On Tuesday, May 9th, our design team at PORT Urbanism, in partnership with the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce, Office of the 47th Ward, Alderman Ameya Pawar and the Northcenter Neighborhood Association, presented three potential concepts for a new design for Northcenter Town Square.

When you think of the grand traditions of Chinese food in Chicago, chances are you think of the shining Dragon Gate near Cermak on the South Side. But did you know the oldest Chinese restaurant in Chicago is right here in Northcenter?

The Northcenter Chamber of Commerce turns the big 7-0 this year! (We know, we know. We don't look a day over 65.) It has been an honor serving the amazing Northcenter neighborhood for 70 years and seeing how the community has grown and developed over time. We hope to serve you for another 70 years and beyond!

Melissa Lagowski, principal at Northcenter Chamber members Big Buzz Idea Group, has been named one of 50 honorees forChicago Business Journal's 2016 class of Women of Influence. The Women of Influence program recognizes women business leaders in the Chicago area who innovate, succeed and "pay it forward."

You may know Rico Tallud as one of the founders of Be Well. The Art of Asian Therapies, one of the city's top spas and massage centers. An "ideas guy," Tallud is excited about a new project, an on-demand draw and print center called Diti (Draw It, Take It!), located at 2250 W. Foster.

Over the past year, Rev. Billy's Chop Shop (4314 N. Lincoln) has become a Northcenter staple, thanks to bold, innovative hairstylists, the rotating showcase of cutting-edge local artists whose work adorns the salon's walls and, of course, for a mysterious and highly effective substance known as HAIR CRAP.

Chef Sanders and Crew are pleased to present #TKPopUps as a unique food driven establishment dedicated to providing the community varied and interesting dining the scope of work includes, but is not limited to, events produced by Trout Kitchen, collaborative dinners, private events, and consulting / rentals for guest chef popups.

Thanksgiving is upon us, and with it, the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Instead of the big-box hustle and bustle of Black Friday, we at the Northcenter Chamber encourage you to visit local, independently-owned businesses in our neighborhood to do your holiday shopping.

This week, the Chamber gave out two very special awards to three dedicated community servants at our annual awards luncheon.