Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce (RPCC) is a business-orientedChamber of commerce located in Rogers Park, Chicago. It is not an agency of the United States government.
Politically, the Chamber is generally considered to be an Apoliticism organization. It's by-laws prohibit support of political candidates, though it has supported agendas to improve the economic climate of Rogers Park, Chicago and opposed developments that may be considered a detriment to the neighborhood. As a young chamber, it was considered less-established than other non-profit organizations, but within 6 years the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce has become the largest business support agency in Rogers Park, Chicago, with over 115 local business and organization members which comprise the ownership and direction of the organization.
Membership includes businesses and organizations of all sizes, representing virtually every industry in the Rogers Park neighborhood.
History
Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce
Recognized by the Illinois Secretary of State and Internal Revenue Service on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce started as a small organization located in an office at local internet cafe and computer repair business Quest Network Services. A nominating slate was made and the first election of Officers was held. Kris Luck, owner of Quest Network Services immediately joined as the first official chamber member. The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce joined the United States Chamber of Commerce roster to have the ability to pass along many of the benefits of their membership.
The first year consisted of strengthening the structure of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce during weekly board meetings according to the Articles of Incorporation, By-laws, Mission Statement and Vision Statement. The Rogers Park Chamber did not renew membership to the US Chamber of Commerce due to the local consensus regarding their national lobbying efforts and lack of localized attention that would specifically benefit individual Rogers Park businesses.
After their first membership drive, which increased their membership from 32 to 55 members over the summer, the Rogers Park Chamber opened their brick-and-mortar storefront at 7231 N. Sheridan Road in October 2014.
In August 2015, the Chamber advocated for Gale School, so it would not become next in line for the Chicago Public Schools' chopping block. Gale School had experienced $1.1 million in cuts over the past three years. The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce raised 100 backpacks full of much needed school supplies in support of the parents and students of Gale School.
On September 10, 2015, the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce supported the Rogers Park Food Co-op by hosting a Membership Drive meeting in an effort to offer access to trusted sources for healthy, locally grown, sustainable and artisanal foods. Chamber President Bill Morton was the first co-owner of the Rogers Park Food Co-op. He saw their potential and joined immediately when approached during the 2014 Artists of the Wall Festival. Since Morton's membership, the Rogers Park Food Co-op grew to over fifty members.
On September 29, 2015, as part of a rash of smash and grab attempts, a brick was thrown through one of the storefront windows of the Chamber office. Chamber President Bill Morton described the incident as "terrifying" and unusual. The brick landed squarely on his desk after turning on the lights in the morning and starting his morning coffee.
Business Advocacy
The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce primarily utilizes their membership benefits to provide business advocacy. These benefits include advertising and marketing, business well-being checks, media mentions, referral program, community outreach, shop local campaign and their local business directory.
On September 28, 2015, the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce openly supported the streamlining of Chicago's sign permit process. A Chamber statement described their support as "the city can empower the small business community and encourage the growth of Chicago's economy by reforming the regulations associated with displaying signs and creating a common-sense, cost-effective process for displaying a sign". Other Chicago business agencies and chambers of commerce who are active in streamlining of Chicago's sign permit process include SBAC, Chicago Leadership Alliance, Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Square - Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, Belmont-Central Chamber of Commerce, and the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce.
The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce wooed the Chicago Comedy Film Festival from The Loop to host their 5th Annual event in Rogers Park at The New 400 Theaters. The event happened on November 6 and 7, 2015, and brought in revenue to the community from Downtown Chicago and as far as (film industry) Los Angeles, California. They stated that "The Chicago Comedy Film Festival started in 2010 with the purpose of supporting comedy filmmaking as a vital art form. In 2015 CCFF moved to Rogers Park to join the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce in revitalizing this historic neighborhood".
Public Safety
On August 2, 2015, 75 trees had been uprooted and 6,500 Rogers Park residents lost power including traffic signals due to a violent storm with a monsoon of hail. The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce received reports from residents of broken car and home windows, in addition to power outages — some of which were affecting residents' refrigeration. People ran for shelter inside of local storefronts from the torrential downpour. The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce guided residents to shelter and helped businesses clean up in the storm's wake.
On December 20, 2015, Chicago police were searching for an armed man they say sexually assaulted a woman after leaving Jarvis Station. Chamber President, Bill Morton commented on the tragedy "To see something happen in such a bustling business area such as Jarvis Square in Rogers Park it's not good for the community, I'm just thankful the CTA had this on their surveillance cameras and i hope they get whoever did this as soon as possible", and spread the word throughout all social media in Rogers Park. Although Morton received some blow-back on Rogers Park Neighborhood News regarding the ABC7 News Chicago edited comment, the issue received the attention needed and the person turned himself in to detectives at 11 a.m. Monday, December 21, 2015 according to a Chicago Police source.
Taste of Rogers Park
Founded by Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce Vice President Mark Finley, the Chamber is hosting the first annual Taste of Rogers Park. The Taste of Rogers Park will promote the art, beaches and musicians of Rogers Park as well as the diverse selection of food from local businesses. Besides citywide attention, the event is heavily supported by Rogers Park businesses and residents.

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