LPCC President Thanks Members for Support

Posted on December 1, 2010 in LPCC

From LPCC President and CEO Kim Schilf:

December 2, 2010

Dear LPCC Members:

It is my distinct pleasure and honor to send a sincere note of thanks to you, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce’s (LPCC) membership, for your support throughout our uncertain delegate agency funding status.  While delegate agencies across Chicago were not included in the first draft of the 2011 City of Chicago operating budget, the efforts of dozens of chambers of commerce and hundreds of local businesses ensured that Chicago Aldermen from Rogers Park to Morgan Park to Lincoln Park stood up in the Council Chambers to support the reinstatement of this funding.

Earlier this fall, in an effort to help trim the City of Chicago’s budget deficit, the Department of Community Development eliminated the “delegate agency” line item from their budget.  While, as you may know, much of the LPCC’s funding comes from membership dues and sponsorship revenue, the dollars provided by the City of Chicago’s delegate agency funding is a valuable support system for the LPCC.  Without this money, the potential that difficult decisions about programming or other budget items would have been the focus of 2011, rather than supporting the local business community.

On November 17, the Chicago operating budget for 2011 was passed by City Council, with few dissenting votes.  After its passage, the LPCC’s funding was secured at its 2010 level.  I can say with great confidence that the outpouring of letters from LPCC members to Aldermen Vi Daley (43rd) and Scott Waguespack (32nd) as well as the City Budget Director and Mayor Richard M. Daley played a key role in the reinstatement of this funding.

The Lincoln Park business community is home to restaurants, shops, business professionals, cultural institutions, theaters and every kind of business that makes for a great Chicago neighborhood.  However and perhaps most importantly, it is home to an incredible passion of local businesses and residents.  Without this vibrancy, the Lincoln Park community would not have the reputation it does today.  At a time of economic uncertainty, I would like continue to make connections for businesses, draw support from City Hall and neighborhood organizations and drive traffic to our neighborhood.

I am again thankful for your continued support.  We are busy looking forward to 2011 and a full schedule of networking events, marketing opportunities, business advocacy and work in the Lincoln Park community.  Have a question about what we can do for your business?  Give us a call at (773) 880-5200 and share your question or concern today.  I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Sincerely,
 
Kim Schilf, IOM, ACE
President and CEO