Best of Rogers Park - 2026

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 Ezankaya restaurant.

The awards presented will be for:

Business Leadership Award - Colectivo Clark
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. 

In 2024, what began as a focus group for the newly designated Camino Clark Cultural District evolved into Colectivo Clark, a weekly working collective of Spanish-speaking business owners along the corridor. Colectivo Clark has grown its comradery and community impact significantly within the last year. Meeting every Wednesday, the Colectivo has proven the effectiveness of collaborative leadership and trust building. Their dedication to learning and growing together has strengthened their voice and impact in the small business community decision making. In 2025 they lead the Dia del Nino cultural event, creating time and space for the children of the community to play and create, and donating their materials to offer food and activities. In 2025 Colectivo Clark also started a Tanda Empresarial or business lending circle.

Capital Improvement Award - Seven Star Events
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. 

Community Partner Award - Protect RP
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. 

The “Midway Blitz” ICE invasion last fall was a tough time for our businesses and our neighbors. For some it seemed as bad as Covid or worse; people are still struggling and on edge wondering if and when they’re going to be back. Protect RP has really met the moment and been a beacon of hope through all this, bringing neighbors together by organizing widely-attended trainings (Know Your Rights, Migra Watch, etc), establishing a network of Rapid Response Community Patrol Signal groups, and organizing much-needed mutual aid efforts in our community. Moreover, the community organizing work being done by Protect RP in our neighborhood predated and inspired similar (and expanded) efforts in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge.

Entrepreneur of the Year - AKAY Tacos
Awarded in recognition of a transformational entrepreneur who has demonstrated ​exceptional ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit in launching, building and growing their venture.

Alfonso Avila the owner of AKAY Tacos embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship through his dedication, leadership, and commitment to both his customers and the Camino Clark business community. As a consistent and engaged participant in Colectivo Clark, he has been a trusted voice and collaborative partner to fellow business owners. In just two years, he has built a successful restaurant, participated in North Side Restaurant Week and Taco Crawl twice, and is already preparing for the next phase of growth with plans to expand his business.

Friend of Rogers Park Award - State Representative Kelly Kassidy
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.

She has provided great support to the Rogers Park business community through the 14th District Security Grant and its second phase, Door Access Control. Despite external factors and government policies, she has shown that she truly cares about the most affected members of the community and is supporting them through these grants.

President's Award - ChiTown Magpie
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.

Volunteer of the Year - Nancye Rivera
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. 

Nancye has been a valued resource for Rogers Park entrepreneurs through her work as a small business consultant with RPBA’s BAT program, helping business owners strengthen their bookkeeping and financial practices. She is also an active contributor to GROW and PROGRESANDO, where she shares her expertise, teaches best practices, and helps entrepreneurs build the knowledge and confidence needed to grow their businesses.

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 Management Group
 
Bronze
Alden Village North Health Care
Alpha Adjusting
Laszlo Simovic Architects, LLC
Loyola University Chicago
Piersa Snowplowing Services
Wintrust Loyola
 
Copper
El Pulpo Loco
PureBrite Janitorial
S. Wolf & Associates
State Farm Insurance - Dave Frederickson
State Farm Insurance - Nick Kosiek

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.