Join us on Wednesday, June 11th from 8:30am-10:30am at Begyle Brewing for a morning conversation and unique opportunity to discuss the issues you care about that impact your business. Members of Congress and elected officials include State Senator Mike Simmons, State Representative Hoan Huynh, and Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or corporate leader, this event provides an invaluable platform to engage with decision-makers.

At this 2nd quarter event, we invite our panel to provide an update on the latest small business-related policies coming out of Washington. This will involve a moderated discussion followed by a Q&A with pre-submitted questions by attendees. Questions can be submitted in advance using this form.

Event ticket includes coffee from Backlot Coffee and a light breakfast from Bagel Miller.

Why Attend?

🔵 Gain first-hand insights into legislation impacting your business.
🔵 Network with fellow entrepreneurs and policymakers.
🔵 Advocate for issues that matter to your industry.
🔵 Stay informed on key economic and policy trends.

State of the State is co- hosted by the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.

State of the State: Meet our Panel

State Senator Mike Sommons

State Senator Mike Simmons’ roots run deep in the Illinois 7th State Senate District. He was born in Lincoln Square, the son of a single Black mother and an Ethiopian refugee father. His mother, Ramona, who opened her own business, Salon Pastiche, in Rogers Park at 31 years old and ran it for 25 years, raised him and his sister. His father, Mulugetta, was also a small business owner and ran a bar, the Wild Hare, in Lakeview for 25 years. Simmons’ family was one of the first Black families to integrate Lincoln Square after the U.S. Supreme Court mandated that public housing be built on Chicago’s Northside.

With his lived experiences and equity mindset, Simmons has committed his life to advocacy and public service. He is dedicated to amplifying the voices of seniors, refugees, the transgender community, people experiencing financial instability, single mothers, and other silenced voices in our democracy.

He is the first Black person to serve the 7th District, the first openly gay member of the Illinois Senate, and the third openly gay, black state senator in the nation. Simmons was appointed to the State Senate in 2021 and was elected to continue serving as State Senator to the 7th District in 2022. Simmons is a trailblazer for the 7th District and statewide. He believes in opening doors for people who have historically been treated unjustly by the government. Learn more at senatormikesimmons.com.

State Representative Hoan Huynh

State Representative Hoan Huynh (pronounced Hahn Win) is a community leader, community investments professional, entrepreneur, activist, and small business advocate representing the people of Illinois’ 13th State House District, covering Northside Chicago and the lakefronts (includes Uptown, Andersonville, Buena Park, Sheridan Park, Ravenswood, Northcenter, Wrigleyville, Lake View, Southport, Lincoln Square, Bowmanville, Winnemac, Arcadia Terrace, Budlong Woods, and West Ridge).

Representative Hoan Huynh is in his first term in the Illinois House of Representatives, having been sworn in on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 in the 103rd General Assembly. His legislative priorities include expansion of economic opportunity, jobs creation, environmental justice, protecting reproductive healthcare, LGBTQ+, and immigrant/refugee rights, public safety and gun violence prevention, affordable housing, transit infrastructure, and expanding mental health access. Learn more at rephoanhuynh.com.

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs

Michael Frerichs was first elected Illinois State Treasurer in November 2014. He has been re-elected twice and started his third term in January 2023. Frerichs is the 74th person to serve in this role.

In Illinois, the Treasurer is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. The office invests money on behalf of the state and local units of government. Frerichs also believes in providing individuals with financial tools so they can invest in themselves. He does this by encouraging savings plans for college and trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, removing barriers to a secure retirement, and reuniting Illinois residents with their unclaimed property.

The Treasurer’s Office actively manages approximately $56 billion. The investment approach is cautious to ensure the preservation of principal, but the investment returns are significant. Under Frerichs’ tenure, the office has earned more than $2 billion for taxpayers through safe, smart investing. Learn more at illinoistreasurer.gov.