2024 Year In Review

As we close out 2024, the Blue Island Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry reflects on a year filled with exciting events, community engagement, and valuable partnerships. From grand openings to community celebrations, this year has been a testament to the vitality of our business and civic community. Here’s a look at some of the key highlights from the past year.

BUB Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening – February 3, 2024
We kicked off the year with the BUB Café Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening. This exciting event marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Jebens Hardware building and set the tone for an energetic year ahead.

History on Location Events – February, March, July, and August
In partnership with the Blue Island Historical Society, we hosted History on Location events in February, March, July, and August. These events provided our community with a deeper understanding of Blue Island’s rich history while supporting our local businesses and cultural institutions. Topics included the early development of Blue Island, The Libby business and building, the history of Blue Island’s public library, and the history of City Hall.

Thriftara Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening – March 4, 2024
In March, we celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Thriftara, a new second-hand retail fashion and housewares store. This addition to our local shopping scene offers unique finds and affordable treasures, supporting sustainable shopping and a circular economy in Blue Island.

Annual Meeting & Best of Blue Island Awards – March 16, 2024
Our Annual Meeting and Best of Blue Island Awards at The Lyric Theater were a highlight of the year. We were proud to honor over a dozen businesses and community members with prestigious awards, recognizing their outstanding contributions. At the event, we also installed our newest board member, Anna Wassenaar, Director of the Blue Island Public Library, and honored outgoing board chairman Tom Miller for his contributions and service. Jacquelin Barton of Barton Pest Control is the newest Chairman of the Board. Finally, we presented two Civic Leadership Scholarships to deserving Eisenhower High School seniors, investing in the next generation of leaders.

Lunch & Learn with Allies for Community Business and Old National Bank – May 29, 2024
In May, we hosted a successful Lunch & Learn at Ophelia’s Banquets in collaboration with Allies for Community Business and Old National Bank. The event provided valuable insights for local entrepreneurs looking to grow and sustain their businesses.

Porch Concert Series – June to August
Throughout the summer, we co-hosted the Porch Concert Series alongside the Blue Island Historical Society. Running from June through August, this series promoted local artists and brought live music to the streets of Blue Island, fostering a sense of community and offering entertainment for all ages.

72nd Annual Blue Island Classic Golf Outing – June 7, 2024
In June, we held the 72nd Annual Blue Island Classic Golf Outing at The Meadows. This beloved tradition raised funds for our Civic Leadership Scholarship Program, ensuring that Blue Island’s future leaders continue to receive the support they need to succeed.

Beloved Family Community Wellness Center Grand Opening – June 27, 2024
In June, we celebrated the grand opening of the Beloved Family Community Wellness Center, a vital addition to our community’s health and wellness offerings. This new center will help serve local families and create a healthier, stronger Blue Island for years to come.

Monthly Trolley Ride Nights – June to August
Working with the City of Blue Island, we introduced the monthly Trolley Ride Nights in June, July, and August. These free trolley rides provided residents and visitors an easy way to explore local businesses while boosting visibility and foot traffic for participating businesses.

Fourth of July Parade – July 4, 2024

The Chamber was proud to support the return of the 4^th of July Parade in Blue Island with a float entry featuring live music to entertain the thousands who descended on Blue Island for a day of fun.

Grand Reopening of Blue Island Historical Society’s Albee House – September 13, 2024
In September, we were thrilled to attend the grand reopening of the Blue Island Historical Society’s Albee House. This historic building, an essential part of Blue Island’s heritage, was beautifully restored and now serves as a cornerstone for the community’s historical preservation efforts.

Business After Hours at Van’s Maplewood Inn – September 18, 2024
In September, we hosted a Business After Hours event at Van’s Maplewood Inn, offering a relaxed networking environment for members to connect, build relationships, and foster new business opportunities.

Lunch & Learn with Progress Center for Independent Living – October 30, 2024
October brought us another Lunch & Learn, this time in partnership with the Progress Center for Independent Living in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The event focused on fostering inclusive workplace environments and empowering individuals with disabilities.

Small Business Saturday – November 30, 2024
We wrapped up November by celebrating Small Business Saturday with our “Passport to Savings” promotion. This campaign featured local businesses and special offers, encouraging the community to shop small and support Blue Island’s vibrant retail scene.

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting at El Cortez – December 4, 2024
In December, we celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting at El Cortez, a fantastic new addition to Blue Island’s dining scene.

Holiday Open House with Blue Island Historical Society – December 19, 2024
In December, we rang in the holiday season with our annual Open House, hosted in partnership with the Blue Island Historical Society. This festive event not only celebrated the season but also collected donations for Blue Cap’s Food Pantry, ensuring that our neighbors had the support they needed during the holidays.

Ongoing Partnerships and Accomplishments
For the second consecutive year, we were honored to partner with Cook County Small Business Source to promote their Business Advising Services, helping local businesses access valuable resources and guidance. In addition, Executive Director Sara Brown completed her two-year term on the MWRD Community Partnership Council in October, further strengthening our community ties.

As we reflect on a year full of growth, collaboration, and community spirit, we are excited about the future of the Blue Island Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry. We thank our members, partners, and the community for their continued support, and we look forward to another year of success in 2025!

Happy New Year from the Blue Island Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry!

To view a complete list of our members, events, and more, visit blueislandchamber.org.