New Chamber of Commerce Launches to Serve Chicago's Southwest Side

The Southwest Chamber of Commerce, a new membership-driven business association, announced the start of its organization by businesses, for businesses, including a Business Breakfast launch event the morning of Tuesday 
June 23, 2026.

"We invite enterprises of all sizes and types to engage with the Southwest Side's business community," said Carlos Chavarria, president pro tem and founding director of the chamber. "This breakfast gets things started."

Business Breakfast

On the menu is launch information, elevator pitch round robin and member signups. The breakfast starts at 8 a.m. at the New Archview Restaurant at 3480 S. Archer Ave., Chicago.

"The chamber will be a membership-driven organization," said Chavarria, co-owner of Kristoffer's Cakes at 1735 W. 35th St., Chicago. "Membership is accessible to any type and size of local enterprise, from sole proprietor through commercial industry."

Inclusive and Independent

Getting local businesses to talk to each other was a key motivator to start up the chamber, said Justin Kerr, chamber vice president pro tem and publisher of the McKinley Park News.

"Our enterprise community desperately needs an inclusive and independent venue for business voices," Kerr said. "We envision networking, education, support, advocacy and economic development as some ways a chamber can help."

All Accountable

Organizational startup will follow the principles of a non-profit 501(c)(6) business association, Chavarria said, and include and expect member engagement in governance and leadership.

"This ensures we're all accountable to each other as businesses and professionals as we collectively work to launch the chamber," he said.

Member Benefits

A 180-day long startup period will conclude in December 2026 with members electing full-term directors and officers. Monthly meetings until then will enact development and adoption of foundational chamber practices and policies, welcome new members and work toward ways to enable mutual support.

Member benefits include promotions, Kerr said, such as sharing members' announcements and events through the chamber's website, newsletter and social media channels. A website business directory highlights products and services of chamber members.

Collective Voice

The chamber's discount programs also channel deals, Kerr said, such as the 10 percent sponsorship discount the McKinley Park News offers to chamber members.

"We believe another tremendous benefit will be for local businesses to get to know each other," Chavarria said, "as well as develop a collective voice on issues that affect us all."

Underserved Areas

Although any business is welcome to join, the chamber's focus will be on underserved areas of Chicago's Southwest Side, Kerr said.

"There's a dearth of business membership organizations here," he said, "especially in neighborhoods south and west of Bubbly Creek."

Thriving Southwest Side

Businesses interested in more information about the Southwest Chamber of Commerce can look to the chamber's website at https://southwestchamber.biz or reach out via email to info@southwestchamber.biz.

Local enterprises are welcome to engage with the chamber at any time, Chavarria said. "We look forward to working with you to build a thriving Southwest Side."

The McKinley Park News is a founding member of the Southwest Chamber of Commerce