Celebrating Suellen Long’s Service with Uptown United

Longtime Uptown United Board Chair Suellen Long and new Board Chair Jacqueline Loewe

Suellen G. Long, president of Bridgeview Bank Uptown, is retiring form her role at the bank and stepping down as Chair of Uptown United. Uptown United and Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown honors and celebrates Suellen for her years of incredible leadership in the neighborhood. “Suellen Long’s tireless work to make Uptown a better place has culminated in this diverse and thriving neighborhood. We are so fortunate to have had her leadership and devotion to our community for all these years,” stated Jacqueline Loewe, recently elected Chair of Uptown United.

Originally from Plymouth, Indiana, Suellen has lived in Uptown for nearly half a century. Prior to her current role at Bridgeview Bank, Suellen owned a successful communications and public relations firm in Uptown. In addition to her leadership in business, Suellen supported many other community initiatives. She raised funds, served on the boards of directors, or supported organizations such as Heartland Alliance, Lakefront SRO (now

Mercy Housing), Pederson-McCormick Boys & Girls Club, Sarah’s Circle, Landmarks Illinois, and others. She and her husband Chip Long have donated to countless local causes.

Suellen Long addresses attendees at annual State of Uptown luncheon

Suellen led many transformational projects in Uptown over her decades of involvement in the community, including the historic renovation of the landmark Sheridan Trust and Savings Bank building at Lawrence and Broadway. Suellen encouraged thoughtful development throughout Uptown—improving services to benefit homeless individuals, historic preservation efforts, business attraction, CTA renovations, and many other projects. She is an expert relationship-builder, collaborator, and connector whose leadership has uplifted Uptown. Suellen has advised, mentored, and guided many nonprofit leaders, business owners, and community stewards during her years in Uptown.

Suellen Long and 48th Ward Alderman Harry Osterman

Suellen has been involved with the Uptown Chamber of Commerce (now called Business Partners the Chamber for Uptown) for many decades. She was one of the first women to join the chamber and to lead the organization. Out of her work with the Uptown Chamber of Commerce, Suellen and other local leaders created Uptown United (formerly the Uptown Community Development Corporation) in 1995. Uptown United is a nonprofit community and economic development organization that works in close partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. Uptown United and Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown have a shared mission to lead efforts to build a strong, unified business environment; facilitate economic development; and strengthen community – all to nurture a diverse, vibrant, thriving and strong Uptown. Suellen served as the Chair of Uptown United for many years.

Suellen Long at the Soul of Uptown Awards in the Bridgeview Bank rotunda

Current and former staff, board members, and partners of Uptown United and Business Partners, The Chamber of Uptown thank Suellen Long for her decades of leadership and her commitment to the community we all love—Uptown.

Stay tuned for more information about celebrating Suellen’s retirement and honoring her service to our neighborhood.