Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Bunimovich.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Back in the day pre-children, I had enough energy to change the world – starting with Ravenswood. Ravenswood didn’t have a Chamber of Commerce serving the businesses and wasn’t being celebrated for the amazing neighborhood it is. When I became the Executive Director of the Ravenswood Community Council, our schools were labeling the area as Lincoln Square.
Ravenswood, in my mind, was totally unique to the City. It was unlike Lincoln Square, Uptown, Andersonville, Wrigleyville. It had this amazing transit corridor lined with the MOST beautiful industrial buildings that were filled with small start-ups that needed help moving through City bureaucracy. I understood the struggle of small businesses and manufacturers from a previous career in B2B sales specializing in manufacturers and small businesses. This background helped me create a Chamber of Commerce that doesn’t say No (or hardly ever says no now). Our entrepreneurs need something that larger more established Chambers couldn’t offer, and that was help at an affordable price with the buy-in of the whole neighborhood.
The beauty of this set up was that I was the ED of small of community group serving the residents and formed a Chamber of Commerce with those residents. I had the buy in from both sides of the table. Now, our Chamber and Community Council focuses on what is best for the ENTIRE neighborhood – not just Biz, not just Residents. We take a look at the whole picture in order to make the best decision for everyone. It’s amazing, it’s gratifying, and it’s a whole lotta challenging most of the time.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
OH MAN! I wouldn’t be here if it was smooth. I’ve never been one for smooth sailing, but have always preferred roller coasters, which is exactly what this has been.
When I started at the Community Council, we were a struggling 501c3. Then I formed the Chamber, which rattled a few bones, set a new precedent, created a few new ideas, and set a new path for Ravenswood. Easy it wasn’t, but FUN – yes!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce story. Tell us more about the business.
I am the founder of the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce. We serve our small businesses in Ravenswood and create a small economic eco-system in Ravenswood. We are a partner with local schools, the community, our businesses, our Alderman to create a small sustainable economy in our neighborhood. The end goal is to have our residents and business owners supporting each other.
We are unique in that my Board is primarily compromised of residents who live in Ravenswood, but also own businesses in Ravenswood. The board members are generally parents of students in school in Ravenswood. They have a holistic approach to all things Ravenswood.
I am most proud of my Board. They navigate difficult decisions for their community with ease and peace of mind. They have a clear vision of what they’d like the neighborhood to be and empower the Chamber to make sure it happens.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Bad luck and poor past decisions made the opening in space and time for the Chamber to form. Good luck and good weather helped navigate us to success.
Contact Info:
- Address: Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
1770 W Berteau, Suite 207,
Chicago, IL 60613 - Website: ravenswoodchicago.org
- Phone: 773-975-2088
- Email: megan@ravenswoodchicago.org
- Instagram: Ravenswood_Chi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RavenswoodChicago/
- Twitter: Ravenswood_Chi
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
