborhood retail market and demographics data
Access to commercial real estate database

Special Events:

Host a member mixer or educational seminar to introduce your business to the Uptown community
Access to sponsorship, booth space & promotional involvement for events such as the Taste of Uptown, Toast of Uptown, Argyle Night Market, Chicago Pride Parade, Winter Walk on Wilson and others
Special event & social service volunteer opportunities

“Having the Chamber as a liaison has been phenomenal. They truly want to engage with the neighborhood on many levels. They’re a tremendous resource.”
– Maria Barnes, Uptown Bikes

“[The Uptown Chamber of Commerce] offers resources that aren’t available elsewhere and has been very responsive. It’s just part of better supporting the community.”
– Edward Steinbeigle, Alchemia Art of Hair

JOIN THE CHAMBER NOW!

Have more questions about the Uptown Chamber of Commerce? Send us an email or give us a ring at 773.878.1184.

Learn more about our programs!

Board of Directors:

Jackie Taylor, Chair, Black Ensemble Theater
Liz Deboni, Vice Chair, Wintrust Bank
Rajan Shahi, Treasurer, Chinese Mutual Aid Association
Janet Toliver, Secretary, Mind Body Defense
Danielle Wallington-Harris, Harry S Truman College
Mohammad Abuhashish, Uptown Deli
Jensen Allen, Graceland Cemetery and Arboretum
Toni Coke, Bodi Shak
Lucio DiPaolo, Rocchetta Inc.
Stephanie Foerster, Ensemble Media
Kenny Lau, Rakkan Ramen
Jennifer Pham, Mini Tx Pharmacy
Adel Shaw, Spoil Me Salon
Alexis Zimmer, Alexis Zimmer State Farm Insurance