Who we are
The Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association (MPBHBA) represents the interests of more than 400 Beverly/Morgan Park businesses. We are a nonprofit organization that advocates for, promotes, connects, and educates member businesses.
One of 75 Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDCs) in Chicago, the MPBHBA has a solid track record of supporting local businesses for more than 30 years. We have a strong neighborhood network and work closely with the alderman, City Hall and other community partners.
The MPBHBA serves a square area between 89th and 119th streets, from Vincennes and Sacramento avenues. The district includes two Special Service Areas (SSAs): the Western Avenue SSA 20 and the Walden Parkway SSA 64. These SSA programs fund expanded services and programs through localized property tax levies.
What we do
The MPBHBA is dedicated to strengthening the economic foundation of our community by supporting local businesses. We provide a wide range of services to member businesses and the community at large.
Marketing Campaigns
We plan and execute promotional events throughout the year to engage consumers, showcase commercial districts, and drive traffic into local businesses. These initiatives include Small Business Saturday, Holiday Decorating Contest, Sip and Shop, and Summer Staycation.
Networking Opportunities
We offer a number of events for our members to connect with one another throughout the year. These include quarterly meetings hosted by one of our member businesses, an annual Meet & Green party in early summer, and a Twelfth Night party in January, among others.
Connections to Local Community
The MPBHBA serves as a liaison between our members and community leaders, including local officials. We also coordinate with other local business associations and community organizations to expand our reach and messaging on behalf of our members.
Effective Communications
The MPBHBA shares local business news and also information from the city that could affect our members, via our website, weekly email, and social media posts. We use local media, including the Villager and the Beverly Review, to share information about upcoming business promotions. We also survey our members to find out how we can better serve them, then share our findings with the business community while using the information to help us improve what we do.
Troubleshooting City-related Issues
The MPBHBA serves as an intermediary and sounding board between member businesses and city officials. Often, small business owners have questions regarding their taxes, licensing, and SSA-related services. The MPBHBA has experience resolving these issues and can provide assistance.
Beautification & Maintenance
Businesses located within one of our two Special Service Area (SSA) districts on Western Avenue and on Walden Parkway receive landscaping, sidewalk cleaning, and snow removal services throughout the year. The MPBHBA also provides floral planters, holiday decorations, and banners on Western Avenue as part of our SSA services.
Business Referrals
The MPBHBA exclusively refers association members for special services, shopping and dining inquiries. These referrals are highly valued by MPBHBA members.
Business Recruitment & Development
We welcome and support new businesses in Beverly Hills/Morgan Park that will enhance the quality of our commercial districts. We also connect our members with resources at the city, state, and federal level that can assist them in growing their businesses.
Educational Workshops
MPBHBA members receive complimentary admission to professional development workshops to help them grow and improve their business.
Join the Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association
Board of Directors
The MPBHBA is governed by a 10-member board of directors that meets monthly at 8 am on the third Tuesday of the month in the board room of Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Place. All association members in good standing are welcome to attend the meetings.
Caroline Connors | Executive Director
Caroline Connors joined the MPBHBA as its executive director in November 2014. A Beverly resident since 1997, Connors previously served as editor of The Beverly Review. She reported on a wide range of community issues, including new business/economic development, infrastructure improvements and local leadership. She holds a B.A. from Indiana University and recently completed the Business District Leadership program through the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Chicago, which supports community development.
President
Debra Gawrys
Connections Learning Center
Vice President
Mark Mielnicki
First In Realty Executives
Secretary
Laurie Duncan Cleary
Argus Internet Co.
Treasurer
Marti Jatis
Smith Village