the chamber
The purpose of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is to foster a vibrant environment in which Andersonville businesses can thrive by attracting a diverse customer base; providing business support services and advocacy; and engaging in business attraction, long-range planning, and economic development.
What is a chamber of commerce?
tldr; We do a lot!
A chamber of commerce is a non-profit organization that works to support and promote the interests of businesses and members within a particular community or region. The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is a 501(c)6 organization and a delegate agency of the city of Chicago's Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), offering specialized services under the Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC). More information about the typical functions of the ACC can be found by clicking the area of interest.
Guiding Principles:
Think local first
We serve our community and maintain a distinctive market niche by supporting locally owned, independent businesses and encouraging trade within the business community. Local businesses re-circulate more money in their communities than non-local, are engaged in neighborhood life and well-being, cater to local tastes and needs, meet everyday needs, operate sustainably, and are overwhelmingly preferred by Andersonville residents.
Diversity
We actively encourage diversity in our community, understanding that it is precisely what makes us attractive both to businesses and residents. A diverse and integrated community includes people of various ages, backgrounds, economic levels, and lifestyles.
A sense of place
We value “human-scale” development. Andersonville’s vibrant commercial district creates a sense of place and belonging that promotes security and happiness. We seek to maintain our historic architecture. We believe that beautiful design, natural elements and walk-ability are crucial to community well-being. We celebrate our history through support of local cultural institutions and promotions that keep the community’s traditions alive. We actively promote a balanced mix of businesses. We take pride in being a part of and contributing to Chicago, our great city.
Community
We build community among our businesses and residents through collaboration and cooperation. Andersonville businesses support the residential community through providing goods, services, and community gathering space, and collaborating with local institutions and non-profits. The businesses support one another by participating actively in events and promotions and through referrals and other assistance. In turn, our local residents are dedicated to supporting local Andersonville businesses. Our community members understand that “it takes a village” to maintain a thriving commercial district.
Innovation
As a community of entrepreneurs, we value innovation and constantly seek to keep Andersonville on the cutting edge of best practices for sustainable, urban business districts. We share our knowledge with other communities. We believe local business ownership is good for communities and, to that end, we support public policies that encourage and advance entrepreneurship.
Act local, think global
Lasting health and prosperity can occur only if we work in concert with our natural environment. We understand that our community belongs to a larger system, and we consider our actions in light of the effect they have on the well-being of our planet.
The ACC advocates for policies and initiatives that support local businesses.
The ACC works with City Council folks to attract new businesses and investment, as well as support the growth and expansion of existing businesses.
The ACC provides education and training opportunities to help businesses improve their skills and stay competitive in the marketplace.
The ACC organizes events and activities that bring businesses and the community together, such as Andersonville Wine Walk, Midsommarfest, Taste of Andersonville, Sidewalk Sales, and more. The ACC hosts over 20+ events a year.
The ACC partners with the city of Chicago's Neighborhood Business Development Center. Click here to learn more
The ACC provides a platform for local businesses to connect with one another, share knowledge, and build relationships.
The ACC provides information and resources to businesses and the community concerning city governance updates, neighborhood growth, infrastructure developments, and more!
The ACC promotes local tourism and attracts visitors to their communities, who help support local businesses.
the staff
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce staff is committed to accessible, supportive, and creative work.
Laura Austin - she/her/hers
Executive Director
773-728-2995
laustin@andersonville.org
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Background: While still in charge of running ACC events as well as managing community relationships, Laura will now serve as the ACC Board liaison and co-manage City and Ward relations. Laura joined the Chamber team in February 2017. She has over ten years experience running events, seven for the Chamber, and five in the non-profit school sector and has a background in teaching. Laura was a resident of the Andersonville & Uptown area for 15 years and is proud to be working in the place she called home.
Contact Laura About: ACC Board inquiries, Andersonville special events, community outreach, Andersonville social justice work, Midsommarfest opportunities, school partnerships, and community collaboration.
Charlie Wein - he/him/his
Director of Marketing & Communications
773-728-2995
cwein@andersonville.org | Chamber collaborations & media inquiries
communications@
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Background: Though he officially joined the Chamber as Director of Marketing & Communications at the end of 2022, Charlie has worked closely with the chamber and many Andersonville businesses as the Media & Events Coordinator at Rattleback Records for five years and has been involved with the Andersonville community for a decade. Charlie has over ten years experience in management, communications, and event planning in the creative, retail, and medical industries. After obtaining his BA in theater, Charlie completed his masters in marketing and business management at Northwestern University. With a passion for local community, small business, and a longtime love of Andersonville, he's excited to work with the chamber developing relationships and crafting a strong identity for the neighborhood.
Contact Charlie About: Promotions in chamber newsletter and social media, media inquiries, & chamber partnerships
Matt Junger - he/him
Creative Director
773-728-2995
mjunger@andersonville.org
Hometown: Denver, CO
Background: Matt moved to Chicago in 2021 and quickly joined the Chamber's small team. Since his move, he continues to explore Andersonville and find all of his favorite spots. On the Chamber team, Matt is in charge of Marketing and Graphic Design for physical and digital collateral for our robust calendar of events. His background is in sustainability, landscape design, and graphic design; Matt looks forward to continuing to serve the Chamber and Andersonville community with all of their graphic needs.
Contact Matt About: graphics support and assistance
Lexie Lannom - she/her
Administrative Services Manager
773-728-2995
alannom@andersonville.org
Hometown: IL Route 72
Background: Lexie has been working in Andersonville since 2018 and joined the Chamber staff in the fall of 2022. She enjoys applying creative solutions to policy, business management, and all things HR. Her background in a variety of industries and business structures gives her a wide perspective in supporting the daily operations of the Chamber, as well as assisting the community and membership. She received her BFA from Columbia College Chicago in 2012.
Contact Lexie About: membership services, website content, and business promotions
2024 committees
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is governed by an active Board of Directors and various committees that oversee program development. Any active member of the Chamber may join a committee. If you have questions or are interested in joining a committee, click here to fill out the interest form
The DEI Committee creates a thriving community by upholding values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Andersonville Business District. Our community working on this continuously is necessary because we live in an unjust society; one with a long history of cultural and systemic discrimination. The committee supports the chamber’s commitment to institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing business recruitment and support, education and training, coalition building, data collection and analysis, and support for other organizations engaged in this work. The committee reports back to the Board. Laura Austin is the staff liaison.
The Neighborhood Development Committee is composed of both Board Members and broad representation from the business community. Its charter is to oversee the long-term neighborhood and economic development strategy for Andersonville by engaging in policy decisions, business attraction, construction management and meeting with new business and property owners seeking support. The committee reports back to the Board. Laura Austin is the staff liaison. Meets monthly on the 1st Thursday of the month at 9AM.
The Membership and Nominating Committee is chaired by Mark Liberson. The committee plans and implements ways of attracting new chamber members, to get current members more active, and to better communicate with our members. The primary responsibilities of the Nominating Committee are to (i) identify and recruit current and prospective Chamber members to be slated for the positions of the directors and officers, (ii) develop and recommend to the Board of Directors criteria for selecting actual and prospective director candidates and (iii) develop and advise the Board of Directors on recruitment strategies for directors. The Nominating Committee shall submit its recommended slate of officers and directors each year to the Board of Directors not less than thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting of the members. The committee reports back to the Board. Meets once a month-Meeting Schedule TBD. Laura Austin is the staff liaison.
board of directors 2024
Caitlin Botsios (she/her)
Helix Education
Board President
Silas Leslie (they/them)
Chicago Therapy Collective
Vice-President
Lindsey Anderson (she/her)
Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar and Fromagerie & Tasting Room
Treasurer
Dena Jo Pavlovic (she/her)
ENJOY, An Urban General Store
Secretary
Alley Ballard (she/her)
Haus Squad/@properties
Board Member
Angie Frank (she/her)
Cheetah Gym
Board Member
Barbara Janusek (she/her)
State Farm Insurance
Board Member
Carol Jones (she/her)
Metz + Jones LLC
Board Member
David Oden (he/him)
Workshop Creative
Board Member
Ed Kaczmarek (he/him)
Urban Pooch Canine Life Center
Urban Pooch Training and Fitness Center
Board Member
Heather Riordan (she/her)
Heather Riordan Wellness
Board Member
Manny Garcia (he/him)
The Collective Yoga Co-op
Board Member
Pat Staszak (she/her)
Andersonville Physical Therapy
Board Member
Andersonville Chamber of Commerce
The purpose of the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is to foster a vibrant environment in which Andersonville businesses can thrive by attracting a diverse customer base; providing business support services and advocacy; and engaging in business attraction, long-range planning, and economic development.
Accessible – We want it to be easier than ever to reach and work with the Chamber. If you have any questions or concerns, we’ll stop by your business or set up an in-person meeting as soon as possible.
Supportive – Our team is equipped to answer questions about licensing, permitting, financing, special events, social media, marketing, eco-improvements, and much more. We know that our members and businesses are doing more with less these days – and we want to support your business needs in any way we can.
Creative – Similar to the small business owners we work to support, we will continue to think outside the box in order to make Andersonville a special neighborhood and destination for all.