On Thursday, August 27th, 150 businesses, community members, and friends celebrated the inaugural Avondale Spotlight Awards!
The ceremony, hosted at Revolution Brewing, was the result of eight months of collaboration between Avondale Neighborhood Association, North Branch Works, and Second City Gaming.
Opening remarks were delivered by Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen. Commissioner Degnen emphasized the importance of lifting up small businesses so that Chicago's neighborhoods can thrive.
Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen - 12th District
Jonny Saldana of Second City Gaming presented the awards. He noted that these awards mark an important step towards the formation of an Avondale Chamber of Commerce.
After many months of spreading the word, nominations for thirteen award categories went live this summer, and by August 6th, nearly 650 community members voted for their favorite businesses and organizations.
During the awards, guests enjoyed delicious empanadas courtesy of Cafe Tola, and sipped beer from Revolution Brewing's taproom.
The awards highlighted the spirit and identity of Avondale.
Thirteen businesses took home awards while thirteen others were recognized for their contributions to the neighborhood as runner ups.
The award winners are as follows:
We'd like to congratulate Revolution Brewing and our board member, Josh Deth, for winning the Community Builder Award.
We'd also like to recognize our member business, The Alley Chicago, on its win of the Story and True Grit Award.
If you visit one of these incredible small businesses, be sure to congratulate them on their awards!
Many thanks to all of the organizations, community members, and businesses who took part in the awards.
There are many ongoing efforts to support Avondale businesses, including the formation of organizations like the Avondale Small Business Association, which can be found on Instagram at @avondalesba.
If you are interested in joining the effort to create an Avondale Chamber, please complete this form.
We look forward to seeing you at the next Avondale Spotlight Awards!
