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Special Service Area #31 – Servicing areas on Clark, Damen, Lawrence, Montrose, Wilson and along the Ravenswood corridor. Get your questions answered by our panel of elected officials!
Join us on Wednesday, June 17th from 8:30am-10:30am at Rojo Gusano for a morning conversation and unique opportunity to discuss the issues you care about that impact your business.
This year, we’ll be speaking with a panel of elected officials including State Senator Mike Simmons (7th district) and State Representative Ann Williams (11th district) to answer your questions about how state policy impacts small businesses and talk about what you should have on your radar in 2026 and beyond.
Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or nonprofit leader, this event provides an invaluable platform to engage with decision-makers. This will involve a moderated discussion followed by a Q&A with pre-submitted questions by attendees. Question submissions are open through NOON on Monday, June 15th, 2026.
Tickets include coffee and breakfast from our friends at Rojo Gusano.
State of the State is co-hosted by the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce.
Meet Our Panel
State Senator Mike Simmons
7th District
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.
More About Senator Simmons
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 Ann Williams
11th District
Ann Williams is currently serving her 8th term as State Representative for the 11th District on Chicago’s North Side. The district includes the Chicago neighborhoods of West Lakeview, Roscoe Village and Northcenter, as well as parts of Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Ravenswood Manor, Buena Park and North Halsted.
More About Rep Williams
Ann is an Assistant Majority Leader and currently serves as Chair of the House Executive committee – which is charged with handling many of the high priority issues being advanced before the General Assembly, including the state budget, transit reform, pension reform, etc. During her legislative career, Ann has been a strong leader on issues related to the environment, sustainability and clean energy policy.
Other legislative priorities include supporting Chicago’s schools, protecting critical human services, preventing gun violence, and restoring fiscal stability to Illinois. She is a strong and unwavering advocate of reproductive rights and was a leader in bringing marriage equality to Illinois. She remains committed to ensuring equality for all Illinois families. Ann has sponsored and supported numerous legislative initiatives pertaining to privacy rights and data privacy. Learn more at repannwilliams.com.
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