Celebrating the Centennial of Uptown Chamber of Commerce
WHEREAS, Uptown Chamber of Commerce was incorporated on May 7, 1923 to support and promote the local business district; and,
WHEREAS, Uptown Chamber of Commerce is one of Chicago's oldest Chambers of Commerce; and,
WHEREAS, a founding director of the Uptown Chamber of Commerce by the name of Loren Miller is credited with coining the name "Uptown" for the quickly-growing commercial and entertainment district his department store helped to put on the map.
WHEREAS, Uptown is a port of entry for new residents from all over the world - and always has been. By the end of the 20th century, waves of refugees had come to Uptown from Appalachia, West Africa, Russia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam, to name a few.
WHEREAS, Uptown Chamber of Commerce has been the official name of the organization for 53 years, Central Uptown Chicago Association for 30 years, Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown for 15, and Central Uptown Improvement Association for 2 years.
WHEREAS, Uptown Chamber of Commerce works closely with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, the Mayor's office, the Department of Planning and Development of the City of Chicago, Choose Chicago, Park District,
Chicago Public Library, and ward offices in the 40th, 46th, 47th, and 48th.
WHEREAS, Uptown Chamber of Commerce membership is made up of roughly 75% for- profit business and 25% nonprofit business, a unique balance for Chamber membership due to the high concentration of incredible 50+ year old social service organizations which were founded in Uptown.
WHEREAS, Uptown Chamber of Commerce nurtures a diverse, vibrant, thriving, and strong Uptown, and therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor, and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this 19th day of April, 2023 to honor the service of Uptown Chamber of Commerce to Uptown neighborhood and residents and celebrate their Centennial. \
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, we declare May 7, 2023 to be Uptown Chamber of Commerce Centennial Day in the City of Chicago.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to Uptown Chamber of Commerce as recognition of their service to the commercial community, but also the residential community over the past 100 years
James Cappleman 46th Ward