Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Staff

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce staff is committed to accessible, supportive, and creative work.

Accessible – We want it to be easier than ever to reach and work with the Chamber. If you have any questions or concerns, we’ll stop by your business or set up an in-person meeting as soon as possible.

Supportive – Our team is equipped to answer questions about licensing, permitting, financing, special events, social media, marketing, eco-improvements, and much more. We know that our members and businesses are doing more with less these days – and we want to support your business needs in any way we can.

Creative – Similar to the small business owners we work to support, we will continue to think outside the box in order to make Andersonville a special neighborhood and destination for all.

Please contact us (info below) with any questions, comments or to set up a meeting.

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Laura Austin

Associate Director
773-728-2995
laustin@andersonville.org
Hometown: Chicago, IL

Background: While still in charge of running ACC events as well as managing community relationships, Laura will now serve as the ACC Board liaison and co-manage City and Ward relations. Laura joined the Chamber team in February 2017. She has eight years experience running events, three for the Chamber, and five in the non-profit school sector and has a background in teaching. Laura was a resident of the Andersonville & Uptown area for 15 years and is proud to be working in the place she called home.

Contact Laura about: ACC Board inquiries, Andersonville special events, community outreach, Andersonville social justice work, Midsommarfest opportunities, school partnerships, and community collaboration.

David Oakes

Director of Business Services & District Manager
773-728-2995
doakes@andersonville.org
Hometown: Chicago, IL

Background: Our “concierge to the business community,” David will continue in his regular duties along with taking on high-level economic development, managing SSA #22 and co-managing City and Ward relations. David began serving the Andersonville business community in his current role in February 2017. He has worked for Andersonville in multiple capacities over the years, having primarily served as one of the Andersonville Farmers Market Managers since its inception in 2009. He comes from a background in environmental science and culinary and is excited about out-of-the-box business attraction and community development in Andersonville.

Contact David about: Membership inquires, available retail space, business rebates and SSA incentives, long-term business attraction, SSA boundaries and management, networking and business sector round tables, business to business opportunities, and eco-Andersonville initiatives.

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Board of Directors 2020-21

President:

Carol Jones

Metz + Jones LLC

Vice Chairs:

 Dean Hervochon

The Go To Gay Guy

Ronna Hoffberg

5443 N Broadway Commercial Building

Treasurer:

Karin Moen Abercrombie

Swedish American Museum

Secretary:

Lynn Mooney

Women & Children First

Hallie Borden

Milk Handmade and Honey Bridal

Martin Cournane

Lady Gregory’s & The Birdcage

Joey Cranford

Chicago Magic Lounge

Searah Deysach

Early to Bed

Ted Fournier

Orange Shoe Personal Fitness

Amy Giordano

Gus Giordano Dance School

Barbara Janusek

State Farm Insurance

Mark Liberson

Replay & Elixir

Emeritus Board:

Ingvar Wikstrom

Wikstrom’s Gourmet Foods