Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation

006th District Business Subcommittee Join Us Every Second Tuesday of the Month in 2025!

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0600

006th District Business Subcommittee Join Us Every Second Tuesday of the Month in 2025!

See Zoom info below!

Join Zoom:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83482751775?pwd=hmAqGNGyt3lEbjxNIeKpMTIBLGamk7.1

Dial-in:
1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 834 8275 1775
Passcode: K512M7

Alderman Ronnie Mosley Town Hall Meeting Schedule

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0600

Alderman Ronnie Mosley invites you to join us every 4th Saturday of the month from January through October, for our Monthly Town Hall Meetings. These sessions are a vital space to share updates, ask questions, and stay engaged in shaping the future of the 21st Ward.

Next Town Hall:
Saturday, April 26th
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Woodson Regional Library,
9525 S. Halsted St.

Can’t make it in person? Join us on Facebook Live @aldmosley21

Make your voice heard. Mark your calendar and be part of the conversation that moves our community forward!

Community Conversation: Mind, Body, Soul: Real Talk About Black Men’s Health : April 10th

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0600

Mind, Body, Soul: Real Talk About Black Men’s Health

Join us for an open, community-driven conversation about Black men’s health challenges, wellness services, and what research means for us.

April 10 | 5:30–7:00 PM
(Doors open at 5:15)
Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub (839 W. 79th St.)

Food served & raffle prizes!

Featuring: Dr. Daylan Dufelmeier, Dr. Karriem Watson, Dr. Obari Cartman, and Dr. Kelechi Ibe-Lamberts

RSVP at ccharc2@uic.edu or (312) 355-6997

UI Health Graduates an All Women Dental Assistant Cohort in Auburn Gresham!

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0600

Photo Courtesy of Aaron Atchison

What an incredible day in Auburn Gresham! Today, I had the honor of witnessing a powerful milestone as UI Health Mile Square Health Center celebrated the graduation of an all-women cohort from its Dental Assistant Program—eight remarkable women stepping into bright futures!

This marks the 7th graduating class from our UI Health Mile Square Health Center Auburn Gresham location, a testament to the growth, opportunity, and empowerment happening right here in our community.

The Honorable Stanley Moore, Cook County Commissioner (4th District), delivered an inspiring keynote, sharing his own journey from custodian to commissioner—proof that with determination and self-belief, anything is possible.

Representing Mile Square’s CEO Dr. Karriem Watson, COO Phyllis Grice encouraged the graduates to reach for the moon and Dr. Sue Etminan, Program Director, closed with a powerful personal message about open doors of opportunity.

This graduation took place in the heart of the Auburn Gresham Healthy Hub, Chicago Bears Community Room—exactly what we envisioned it to be: the epicenter of health and prosperity. It’s a launchpad for careers in health care, a space where futures are built and dreams take flight.

And what a perfect way to celebrate Women’s History Month! Congratulations to DeNeanna, Arneta, Janya, Arien, Claudia, Dajah, Mia, and Angelic—your journeys are just beginning, and we can't wait to see you soar! Keep lighting up the sky! - Carlos A. Nelson (CEO)

@CommissionerStanelyMoore @KarriemWatson @SodabehEtminan @AaronAtchison @IanJasenof UI Health Pritzker Traubert Foundation Chicago Bears #UIHealthMileSquareHealthCenter #PathwaysToProsperity

(Photo Courtesy of Aaron Atchison)

Adinkra Tower Sculpture Unveiled in Auburn Gresham to Celebrate Unity and Heritage

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0600

https://chicagodefender.com/adinkra-tower-sculpture-unveiled-in-auburn-gresham-to-celebrate-unity-and-heritage/

GAGDC Unveils a Stunning Adinkra Tower Sculpture at the AG Healthy Lifestyle Hub!

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0600

A full day of *activity deep into the night at “The Hub”, Friday February 28, 2025, the last day of Black History Month. The energy in the Hub is just as it was envisioned a decade ago.

As the longtime CEO, I must say that I have the most dynamic, creative and passionate staff around. <*activity = Black Vendor Showcase, sculpture unveiling, Podcast recording, movie screening, high leverage funder meeting>

Using art as a stimulus for economic development, education (& youth development ) and community engagement was in full effect as we unveiled the inspirational Adinkra Tower art sculpture designed by St.Louis-based artist Thomas Sleet.

Thanks to community members who voted, to call the the new sculpture "The Tower of Strength and Unity".

Carlos A. Nelson

CEO

Dr. Karriem Watson, named the new Executive Director of UI Health Mile Square Health Center!

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0600

Karriem will lead the charge in serving communities across Chicago and Rockford through UI Health's network of clinics. We're so proud of this UIC SPH alum and former research assistant professor!

Read more about this exciting announcement: https://today.uic.edu/new-executive-director-named-for.../

#UIC #UICSPH #PublicHealth #Chicago #UICAlum #Leadership

UNITED WAY OF METRO CHICAGO RECEIVES $7.5 MILLION GIFT FROM BMO, RENEWING INVESTMENT IN NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK INITIATIVE

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0600

CHICAGO, IL - Dec. 3, 2024 – United Way of Metro Chicago has announced a $7.5 million charitable donation from BMO in support of the Neighborhood Network Initiative, renewing the commitment of the bank’s investment in community. The multi-million-dollar corporate gift is deepening BMO’s impact in Chicago neighborhoods with a specific focus on resident-led efforts in Auburn Gresham and Little Village.

“Our goal at United Way of Metro Chicago is not to create pathways out of our neighborhoods but to support neighborhood-led coalitions that bring together resources, ideas and energy,” said Sean Garrett, President and CEO of United Way of Metro Chicago. “Through our deep partnership with BMO and their generous, foundational support of the Neighborhood Networks, we have seen that transformative change is possible when you start with a resident-led vision and provide the resources and expertise to help bring that vision to life.”

United Way’s Neighborhood Network Initiative has enabled partners across business, government, philanthropy and community to come together to advance the work of these neighborhood coalitions by increasing their capacity to leverage resources for economic development. BMO has believed in community-based investments and leadership since serving as the cornerstone investor in the Neighborhood Networks over 10 years ago.?BMO’s considerable investments, plus additional renewed commitments from Cheryl and Zed Francis and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, have helped drive United Way’s total investment in the Neighborhood Network Initiative to more than $38 million over the past five years, reaffirming confidence in the success and impact of the place-based strategy.

In the past five years, the Neighborhood Networks and the residents and community leaders guiding this work have seen significant growth, including:

Opening of the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation in Austin (coming in spring 2025)
Enlace Chicago and the Little Village Neighborhood Network launched the Little Village-South Lawndale Quality of Life Plan (2024)
Brighton Park Neighborhood Network Service Center broke ground (2024)
Neighborhood Networks expanded in the suburban region in partnership with the Cook County Transforming Places Program and support from Nicor Gas Foundation (2023)
Latinos Progresando community center opened in Little Village (2023)
BUILD Youth and Community Hub opened in Austin (2023)
Healthy Lifestyle Hub and Campus opened in Auburn Gresham (2022)
Immediate neighborhood-led COVID response at the height of the pandemic (2020)

"At BMO, we believe that strong communities are the foundation of a thriving economy and that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed,” said Darrel Hackett, U.S. CEO, BMO. “That's why we're proud to partner with United Way of Metro Chicago, an organization that shares our commitment to building a more inclusive society. Our $7.5 million gift will help United Way scale its Neighborhood Networks in Little Village and Auburn Gresham, two vibrant neighborhoods with incredible potential. Investing in the communities we serve is inspired by BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, and our commitment to making progress by eliminating barriers to inclusion.”?

As shown with BMO’s extraordinary investment directed toward the Austin Neighborhood Network in 2019, focused investment and capacity building in Auburn Gresham and Little Village have transformative potential. Each community has a Quality of Life Plan that is guiding their vision forward and a campus-like approach to coordinated capital projects across their neighborhoods.

In Little Village, United Way is working with community quarterbacks Latinos Progresando and Enlace Chicago to coordinate across community coalitions and large-scale projects to build on the priorities outlined in the most recent Quality of Life Plan and create a One Lawndale Campus.
In Auburn Gresham, United Way is working with the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation to continue the momentum of key infrastructure projects, such as the Healthy Lifestyle Hub and Green Era Campus, that are beginning to transform the region.

"United Way is with us to rebuild our community, not just in financial resources but in bringing experts and capacity-building opportunities from corporate partners," said Carlos Nelson, CEO of the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation. "United Way and supporters like BMO provide deep partnership support that reinforces Auburn Gresham's bright future, and I'm excited to be a part of that future."

United Way Neighborhood Networks are currently focused in Auburn Gresham, Austin, Blue Island/Robbins, Brighton Park, Bronzeville, Cicero, Elgin, Englewood, Evanston, Far South, Ford Heights/Chicago Heights, Garfield Park, Harvey, Little Village, Park Forest/Richton Park, South Chicago, Summit and West Chicago. To learn more about United Way’s neighborhood work, visit LiveUnitedChicago.org.

In 2023, BMO’s support to local United Ways across North America, including United Way of Metro Chicago, impacted 5.5 million lives, delivered 2,200 programs and supported over 40 neighborhoods.

###

About United Way of Metro Chicago
United Way of Metro Chicago brings together business, government, philanthropic, individual and community leaders to deliver funding and resources while amplifying the expertise of nonprofit organizations across greater Chicago. We help individuals meet their basic needs and work alongside neighborhood partners to address local priorities and create communities where all people can thrive. United, we are building a stronger, more equitable Chicago region. For more information, visit LIVEUNITEDchicago.org.

BMO Gives. Good grows here.
Helping communities thrive by supporting the organizations that sustain them and encouraging employee giving and volunteerism is at the heart of BMO's Purpose, to?Boldly Grow the Good?in business and life. In 2023, our social impact included more than?$84 million?donated to hundreds of charities and non-profit organizations across?North America?to help drive progress by enabling individuals to thrive and communities to prosper. Our colleagues spent almost 62,000 hours volunteering in the community and contributed more than?$31.2 million?of donations through our annual employee giving program. For more information, please visit?BMO.com.

Media Contact
Kris Adamik, 312.906.2291, kris.adamik@LIVEUNITEDchicago.org

Halloween At The Hub

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0600

The Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation staff transformed the AG Healthy Lifestyle Hub into Halloween at the Hub! The Hub was filled with excitement, starting with the Spooktacular Coat Drive Halloween Party for our youngest community members (ages 0-13) and ended with the Fright Fest that featured the spookiest Haunted Hallway in Auburn Gresham ( ages 14 and up). With over 400 children and young adults attending both events, GAGDC was thrilled to offer a safe, fun, and festive space for our community to celebrate.

These two events featured games, prizes, trick-or-treat buckets filled with candy, food, a haunted hallway, and even a dance party with a live DJ! Auburn Gresham's very own 006th District provided an extra layer of fun and safety!

GAGDC Hosts 2024 Annual Benefit Gala

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0600

GAGDC Hosts 2024 Annual Benefit Gala

GAGDC thanks you for your continued support!

A firm commitment to the Auburn Gresham community "Corporate investments boost community revitalization"

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0600

Chicago is known for its diverse and dynamic neighborhoods – with distinct characters, histories and communities. While many have faced challenges and disinvestment over the years, that doesn’t stop them from shining bright and lifting up their communities. One example of such a neighborhood is Auburn Gresham.

Located on the far south side, Auburn Gresham is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history known for its strong sense of community, pride, and its infamous 79 ^th Street Renaissance Festival. In recent years, Auburn Gresham has experienced significant revitalization efforts to improve its residents' quality of life. These efforts have been led by the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC).

GAGDC, led by CEO Carlos Nelson, is the heartbeat of the community and spearheads the Auburn Gresham Neighborhood Network through its partnership with the United Way of Metro Chicago (UWMC). Due to their tireless efforts, GAGDC was awarded the $10M Chicago Prize from the Pritzker Traubert Foundation in 2020 for their “Always Growing, Auburn Gresham” initiative – allowing them to restore a long-vacant building on 79 ^th Street and transform it into a state-of-the-art Healthy Lifestyle Hub facility.

Around this time Chicago’s business community, known for their strong sense of philanthropy and community-giving mindset, had started to take notice and so did the corporate impact leaders of KPMG LLP in Chicago.

KPMG, a U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm, has been a longtime supporter of United Way nationwide and especially in Chicago. During the summer of 2020 teaming with United Way, KPMG Chicago shifted their multi-year investment through the United Way Neighborhood Network Initiative exclusively into the Auburn Gresham community.

KPMG stands behind United Way’s belief that the zip code a person lives in should not determine their destiny. But even more importantly, KPMG and GAGDC have shared community commitments.

GAGDC is deeply committed to education and combating childhood illiteracy. In fact, their bold goal is that by 2027, 80% of Auburn Gresham third graders will be reading at or above the reading level. And KPMG shares a similar community vision. At KPMG, lifelong learning means advancing your knowledge and skills at all stages of life. They envision a world where there is equitable access to transformative education opportunities for all, and they support programs and efforts designed to empower everyone to be a lifelong learner.

When KPMG propositioned GAGDC in 2020 through United Way to be a corporate partner, they welcomed them with open arms. The leaders at KPMG had a goal to team with GAGDC in a meaningful way, by building lasting relationships with them and their neighborhood agencies, along with the community’s leaders, teachers, residents and families. So they got to work – and haven’t pressed the brakes since.

GAGDC introduced KPMG to several schools and libraries in the Auburn Gresham Neighborhood Network to start establishing partnerships through KPMG’s Family for Literacy (KFFL) program. In 2021, KPMG donated 2,500 books to Joplin Elementary School and sponsored a virtual family reading night featuring local authors/guest speakers. Most notably, KPMG donated their 1 millionth book in Chicago to Woodson Regional Library and they continue to go back every year to distribute books during Chicago Public Library’s Summer Learning Challenge.

While literacy brought these two organizations together – their partnership has become much more than that. KPMG is an ongoing supporter of GAGDC’s Breakfast & Blues event, its annual benefit dinner, and its 79 ^thStreet Renaissance Festival. KPMG volunteers were out at GAGDC’s mobile food pop-ups at the height of the pandemic, and they regularly participate in annual service days helping beautify the 79 ^th Street business corridor.

“GAGDC is such an incredible organization that has been purposefully working to revitalize and strengthen their community,” said Travis Hunter, managing partner of the KPMG Chicago office. “We are all about community vitality and making a real impact here at KPMG – and GAGDC is the real deal. We’re lucky to have this partnership with them and be a part of their journey. We’re in it for the long haul. We know meaningful impact and change doesn’t happen overnight and we are committed to being a part of the solution working side-by-side with the people who live, work, learn and play in this neighborhood.”

KPMG is so committed to community vitality that the KPMG Foundation recently announced new community vitality grants to be distributed in various cities across the country. In Chicago, GAGDC was selected to receive one of the $150,000 grants. The grant will support GAGDC’s ongoing efforts in economic development, education and community wellness.

“We were thrilled to be recipients of the KPMG Community Vitality grant this year,” said Carlos Nelson. “KPMG has been such a strong supporter of ours over the years and a real partner showing up and doing the work alongside us. We’re so grateful to have their support.”

KPMG is not the only one committing to neighborhood revitalization efforts through investments and nonprofit partnerships. Over the past 5 years, BMO has made sizable investments into the Austin neighborhood on the west side as a part of the INVEST South/West initiative, a partnership between the City of Chicago and United Way’s Neighborhood Network, designed to reduce economic disparities and create sustainable opportunities in disadvantaged neighborhoods across Chicagoland.

In 2021, Discover Financial Services (Discover) opened a call center and community center in the south side neighborhood, Chatham, with the goal of creating 1,000 jobs and providing free space for use by community-based organizations. With the current proposed acquisition of Discover, Capital One Financial Corporation plans to not only stay committed to Discover’s investment in Chatham but to double down by expanding their efforts in that community and enabling them to reach their employment goal this year.

With this recent wave of investments, Chicago’s business community feels a responsibility to support the neighborhoods and communities in which they do business. By continuing to work shoulder to shoulder with community-based organizations like GAGDC, KPMG hopes to be a part of this important work by making a deeper impact and providing more opportunities to create a healthy, safe and sustainable neighborhood and drive sustainable growth for the Auburn Gresham community.

© 2024 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.

The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization.

Health hub breathes new life into Auburn Gresham

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0600

The Healthy Lifestyle Hub treated nearly 20,000 patients its first year and has created nearly 150 jobs.

The background: The hub, funded in part by a $14.5 million equity investment from JPMorganChase, houses medical facilities, a teaching kitchen and more.

Learn more about the project.

TAKE THE SPRING 2024 SMALL BUSINESS SURVEY

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0600

Main Street America is gathering input about Auburn Gresham Community 79th Street Corridor. Your responses to this survey will help shape the future of our work across the community. Your individual responses will be kept anonymous and will not be attributable to anyone by name. Should you want to add additional feedback on

Community Grand Rounds: "Food As Medicine" May 30th at the AG Healthy Lifestyle Hub

Wed, 15 May 2024 12:00:00 -0600

On May 30^th, join UChicago Medicine and community partners for an in-person Community Grand Rounds! This Community Grand Rounds will focus on the benefit of community gardens and the impact of food on your health. There will also be a healthy cooking demonstration! Dinner will be served, and early arrival is strongly suggested. The event starts at 6PM and will be located at the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub, 839 West 79th Street, Chicago, IL. Please share this with your networks and on your social media pages.

CHI Blockbuilder Applications to purchase city owned vacant lots is now Open!

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0600

ChiBlockBuilder is the City of Chicago’s application portal to encourage the purchase and redevelopment of City-owned vacant land in partnership with community stakeholders.

Led by the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD), ChiBlockBuilder streamlines the purchase of City-owned properties across the South and West sides and increases transparency about the land sales process.

Chicago Neighborhood Business Summit

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0600

Hello Chicago Businesses!

The Chicago Neighborhood Business Summit has become one of the largest business networking events in Chicago. It’s a fun-filled day with live entertainment, shopping, community building, conversation designed for entrepreneurs and family.

This networking event takes place in one of Chicago’s premier neighborhoods and will grow towards others. When Terry Bishop promotes your product and services...He PROMOTES YOU! Join him and celebrate over 20 years of connection. Whether it's Live Interviews, Digital Marketing, Panel Discussion, Flyer Promotion, Video Recording or so much more, 2024 is the year to tell your story!

Please strongly consider participating, serious contacts welcomed. Click Here for the Media Kit!

Download your Application Today!

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Best, Terry.

terry@bishoppromotesyou.com
www.bishoppromotesyou.com

Feel free to share to other business colleagues, contacts and newsletters!

Like the 2024 Neighborhood Business Summit on FACEBOOK! #BishopPromotesYou

A Decades-Old Vacant Lot Is Now a Vital Neighborhood Health Hub

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0600

STORIES

A Decades-Old Vacant Lot Is Now a Vital Neighborhood Health Hub

Local developer brings much needed health hub to Southwest Chicago.

May 01, 2023

Community development is key for a neighborhood to thrive. In low-income communities like Auburn Gresham, community development is scarce, creating a lack of opportunity for residents to grow and sustain wealth. Auburn Gresham is a majority Black neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. In the 1920s, it was a bustling metropolitan community with schools, churches, and locally owned and operated grocery stores and businesses. In the late 1960s, after restrictive housing policies were outlawed and Black people settled in Auburn Gresham, white residents left the neighborhood. Businesses and other resources followed.

Auburn Gresham is 95 percent Black. The community is proud and grounded in its history; its sidewalks are lined with West African Adinkra symbols. But community resources are in short supply: Residents must travel outside of the community for medical care and community centers. That dearth of available services lowers the value and the quality of life within Auburn Gresham, creating obstacles to wealth generation and stability.

In 2017, the community published the Auburn Gresham quality-of-life plan, guided by three simple questions: What did Auburn Gresham used to be? What is it today? What might it be tomorrow? The report called for the construction of a wide range of amenities, such as banks, coffee shops, pharmacies, and fresh-produce markets.

Walking into an empty building on 79th Street, a smile stretches across Carlos Nelson’s face. This is the future home of the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub (HLH), a project Carlos, CEO of the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC), has been dreaming of since 2016. GAGDC, founded in 2001 in response to rapid disinvestment in the area, is at the forefront of the HLH. The organization works to foster and promote revitalization of low- to moderate-income communities.

One of the Adinkra symbols found in Auburn Gresham is Mmere dane, meaning “time changes.” As Nelson and GAGDC look forward to opening the HLH in a building that has been vacant for 25 years, the phrase rings true. The HLH will house medical facilities, a sit-down restaurant, a Black-owned pharmacy, a teaching kitchen, and plenty of open space for community members to convene. The medical facilities are expected to treat more than 30,000 patients per year.

Nelson hopes the hub is the beginning of a new chapter, for both Auburn Gresham (which he calls the “crown jewel of the South Side”) and the organization he’s spent his life growing. Once a two-person operation, the organization has grown into a comprehensive community development organization employing 40 full-time and part-time staff focused on health, education, youth development, housing, and seniors services.

The HLH, an $18 million project, was made possible, in part, by a $14.5 million equity investment from JPMorgan Chase, a longtime supporter of GAGDC, via the New Markets Tax Credit initiative, which helps economically distressed communities attract private capital by providing investors with a federal tax credit. It’s an example of the kind of strategic projects the firm supports as a part of its $30 billion Racial Equity Commitment for a stronger, more inclusive economy.

Nelson is proud that his personal bank is also an investor in his ambitious community development efforts. He first engaged the institution through his participation in a leadership workshop hosted by Prosperity Now, an organization focused on creating a more equitable economy. JPMorgan Chase is the seed funder of Prosperity Now’s Racial Wealth Divide Initiative, aiming to address the resource and capacity disparities that exist between nonprofits led by people of color and those led by white people.

Since connecting with JPMorgan Chase through the program, Nelson says the firm has furthered the work of GAGDC as a whole and made him a better leader. The bank has provided Nelson and GAGDC with networking and fundraising opportunities as well as management-skill training. He says the firm has been instrumental in furthering GAGDC’s “bold vision and audacious aspirations.”

Standing in the 60,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by a furniture store, Nelson daydreams about the light that will pour into the HLH from its ample windows. The space is a testament to the possibilities of public, private, and philanthropic partnership: In addition to JPMorgan Chase’s commitment, the HLH was supported by a number of city grants and donations (Whirlpool and Kohler donated appliances for the bathrooms and offices, and the teaching kitchen is funded by the Chicago Bears).

GAGDC has invested countless hours and dollars into stimulating a thriving local economy that prioritizes community ownership and participation—the hub itself is expected to create more than 150 jobs for local residents. The HLH has also kick-started the process to bring a new metro station to Auburn Gresham, opening up transportation options for local residents and giving the greater area an opportunity to patronize the community’s budding businesses.

GAGDC believes that when people in the community win, Auburn Gresham wins. JPMorgan Chase’s commitment to community development is helping to increase the value of homes and the quality of life in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood.

But a self-sustaining community also requires a thriving local economy, fueled by resident-owned, well-resourced small businesses. Just three miles northwest of Auburn Gresham, in the Englewood neighborhood, JPMorgan Chase is investing in visionary entrepreneurs leading the way.

Learn how we’re supporting the growth of small businesses in Auburn Gresham and beyond.

A version of this story originally appeared in Atlantic Re:think, a creative marketing studio.

Chicago Neighborhood Business Summit

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0600

Hello Chicago Businesses!

Please strongly consider participating, serious contacts welcomed.

Download your Application Today!

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Best, Terry.
terry@bishoppromotesyou.com
www.bishoppromotesyou.com

Feel free to share to other business colleagues, contacts and newsletters!

Like the 2024 Neighborhood Business Summit on FACEBOOK! #BishopPromotesYou

Closing the Door on 2023...Gearing Up to Support Constituents Even More in 2024!

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0600

GAGDC Staff is Gearing Up to Support Constituents Even More in 2024!

Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation is looking forward to a healthy and growing for all our residents and partners. Happy New Year!

We are happy to begin the year continuing to support one of our most treasured assets in the Greater Auburn Gresham Service area, our SENIORS! As we close the door on 2023, we are opening 2024 with one last push for our Seniors!

Our goal is to ensure even more unrestricted funds are available to implement new, age appropriate, fun and healthy programs for our Seniors. Please consider donating today, as a last push for end of year goal of $10K for our Seniors. Click on the donate button below or the following link: Support Our Seniors GAGDC End-of-Year Giving THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!

Statement of Use for the GREATER AUBURN-GRESHAM 79TH STREET RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Design, RENFEST Logo!

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Statement of Use for the GREATER AUBURN-GRESHAM 79TH STREET RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Design, App. No. 90/062,781.

For this mark to register, we must file a Statement of Use showing use of the mark in the US in connection with the claimed goods/services, which are: a

Class 25: Wearable garments and clothing, namely, shirts

Class 41: Entertainment services in the nature of organizing social entertainment events

Celebrating AGHLH 2023 Preservation Award with Other Winners

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Celebrating our 2023 Preservation Award Winners

The 2023 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards took place Friday, October 27, at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture in Chicago. The awards ceremony and reception celebrated our 2023 award winners and marked the 30th anniversary of the awards program that annually calls attention to exceptional preservation projects across Illinois.

2023 AWARD WINNERS

Bloomhaven Innovative Living Community,
Aurora Award for Adaptive Reuse

Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub, Chicago
Award for Adaptive Reuse

Bronzeville Legends, Chicago
Award for Cultural Heritage Preservation

The Old Post Office, Chicago
Award for Adaptive Reuse

Tribune Tower, Chicago
Award for Adaptive Reuse

Resource Bank, Dekalb
Award for Leadership

Goodall Building, Marion
Award for Rehabilitation

Maywood Supportive Living, Maywood
Award for Adaptive Reuse

OSF Healthcare Ministry Headquarters, Peoria
Award for Rehabilitation

"Thank you to everyone who attended the event. Congratulations again to the 2023 award recipients and all past award winners who joined the celebration!"

Check out photos from the event below.

2023 Awards Ceremony

Pictured above: Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation receives its award for the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub at the awards ceremony.

Upcoming City of Chicago Business Education Webinars

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Upcoming BACP Business Education Webinars

BACP offers free business education workshops or webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Due to COVID-19, all programs are currently being offered as webinars. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.

Monthly Business Education Webinars

BACP continues to offer free business education webinars. The webinars feature a variety of topics aimed at helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their business and are open to the public.

You don't want to miss the great workshops offered in September. For webinar calendar and to register, visit Chicago.gov/BusinessEducation.

Please email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org with any webinar questions.

Reminders and Resources:

These guidelines are part of the city’s Be Safe Chicago framework that will be used to guide Chicago’s process amid COVID-19. Please review the guidelines to keep your business in compliance.

Tips to Protect Chicago's Businesses

The City of Chicago is working diligently to ensure that our business community is prepared for the potential for events, large demonstrations, protest activity and civil unrest. You can view the proactive steps businesses can take to stay protected which include signing up for ChiBiz Emergency Alerts, joining Chicago's Public Private Partnership Initiative, and staying alert.

Sign-up for ChiBiz Emergency Alerts

THANK YOU for attending the 2023 Virtual Small Business Forum!

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation is committed to economic growth and the development of small businesses. THANK YOU for joining the annual Virtual Small Business Forum, August 8, 2023, hosted in partnership with the 006th District Business Subcommittee!

In case you missed it, or want a refresh of some of the great information shared by the presenters, please feel free to check out a recap via the YouTube video below:

We are working to finalize all questions posed in the chat box and will have that for you soon.

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out for a small business consultation via our Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) team (Norma Sanders, nsanders@gagdc.org) or a city of Chicago, Nonprofit one-one advising session (select GAGDC and Norma Sanders on the menu to be redirected to a small business consultant).

For a consultation on property or business along the Special Service Area (79th-95th Ashland and 79th Street Corridors (Layfayette to Marshfield) and/or Vincennes/Halsted Corridors/ TIF) via our Special Service Area team (Khayeem Anderson, kanderson@gagdc.org). Any other business area we will be sure to direct/refer you to a colleague in one of our respective NBDC, SSA or SBA or Chicago Southland Community Navigators.

We truly appreciate you taking the time to attend and look forward to your feedback and input on the upcoming Small Business Events!

Virtual Small Business Forum August 8th! (REMINDER)

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Join us, August 8th at 10am, for the annual Virtual Small Business Forum presented by the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC), in partnership with the 006th District Business Subcommittee.

The presenters at the forum will present on: City, County, and State, grants and services, Economic Development, Façade Grants, and more. It is open to all businesses, entrepreneurs, and community residents looking to open, maintain, scale, or expand their business.

Click here to join the Virtual Small Business Forum!

Use the QRCODE on the flyer to register and get the linl!

Once you register your business and let us know you are coming, we will send you the meeting link. We will also use your business responses to improve next years' forum.

Click here to join the Virtual Small Business Forum!

GAGDC Hosts KPMG for Corporate Volunteer Day

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 12:00:00 -0600

Neighborhood Partners,

We gladly this share with you the impact that our volunteers from KPMG made while on the ground in our community August 1st and August 2nd, as part of their corporate volunteer day activities. After beautifying the shared spaces and the grounds at 5 of our community's senior centers, our volunteers engaged about 100 seniors in activities that were not only captivating, but stimulating and invigorating.

The seniors were all eager to participate in bingo and the other games, as well as the ice cream social. The senior group that participated in the karaoke showed us all how it was done, belting out spiritual after spiritual as they followed their fearless leader, an elder resident who commandeered the mic at the outset to let us experience the brilliance of his baritone vocals.

Today, we collected roughly 400 pounds of trash from the ground in our community. We filled bag after bag of trash. With the manpower from KPMG and United Way, we made a huge impact in the community and as they walked by with their sea of blue KPMG shirts armed with trash bags and trash picks, a number of trucks and cars honked their horns in support of them.

A special thank you to Mr. Newkirk, Albert, Cheryl, Joshua, Devon, and the entire Green Team. Thanks goes to Eric for hooking us up with sound for our mics so that the 100+ volunteers could hear us in the staging area. A very warm thank you goes to Norma and Carlos for opening us up in spectacular fashion yesterday with an overview of what we are about, what's happening in the community, and a bit of our history, and for leaving high expectations for today (The volunteers actually expected us to open up with a song today, but nah!).

Alderman Moore stopped by at the end to share a word with the volunteers before they boarded the bus headed back to their offices and our two CEOs had the opportunity to break bread so to speak. The photos below are from my iphone and are heic files. If anyone has trouble opening them just let me know.