Best of Rogers Park - 2025

You are invited to our Best of Rogers Park Celebration & Awards Presentation! 

Join us for a spectacular evening celebrating the Best of Rogers Park!

We invite you to come and honor outstanding members of our community who have made exceptional contributions to strengthening local businesses and building a thriving community. This exclusive event will be filled with excitement, recognition and the opportunity to mingle with fellow community members. Together, let's acknowledge the remarkable achievements of those who have gone above and beyond.

Indulge in a delectable array of cocktails provided by Rhapsody Theater and hors d'oeuvres by Arepa Pa' Los Pana.

The awards presented will be for:

Business Leadership Award - Tesla Training Center
The Business Leadership Award is awarded in recognition of a business that provides hands-on leadership on a community project, improves the quality of life in Rogers Park or expands their business and/or creates additional employment opportunities, especially with an emphasis on local hiring. 

Tesla Training Center works with students at all levels to learn the basics of electrical and HVAC-R services. Experienced instructors demonstrate how to master the basics and start a career in these two in-demand fields. Tesla Training Center provides in-person classes with hands-on training in their labs in both English and Spanish and is dedicated to offering the highest quality education for all, with flexible schedules that allow students to work while attending classes.

Becovic Capital Improvement Award - Wild Onion Market
The Capital Improvement Award is given in recognition of an organization, business or individual whose projects include improvements in signage, lighting, and amenities such as awnings, masonry cleaning, tuck-pointing, and window and door replacement. The level of investment shows commitment to the neighborhood. 

Wild Onion Market?s recent renovation and opening represent a significant contribution to the local community by enhancing the aesthetic and functional appeal of the neighborhood. Its investment in revitalizing a previously underutilized space has not only improved the area's visual appeal but also increased foot traffic, creating a positive economic impact. Additionally, the space?s transformation fosters a sense of pride within the community, supporting local businesses and elevating the overall environment. Wild Onion Market?s commitment to quality and innovation in design is receiving recognition as a model for future development projects in the neighborhood.

Community Partner Award - Care for Real
The Community Partner Award is awarded in recognition of an organization, business or individual who goes above and beyond the ordinary to build collaborative activities and projects in the community. 

Care for Real focuses on immediate assistance in addressing community needs, such as providing access to food, housing, and mental health resources. By partnering with local organizations, Care for Real ensures that clients receive not only material support but also the tools and resources needed to thrive. It actively involves community members in the process of planning and implementation by listening to the voices of those served, ensuring its initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of the community.

Choose Chicago Entrepreneur of the Year - Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining
Awarded in recognition of a transformational entrepreneur who has demonstrated ​exceptional ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit in launching, building and growing their venture.

Khamai Cambodian Fine Dining has overcome the odds of opening a multi-faceted business in a high-profile, key commercial corridor. As the only Cambodian restaurant in Chicago, Khami Cambodian Fine Dining has become a renowned establishment not only in Rogers Park, but throughout Chicago.

Friend of Rogers Park Award - Local Initiatives Support Corporation
The Friend of Rogers Park Award is awarded to an organization, business or individual(s) of prominence who has made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life in Rogers Park. 

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC Chicago) has committed to the Rogers Park community through programming that supports the development and resilience of Rogers Park.

President's Award - Athena Board Games
Special award presented at the discretion of the president to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to Rogers Park Business Alliance.

From Board President Terry Gant "As a community partner they've shown resilience in seeking an initial location, creating a nerd community in that location, surviving a disruption of the business while awaiting construction on a new space and then reopening to the applause of the community they built, who supported them throughout! As a fellow business owner that caters to nerds, I could feel what Patricia was going through and I knew in the end it would all be worth it. I'm excited to see where ABGC goes from here!"

Volunteer of the Year - James Davis, Associate Attorney
The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the Rogers Park community by committing a substantial number of volunteer hours over the last year. 

James Davis, associate attorney at Minchella and Associates, provided hours of pro bono legal guidance, especially around lease negotiations for multiple businesses in Rogers Park.

Admission: 
Don't miss out on this extraordinary event at the historic Rhapsody Theater. Purchase your tickets today and secure your spot at the Best of Rogers Park.

2 complimentary tickets for RPBA paid members, must RSVP.
$30 general admission in advance
$50 at the door
RSVP required! 

Come and be a part of this extraordinary celebration as we honor the exceptional individuals who have made a positive impact on our beloved Rogers Park community. Let's come together, raise a glass, and toast to their achievements!

Sponsors:
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors, who have played an integral role in making this event possible. Their support and commitment to our community have helped us create an unforgettable evening. Let's join together in thanking them for their invaluable contributions.

Platinum
Becovic
Choose Chicago
 
Gold

Silver
Wheels of Chicago
 
Bronze
Alden Village
Alpha Adjusting
CJ Anderson & Company
Dick & Dorothy Gregory
Piersa Snowplowing Services
South of the Border
Winnemac Properties
 
Copper

Contact us at info@rpba.org or 773.508.5885 if you would like information about becoming a sponsor or if you are unclear about your membership status.