Stories of Pandemic Resilience 

Uptown Chamber of Commerce is proud to present Uptown Strong, a multimedia campaign to promote our vibrant business community.   Uptown Strong shares personal stories from our business leaders, fosters connections for employers and job seekers, and invites people across Chicago to experience the outstanding cuisine and culture of Uptown with a stunning 60-page food guide.

A series of interviews with local business owners and representatives from local nonprofits highlights the strength of our business community and its ability to confront adversity and emerge stronger.

Many businesses are still suffering the effects of the pandemic.  These videos serve as an extension of our mission to build a strong, unified business environment, facilitate economic development and strengthen community.


Apna Ghar (Our Home)

Apna Ghar (Our Home) provides comprehensive, culturally relevant services to survivors of domestic violence.

Watch the video here.

Care for Real

Care for Real has been providing free food and clothing along with other supportive services for neighbors in need for 50 years.

Watch the video here.

Hearthstone & Terrace

Hearthstone & Terrace is a beautiful furniture, home and botanical showroom.

Watch the video here.

Mind Body Defense

Mind Body Defense uses kickboxing and self-defense as a vehicle to unlock the human potential of the modern professional.

Watch the video here.

The Baton Show Lounge

The Baton Show Lounge is the longest running, most prestigious show of its kind in the country and across the globe.

Watch the video here.

Uptown Strong made it possible to hire local artists and musicians, providing a magical boost to Winter Walk on Wilson.  It helped distribute the new food guide throughout the neighborhood and to hotels city-wide to attract visitors and residents to Uptown’s commercial districts.   Uptown Strong continues to promote the community and strengthen the Chamber’s ability to provide service to businesses and organizations throughout Uptown.

Video production by Mitchell Wenkus, LLC

Uptown Strong is a campaign from the Uptown Chamber of Commerce,  through partnership with the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), as part of the Back to Business Support category of the COVID-19 Small Business Support Program.