By Rick Romano
Many Bridgeport businesses have navigated myriad challenges with help from a decades old ally: the South Loop Chamber of Commerce (SLCC).
“We serve as liaison between the City and local businesses,” said SLCC executive director Jinger O’Malley. “There are so many programs to communicate to our members. We are a partner, and we encourage our members to help other businesses.”
Besides support through promotion and relationship building, SLCC offers a link to improvement opportunities and financial assistance.
More than a name
This approach has served SLCC and its members since the organization formed in 1990. At that time, the South Loop moniker fit because the city’s network of chambers of commerce did not exist yet. The name remains because, while SLCC is Bridgeport focused, it also extends to other neighborhood businesses. As O’Malley explained, many businesses belong to more than one chamber.
SLCC describes its primary objective as “Encouraging principles of ethical business and professional practices while improving and assisting in development of the business community in the general South Loop/Bridgeport area.” Today, the Chamber with 109 members continues its original mission to beautify and revitalize the 35th Street and Halsted Street business districts. It offers services such as identifying potential sites for development, assistance with City services while providing technical assistance, and advertising opportunities.
Adapting to challenge
SLCC even managed to help businesses reach out to the community during the pandemic’s most impactful time—with creativity. For example, instead of a traditional Easter promotion that would draw crowds to the area, SLCC sponsored an Easter basket raffle using receipts collected by those who patronized restaurants and other partially closed retailers.
SLCC staff said they expect business to rebound fully, including regular community amenities such as the local farmer’s market.
To carry out regular and ad hoc duties, SLCC relies on its hands-on office staff, which counts previous business experience and uses a team approach.
O’Malley helped run Morrie O’Malley’s on South Union Avenue from its earliest outdoor hot dog stand in 1989 until the family sold the brick-and-mortar business in 2017. She also has worked in corporate sales and marketing.
Her staff includes two part timers who have staffed the office for more than 20 years. Colleen Mancari has previous experience in the City’s data center, and Donna Sukacz has worked in human resources and grants. Though they have specific duties—Mancari concentrates on outreach and Facebook while Sukacz provides technical support and tends to the organization’s website—their lengthy experience at the office means they cross over when necessary.
Business help
“People pretty much know that, when one of us is not in, the other can help them,” Mancari said. Sukacz agreed, saying, “If we don’t know the answer to a question, we will find out for them. We know how hard it is to be in business.”
O’Malley, Mancari, and Sukacz point to business related issues ranging from how to start and grow a business to permits, zoning, and graffiti removal.
SLCC’s assistance is invaluable, said Joe Kapacinskas, owner of Bake For Me, 4308 S. Halsted St.
“It’s a good relationship,” Kapacinskas said. “They’re very good about letting us know what is going on the neighborhood, about what’s going on with other businesses, and what government programs are available. It’s a great boost.”
He said SLCC helped him with several business upgrades, including a new façade.
“Customers notice those improvements,” he said.
Getting the word out is another perk of being an SLCC member, said Maggie Dwyer, executive director of Rowing on Water, 1010 W. 35th St., a non-profit that serves those who have experienced breast cancer.
“The chamber has been very helpful in promoting our rowing classes and other activities,” Dwyer said. “There is a lot of information sharing on Facebook.”
Board perspective
Officially, the SLCC board meets quarterly; it also gathers from time to time to discuss immediate issues.
Angela Wilkinson, president of Great Western Beef Co. Inc. at 4044 S. Halsted St., said engaging businesses to see SLCC as a “great resource” ranks as a primary board objective.
“The staff has done a great job of finding funding and helping businesses, especially restaurants, during COVID,” Wilkinson said. “I really think we are in a kind of reset because times have changed and we are available to try new things.”
Wilkinson has followed in her late father’s footsteps, both in leading her business and in being active in SLCC, which her father helped found.
“My dad spoke very highly of the chamber, so it is a real honor to be part of that legacy,” she said.
SLCC’s legacy also carries weight with Mary Ann Mahon Huels, the group’s vice president as well as president and CEO of the Union League Boys and Girls Clubs. She said her organization has been part of SLCC since its inception.
“The chamber staff is the heart of the organization in so many ways,” Mahon Huels said. “We really are partners with City government and the businesses we serve. That constant contact is so important.”
Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11th Ward) said his service on SLCC’s board predates his time in elective office.
“I think the chamber, and all chambers for that matter, are very important to communities because it’s collegial networking among members and it gives government a look at the issues facing business in a way that can be helped,” Thompson said.
He noted SLCC’s recent move to the first floor of Zhou B Art Center at 1029 W. 35th St. will help the organization operate more cost effectively.
“Michael Zhou is on the [SLCC] board, and this was a way to bring the chamber to a community-based building,” Thompson said. “We have occupied different spaces over the years—not uncommon for any chamber—and this was a good fit.”
Expectations
SLCC goals include being a good fit for future generations, O’Malley said.
“We want to increase our membership,” she said. “Besides bringing back the community activities that we sponsor along with our member businesses, we also want to continue to use social media to reach out.”
O’Malley noted in late July the office was adding an intern to introduce new media opportunities and help SLCC connect with a new generation of business owners.
“In the future, we will add younger business members and board members,” she said. “It’s an important part of our process.”
The SLCC will host a complimentary education program on business loans, business banking, financial services, and Small Business Administration and Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness on Tuesday, Aug. 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. Michael Linvelt of Royal Bank and Laura Shallow of World Data Systems will speak.
The SLCC will hold its annual fundraiser at the Zhou B Art Center on Thursday, Sept. 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
For more information, go to www.southloopchamberofcommerce.com or call (773) 254-7225. For the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs, log on to https://ulbgc.org/.