The nonprofit Rogers Park Business Alliance is thrilled to announce that the annual Best of Rogers Park Celebration & Awards Presentation returned on Thursday, June 27th at The Rhapsody Theater, 1328 W. Morse Ave. The event featured hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and an awards presentation where members of the Rogers Park community were celebrated for their exemplary contributions to strengthening businesses and building community.
Past Best of Rogers Park event photos, courtesy of Rogers Park Business Alliance.
2024 Best of Rogers Park Awards go to the following businesses and individuals:
Associated Bank Business Leadership Award: Culture of Safety Dojo & Wellness Center
The Business Leadership Award is awarded in recognition of a business that provides hands-on leadership on a community project, improves the quality of life in Rogers Park or expands their business and/or creates additional employment opportunities, especially with an emphasis on local hiring.
Culture of Safety Dojo & Wellness Center invested in improving the former hardware store which had been vacant for more than 10 years to make it into a karate studio for the community. Their vision for a healthier Rogers Park has been integral for the nearby community in their need for a community space.
Capital Investment Award: Great Wall
The Capital Investment Award is given in recognition of an organization, business or individual whose projects include improvements in signage, lighting, amenities such as awnings, masonry cleaning, tuck-pointing, and window and door replacement. The level of investment shows commitment to the neighborhood.
The Great Wall receives this award for opening a dine-in space after mainly operating as a carry out restaurant.
Community Partner Award: Between Friends
The Community Partner Award is awarded in recognition of an organization, business or individual who goes above and beyond the ordinary to build collaborative activities and projects in the community.
Between Friends works with domestic abuse victims and strives to end the cycle of abuse. They equip victims with the tools necessary for them to feel safe and equal in relationships and help victims to make independent and empowered choices.
Friend of Rogers Park Award: State Senator Mike Simmons
The Friend of Rogers Park Award is awarded to an organization, business or individual of prominence who has made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life in Rogers Park.
Senator Mike Simmons is receiving this award for his advocacy in funding for five community organizations within his district to be used to assist small businesses.
Choose Chicago Volunteer of the Year Award: Eva McCann/Toni Duncan
The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the Rogers Park community by committing a substantial number of volunteer hours over the last year.
Both Eva McCann and Toni Duncan have been long time volunteers for over 20 years. They have volunteered on the Willye B. White Advisory Council who advocated for the first official Community Orchard planted by the Chicago Park District at Triangle Park in 2017.
President's Award: Eggs with Benefits
The President's Award is presented at the discretion of the board president of Rogers Park Business Alliance to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to Rogers Park Business Alliance.
Special Award: Jack Swenson
For years of dedication to Rogers Park and for his service as a board member of Rogers Park Business Alliance from 2008 to 2024.
Rogers Park Business Alliance is a nonprofit organization that has served Chicago’s diverse Rogers Park neighborhood for 30 years. RPBA works to cultivate and sustain a thriving economic environment in Rogers Park, serving businesses and residents with a variety of public events and business initiatives. RPBA programs include the GROW/PROGRESANDO entrepreneurial training program, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Rogers Park Business Alliance, annual Best of Rogers Park awards, Chalk Howard Street Festival, Taco Crawl, and the Glenwood Sunday Market farmers market. For more information, visit RPBA.org.