December 29th: New Year, New Laws - Area Crime Trend Alert - Land Bank List of Vacant Properties - 2022 Real Estate Projects - Local CEO Makes Crain's Black Leaders & Executives Cohort - New Year's Fun - NWCC's Business & Shopping Guide -
NEW YEAR, NEW LAWS

When the Illinois General Assembly adjourned in September 2021, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) took note of its accomplishment, despite ongoing obstacles. Illinois eased out of a complete COVID 19 shutdown, then retreated into another due to the emerging Omicron strain. State and Nation reeled from widespread social disruption and unprecedented levels of unemployment driven by the shutdown. Despite this, the Assembly elected a new House Speaker - the first in 40 years - and completely revamped its leadership structure, tackled the most significant energy bill since deregulation, took on redistricting, and reset 2022s legislative primaries from mid-March to June 28th.
 
25th District Crime Trend Alert
Officer Kevin S. Frank

Please be advised of a crime trend happening in the district and surrounding areas. We are noticing an increase in burglaries to businesses after hours. The individuals are gaining access to the the businesses via damaged window in the front of the businesses. Retail, grocery and restaurants are being targeted. The individuals are going after cash registers and removing them. In some cases, the individuals are returning to the businesses due to the vulnerability of access points.

Action Plan for Businesses & Citizens
  • -Report suspicious activity
  • -Ensure Alarm Systems are working
  • -Ensure Video surveillance if installed is working properly
  • -Ensure cash drops are completed in a timely manner and ensure no cash is left in registers after hours
New Real Estate Developments

Per Yimby Chicago, the Chicago Plan Commission recently approved two new projects. The first, a mixed-use building on a vacant lot at 1203 N. California Avenue (rendering at right) in Humboldt Park, under development by the Hispanic Housing Development Corporation with architects Pappageorge Haymes Partners.

The second is new construction to replace a vacant building at 4445 W. Irving Park Road with a four-story commercial building owned by Northwestern Memorial Healthcare. This project will include two levels of open-air garage parking and two levels of below-grade parking. Ian Achong, Yimby Chicago
from Choose Chicago
New Year’s Eve 2022...
Events, Fireworks, Parties, and More

From live shows at cool neighborhood venues to swanky balls at historic hotels, live DJs at underground clubs or displays of fireworks - there are tons of memorable ways to ring in the New Year in Chicago.

Patronizing local businesses means your dollars are respent in the community where you live, your children go to school, and helps build the local tax base for infrastructure maintenance and improvement - keeping your
neighborhood strong, viable, and safe. 

Get your free copy of the NW Connection's
Business & Shopping Guide....Contact Pete Schmugge
at the NW Connection Chamber - 773/558-8743
Join the NW Connection Chamber of Commerce; Get a 10% discount on 2022 dues.
Click for Membership Info' - Click to see NWCC Members Roster
from Crain's Chicago Business...
Local Damron CEO Makes Crain's 2021
Cohort of Notable Black Leaders & Executives  

Ron Damper, founder and CEO of Damron Corporation, made Crain's 2021 List of Notable Black Business Leaders. Damron is a 100% veteran- and minority-owned tea manufacturer company at 4433 W. Ohio Street. With expertise in corporate and financial management, product distribution, and contract packaging, Mr. Damper was McDonald's first diverse national supplier. He is also a principal in Vivacelle Bio, a biotech company, and Damron Packaging & Logistics, involved in hemp cultivation and processing. 

Heavily involved in the community, the company hires through N. Lawndale's U-Turn Permitted Program, offering opportunities to previously incarcerated individuals. In April, Mr. Damper submitted a grant application to become a Minority Business Development Agency export center to provide opportunities to African Americans and other disenfranchised groups. The grant submission is the impetus for a farther-reaching program called Safer Cities, designed to reduce crime in the community.
Vacant Commercial/Industrial Properties

The Cook County Land Bank Authority's has commercial and industrial buildings and vacant parcels available for purchase. Clicking the link below will take you to its Interactive Property Viewer, where you'll find property information, online application forms, and other property-related information.
Follow us on Facebook for daily posts of breaking news,
events & programs, resources & webinars.
The NW Connection Chamber of Commerce - a Place Making Generalist agency for the City of Chicago Business Affairs Neighborhood Business Development Center - is funded to provide assistance to the Cragin, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, and North Austin Communities.