'State of Ward' Gives Perspective on Evolving Local Landscape

Three aldermen and more than 100 community members gathered at DePaul University this week to discuss the future "landscape" of Lincoln Park.

They convened for the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Annual "State of the Ward" Luncheon . Among them was 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti, 32nd Ward Ald. Scott Waguespack and 43rd Ward Ald. Michele Smith.

"This annual event is an opportunity for local business owners and neighborhood leaders to connect to the elected officials that are crafting legislation that impacts their bottom line or way of life," chamber representatives said, in a news release. "At the same time, the event provides aldermen a captive audience to highlight the meaningful impact they are making on the community."

The Lincoln Park neighborhood has several marquee development projects in the short-term that have the ability to change the face of the community for decades. From the site that once housed Children’s Memorial Hospital to Finkl Steel, change is ahead. At the same time, smaller projects across the neighborhood provide vibrancy to commercial districts and offer consumers more competition, the release said.

READ: Overcrowded Elementary at Heart of Children's Memorial Redevelopment Debate

“The LPCC is committed first and foremost to serving the needs of our membership, while developing a strong commercial landscape to support Lincoln Park’s reputation as a vibrant, destination-style community,” Kim Schilf, chamber president, said in the release. “The State of the Ward Luncheon and Annual Meeting connects the neighborhood’s policymakers with those directly impacted."

The LPCC also approved three new Board members as part of the luncheon. Lincoln Park Zoo Vice President Marybeth Johnson, Victory Gardens Theatre’s Chris Mannelli and TransNational's Ira Coleman join the team, which will "serve and direct the organization’s strategic goals in the coming years."

Incumbents Beth Kraszewski, Keating and Associates; Ken Labok, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Jim Pomposelli, The Federal Savings Bank; Rickey Gold, Rickey Gold and Associates; Melissa Hayes, Choose Chicago; Chris Ramsey, Lincoln Park Massage Spa; Colette Rodon Hornof, Vesta; Chris Matern, Attorney at Law; David Schmitz, Steppenwolf Theatre; and Jill Valentine, Bridgeview Bank got the go-ahead to serve another term on the board. 

The LPCC is a nonprofit organization that includes 450 local businesses, institutions and professionals united to help businesses in Lincoln Park succeed and grow. For information about upcoming events, advertising opportunities or membership, call the LPCC office at 773-880-5200 or visit them online .

Editor's note: The above information was provided by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce.

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