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Mayor Lightfoot: $20M+ in grants will support business, nonprofit recovery
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) announced today a $20M Chi Biz Strong Grant Program for small business and nonprofit relief and a ...
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Local business gives historic Edgewater storefront new life with holiday pop-up
--From a press release
Oct. 20, 2021 - Chicago, IL - The iconic former Granville Pictures storefront at 6200 Broadway in Edgewater is getting a second life with a holiday pop-up from local business City Grange. For nearly 90 years ...
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Wizard World Comic Con returns to Chicago
After being canceled last year because of the COVID pandemic, Wizard World Comic Con Chicago returned to Rosemont's Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on Oct. 15-17—and thousands of people attended. People ranging from attendees to vendors ...
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LGBT Chamber of Commerce to build 1,000 school supply kits for underserved kids
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Back 2 School Illinois (B2SI), the state's largest free school supply program, in partnership with the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, will host a build-A-kit event at the Center on Halsted on Monday, ...
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Chicago Plumbing Code allows all-gender multiple occupancy restrooms
--From a Community Restroom Access Project (CRAP) press release
CHICAGO — The Community Restroom Access Project (CRAP) applauds passage Thursday by the Chicago City Council of the plumbing code modernization ordinance that will allow businesses and building owners to ...
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Dozens of celebrities, companies set to take part in Spirit Day on Oct. 21
--From a press release
New York, NY, Thursday, October 14, 2021 - Today, GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, announced a preliminary list of celebrities, shows ...
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Andersonville celebrates Halloween with 'Halloween on Catalpa' Oct. 30
--From a press release
CHICAGO (October 14, 2021) — Families are in for a special treat this year as Andersonville once again hosts its socially-distanced "Halloween on Catalpa" event and celebrates the return of ...
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Rosa Escareno named interim head of Chicago Park District
Former Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Commissioner Rosa Escareno has been named the interim general superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District. In an Oct. 13 statement, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot ...
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Black Incubator and Accelerator (BIA) program to offer support for Black-led organizations
A new program—Black Incubator and Accelerator (BIA)—is offering funding and resources to Black-led organizations that primarily serve Black communities on the South and West Sides. BIA is new this year and run by University of Chicago ...
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TRAVEL Conde Nast again recognizes Chicago as top big city
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, Choose Chicago and World Business Chicago announced Conde Nast Traveler recognized Chicago as the #1 Best Big City in the U.S. for the fifth consecutive year in a row in the results ...
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BUSINESS Black council, HRCF release first-ever 'Black in Fashion' index
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation and The Black in Fashion Council, an organization that promotes and advances Black representation in the fashion and beauty industry, released their inaugural Black in Fashion Index report, which measures ...
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GLAAD launches video series spotlighting Black LGBTQ+ small-business owners
GLAAD has launched "Changemakers," a four-part video series spotlighting Black LGBTQ+ small-business owners and their impact within their local communities before and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The series, presented by ...
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Chicago Reader celebrates 50th anniversary
--From a press release
The Chicago Reader, a fearless, innovative, and nationally respected media voice in Chicago since 1971, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a variety of exhibitions, events, and projects. The Chicago Reader's first issue was October 1, ...
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Latin Restaurant Weeks taking place in Chicago Oct. 4-18
National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place Sept. 15-Oct. 15, recognizing the many contributions of Hispanic Americans. As an effort to acknowledge the successful influences and cultures of Hispanic Americans, Latin Restaurant Weeks, LLC, will host its ...
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A new street festival comes home to Andersonville
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce presented the new event Andersonville Homecoming on Sept. 24-26. As guests entered the area blocked off Clark Street between Catalpa and Summerdale avenues, a $10 donation fee was suggested to benefit ...
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SAVOR Funkenhausen
When it comes to fusion, West Town spot Funkenhausen, 1709 W. Chicago Ave., might be one of the more unusual restaurants. The cuisine here is a mixture of German ...
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NGLCC, Grubhub team to help LGBTQA-owned restaurants
The country's vulnerable LGBTQ+-owned restaurants and bars serving food will find help this fall, courtesy of a partnership formed by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and Grubhub. These small business owners have been among ...
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Christkindlmarket marking 25th anniversary; will return to Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville
--From a press release
(CHICAGO, IL)-(September 15, 2021)-The Christkindlmarket Chicago celebrates its 25th anniversary and will be back in-person as well as online in 2021! Visitors can enjoy their most beloved holiday tradition at two locations this season: ...
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Pleasure Chest donating to Gay for Good
Adult novelty boutique The Pleasure Chest will commemorate its milestone 50th anniversary by donating 15% of the total vibrator sales from its four storefront locations and e-commerce store on Sept. 15-30 to Gay for Good—a national ...
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PASSAGES Pioneering lesbian business owner Susan Mazer dies
Susan Mazer died August 31 due to COVID-19 complications. She was 77. At the time of her death, Mazer was living in Port Saint Lucie, Florida with her wife Janet Norton. Mazer was born May 10, ...
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City of Chicago files lawsuits against DoorDash, GrubHub
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, Acting Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Commissioner Kenneth Meyer and Corporation Counsel Celia Meza announced that the City of Chicago has filed two ...
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LGBTCC hosting boat cruise, business boot camp
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (LGBTCC) is hosting two separate events within the next few weeks. The organization will hold its annual boat cruise Monday, Aug. 23, 6-9:30 p.m., on The Spirit of Chicago ...
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Jered Pruitt, CASL COO, honored as a Crain's Chicago Business 2021 Notable LGBTQ Exec
Chicago — The Chinese American Service League (CASL), the largest AAPI social service agency in the Midwest, is proud to announce that Chief Operating Officer Jered Pruitt was honored as a Crain's Chicago Business 2021 Notable ...
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Windy City Times fellowships available
Windy City Times will have four paid internships for writers available this fall as part of a new journalism education initiative, "Training the Next Generation of LGBTQ Journalists and Storytellers," in partnership with the Field Foundation. ...
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Aug. 12 LGBTQ town hall to discuss bar inclusivity
Miller Lite and Equality Federation announced "Open & Proud," an initiative that aims to create safe, inclusive spaces at bars for the LGBTQ community. The program features a series of town halls where LGBTQ individuals older ...
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Taste of Andersonville returns Wed., Aug. 11
--From a press release
CHICAGO (July 28, 2021) — The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is excited to welcome back one of its most popular summer events: the annual Taste of Andersonville on Wed., Aug. 11, 5-8 p.m. This year's ...
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Howard Brown Health calls on businesses, LGBTQ events to re-implement COVID restrictions
--From a Howard Brown press release
(Chicago, IL, July 28, 2021) — Howard Brown Health, the Midwest's largest LGBTQ healthcare organization, is imploring local businesses and public event producers to implement strict COVID-19 safety and prevention ...
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Char Schoenbach talks helping LGBTQs through Allstate, next chapter
Lifelong Chicago resident Char Schoenbach began her career in sales and worked for two insurance agents before opening her own Allstate agency 31 year ago. "I have always believed in providing all people with quality insurance," ...
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Virtual TLGBQ+ Economic Justice Summit on Sept. 11-12
The National LGBTQ Workers Center will hold its 3rd Annual TLGBQ+ Economic Justice Summit on Sept. 11-12. This event will be held virtually. Organizers are still accepting workshop proposals. Those who would like to propose a ...
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Soapbox travels to Chicago to raise hand-hygiene awareness
Clean beauty company Soapbox unveiled the world's biggest bottle of soap in New York City's Times Square on July 15, marking the launch of a multi-city tour aimed at raising awareness for the importance of hand ...
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Col. Jennifer Pritzker donating to ACLU to help fight anti-trans laws
Chicago philanthropist and business owner Col. Jennifer Pritzker plans to donate $101,000 and additional six-figure future support to the ACLU from her TAWANI Foundation to fight Tennessee's anti-transgender laws in court, a press release announced. T ...
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Palette Beauty dry bar offers quick, affordable makeup services
Nicola Craig has opened a new business, Palette Beauty, at 2730 N. Clark St., in Chicago's Lincoln Park area. Craig—who calls herself a "big business nerd with a passion for both entrepreneurship and creative endeavors"—started her ...
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STAYCATION A cozy 'un-hotel' hotel is in Lincoln Park
People may not have heard of The Neighborhood Hotel (2616 N. Clark St.; https://www.theneighborhoodhotel.com/). It's unique in many ways—from reservations to location, and more. But is it worth your time—and ...
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BUSINESS Wilson Sporting Goods opens first in-person store, in Chicago
Visiting the new Wilson Sporting Goods store (932 N. Rush St.; https://www.wilson.com/en-us) during its July 15 grand opening, this writer learned two big things: 1. Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is actually headquartered in Chicago, in the ...
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LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois announces 'Shop Pride' program, showcasing LGBTQ+ business
--From a press release
CHICAGO — The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (LGBTCC), today announced the official launch of the Shop Pride program designed to encourage Illinois residents to support ...
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Association of LGBTQ Journalists names 2021 Excellence in Journalism awardees
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 14, 2021) — Today, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists announced the recipients of its 2021 Excellence in Journalism Awards and recognized exemplary work produced in 2020. ...
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LGBTQIA+ tavern to open in Uptown this fall
2Bears Tavern Group—which owns and operates Andersonville's The SoFo Tap and Meeting House Tavern as well as Rogers Park's Jackhammer—is opening 2Bears Tavern Uptown in the former Nick's on Wilson space at 1140 W. Wilson Ave. ...
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Chicago Red Stars partner with Black Bread Company, support minority businesses
--From a press release
Club Launches 'Stars of Chicago Business' Initiative to Support Local, Minority Owned Businesses CHICAGO (July 13, 2021) — The Chicago Red Stars today announced a new partnership with The Black Bread Company, the first ever Black-own ...
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SBA: Illinois restaurants received $1.4 billion in pandemic funds
The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced funds for its $29-billion restaurant pandemic relief program were exhausted—leaving nearly two-thirds of applicants out of the money, The Chicago Tribune reported. In Illinois ...
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Mayor Lightfoot celebrates historic $15 minimum wage in Chicago
--From a press release
CHICAGO — On July 1, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined City officials, workers, labor leaders and worker advocacy groups to mark a historic raise for hundreds of thousands of Chicago workers while calling on the federal ...
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Baker McKenzie panel examines transgender and non-binary workplace inclusivity
The law firm Baker McKenzie recently hosted a Pride Month panel discussion titled "Workplace Inclusivity for our Trans/Non-Binary Community." As a part of the event, transgender and non-binary participants from the LGBTQ community shared their workplace ...
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Miller Lite launches 'Open & Proud' for the LGBTQ+ community
In an effort to forge more inclusive and accommodating spaces for ALL, Chicago's own Miller Lite and Equality Federation are launching "Miller Lite Open & Proud." With this program, Miller Lite will listen to the unique ...
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Business owner Christy Webber faces criminal charges
Business owner Christy Webber, a prominent donor to, and activist in, local LGBTQ and other causes and campaigns, is facing a number of criminal charges following a traffic accident and altercation last month. Webber, owner of ...
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Schakowsky participates in reopening of Chicago restaurant
On June 21, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky—a senior chief deputy whip and founding member of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus—attended the ribbon-cutting for the reopening of Vincent, an Andersonville restaurant in her ...
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LGBTQ-owned business ribbon cutting Monday, thanks to PPP, Restaurant Relief
--From a press release
EVANSTON — On Monday, June 21, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Founding Member of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus; Alderman Harry Osterman, 48th Ward; Rich Sypniewski, owner of Vincent Restaurant and Representatives of ...
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U.S. Bank opens branch in Lake View with LGBTQ+ design
U.S. Bank has brought what it calls "an enhanced banking experience" to customers of the Lake View East branch at 3214 N. Broadway. The branch is one of four LGBTQ+ flagship branches, with others at West ...
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Report: Major corporations celebrating Pride month also funding Fox' anti-LGBTQ+ programming
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, DC — According to a new report from Media Matters for America, a nonprofit media watchdog, major corporations that are publicly celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month are also simultaneously advertising on Fox News, funding the network's ...
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EEOC has new sexual orientation, gender identity resources for workplace
--From a press release
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is observing LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, by announcing the release of new resources to ...
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Employee fired for using gay slur at Indiana Arby's
An employee at an Arby's restaurant in Lafayette, Indiana, was fired after writing a homophobic slur on the receipt of a gay couple, NBC News reported. Craig Gray and John Burns were dining at the restaurant ...
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Five Worth Finding: Rainbow Soap, Billy Porter, Honey West and more
— Soap Distillery's Rainbow Soap (SoapDistillery.com): To help celebrate Pride Month, many businesses are offering rainbow versions of their products—and Chicago's Soap Distillery is no exception. A portion of proceeds ...
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Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame seeks members for selection committee
The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame, celebrating its 30th anniversary, invited the LGBTQ+ community to nominate individuals, organizations, businesses, and allies for the 2021 Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and the response was tremendous. The Chicago ...
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Chicago Pride Fest planned for October
--From a press release
CHICAGO — The 20th annual Chicago Pride Fest® returns on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1-2. The popular LGBTQ+ street festival, organized by Northalsted Business Alliance, is a two-day community celebration of Pride, concluding the day before ...
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TransTech Social and Linux Foundation offering tech-training scholarships
TransTech Social Enterprises—the co-working, co-learning community dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ people and allies with practical, career-ready skills founded by actress/activist Angelica Ross—is teaming with Linux Foundation ...
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Billy Masters
"This is to announce my retirement from touring and from working in the record business. I've gotten older and I'm tired. So it's time for me to hang up my nipple tassels, having truly given my ...
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NATIONAL Election news, AsylumConnect, Pride business items, 'Bears'
In Pennsylvania, in a race between contenders in the Democratic primary for Erie County executive, Tyler Titus—a trans person who currently serves as Erie School Board president—was declared the winner, according to The Washington Blade. Titus ...
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Gov. Pritzker issues guidelines for Illinois reopening on June 11
--From a press release
SPRINGFIELD — Following weeks of steady decreases in new positive COVID-19 cases and with over 67% of residents age 18 and older receiving their first vaccine dose, Governor JB Pritzker is releasing guidelines for Phase 5 ...
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SAVOR Punch Bowl Social
Summer is approaching and COVID restrictions are being relaxed—and restaurants are among the many types of businesses benefiting from these changes. A recent visit to Chicago's Punch Bowl Social (310 ...
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LGBTQ-Inclusive Corporate Board Leadership Bill passes Illinois General Assembly
--From a press release
Equality Illinois and the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois celebrated final passage by the Illinois General Assembly of a legislative measure to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion on corporate boards of directors. State law already ...
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Gov. Pritzker plans vaccination of workers in commercial buildings as companies open
--From a press release
Chicago — To further expand convenient opportunities for Illinoisans to get vaccinated, Governor JB Pritzker launched a new program today that offers building workers and returning office staff a chance to get their shot at work. ...
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Chicago Auto Show to return to McCormick Place in July
On May 4, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot joined elected officials, tourism backers and labor leaders to announce the return of the annual Chicago Auto Show. The event—the nation's largest and ...
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Northalsted plans to hold Market Days Aug. 6-8
The Northalsted Business Alliance plans to host Market Days August 6-8, adding a Friday night edition, the first in its 38-year history. As vaccinations increase and Illinois begins planning for stage 5 reopening, organizers of the ...
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Chicago restaurants receive Michelin stars
Local restaurants, old and new, received Michelin stars April 29, according to a Chicago Tribune article. The Michelin Guide's annual ratings play a significant role in anointing restaurant industry royalty ...
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Navy Pier to begin phased reopening April 30
Navy Pier will begin its phased reopening Friday, April 30, restoring public access to select outdoor spaces and attractions and cautiously resuming partial operations with public health and safety at the forefront. As part of this ...
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More than 400 major U.S. corporations register unprecedented support for Equality Act
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Business Coalition for the Equality Act (https://www.hrc.org/resources/business-coalition-for-equality) announced it has grown to include more than 400 major U.S. corporations (including dozens ...
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Dozens of companies sign HRC's 'Business Statement on
Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation'
As of April 25, more than 85 companies have signed the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC's) Business Statement Opposing Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation, stating their clear opposition to harmful legislation aimed at restricting the access of LGBTQ ...
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SAVOR Cluck It/Cowch Burger/Oona
A sign that things are slowly returning to some semblance of normal activity is when businesses expand. Such is the case with Cluck It/Cowch Burger (https://www.cluckitchicago.com/), which co-owners/spouses Cainan Edwards ...
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Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame announces online nominations
The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame announced today that it has made its entire nomination process available online. Those wishing to nominate individuals, organizations, businesses, or "Friends of the Community, may now do so without having ...
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SAVOR Tree House
Illinois Restaurant Association Board Chair Sam Sanchez, along with daughters Samantha and Korina, aim to bring the party atmosphere to Chicago's River North area with Tree House (149 W. Kinzie St.; TreeHouseChicago.com), which occupies the sp ...
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The Andersonville Farmers Market returns May 12 - Oct. 20
--From a press release
CHICAGO (April 20, 2021) — The Andersonville Farmers Market (AFM) is pleased to return for its 12th season on Wednesdays from 3 — 7 pm from May 12 — October 20, 2021 on Catalpa Ave. between ...
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LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois celebrates 25th anniversary with new brand
--From a press release
CHICAGO - The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (LGBTCC) is celebrating 25 years of advocating for LGBTQ+ businesses by unveiling a refreshed brand and logo created by its creative agency of record TimeZoneOne (TZO) a ...
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45% of employees report hearing anti-LGBT remarks in the workplace
--From a Williams Institute press release
Employees in all sectors report high levels of discrimination and harassment of LGBTQ employees at work Significant proportions of Americans believe that LGBTQ people are treated worse than non-LGBTQ people at work and school, and by ...
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Center on Halsted's 'Human First Un*Gala' on May 6
Center on Halsted will host a virtual "Human First Un*Gala" on Thursday, May 6, 5-6 p.m. Each year, Center on Halsted hosts its annual Human First Gala to recognize the contributions of individuals, businesses and other ...
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Rehwinkel to continue as state banking director
Among the cabinet reappointments and new appointments that Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced March 25 was Chasse Rehwinkel, as director of the Division of Banking at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Rehwinkel (a ...
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Chicago LGBTQ Workers Center leaders talk organization, anti-discrimination hotline, summit
In 2018, the National LGBTQ Workers Center launched with the goal of dismantling workplace oppression and discrimination. "We are a collective of trans and queer BIPOC workers," National LGBTQ Workers Center Chicago Chapter President Angelina Nordstrom ...
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MOVIES Two versions of one woman: Billie Holiday
By Anthony Eaton
"There's no damn business like show business. You have to smile to keep from throwing up."—Billie Holiday Billie Holiday's life was complicated with great extremes and she lived it on her terms, and the now-Oscar-nominated Andra ...
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