Local Hispanic-Owned Business Receives COVID-19 Relief Grant
Our city has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of ways, and the CAR Foundation is helping affected small business owners. During Black History and Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Months, we awarded grants to Black and AAPI locally-owned businesses. In October, we awarded a $1,000 grant to a Hispanic-owned small business, A Cup of Joe Coffee House. Make sure to stop by, say hello and support this establishment!
A CUP OF JOE COFFEE HOUSE
6806 W. Archer Ave.
Jose Villarreal frequently traveled across the city for a good cup of coffee in a hip space where he could work or spend a relaxed evening watching an open mic night.
Seeing an opportunity, he decided to take the plunge and open his own coffee shop two years ago in Garfield Ridge. Not only is A Cup of Joe known for its drinks and food, but it also supports the community, providing a platform for artists to express themselves, a pop-up location for local businesses and open mic nights for comedians and musicians.
An integral part of the coffee shop’s identity comes from its Hispanic roots. The menu features items like tamales and horchata, and the ambiance reflects its heritage through its art.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, A Cup of Joe was greatly affected. As their location primarily focuses on indoor dining, the pandemic restrictions caused a downturn in their business and operation difficulties. “During these difficult times, this grant will give A Cup of Joe the opportunity to reinvest,” one of their staff said. “We will be able to upgrade equipment and save for upcoming overhead expenses.”
Together, we will continue to uplift our communities and those who keep them thriving!
New President’s Award Announced During 138th Inaugural Gala
During our 138th Inaugural Gala on Friday, September 24, CEO Michelle Mills Clement announced the endowment of a brand-new President’s Award named after 2021 president Nykea Pippion McGriff’s son, who was a victim of gun violence in 2017. The Xavier O. Joy Presidential Inspiration Award will recognize an individual who serves as an integral source of support, encouragement and motivation before and during the president’s leadership term. Not only is the new presidential award named after Xavier, but he was also honored as its first recipient.
CommercialForum Launches the New Legal Library Pro
CommercialForum partnered with the Commercial Brokers Association to offer you an exclusive, commercial-focused forms and contracts program, the Legal Library Pro. This system provides forms and contracts that are easily editable, with auto-population options, to make each transaction as smooth and seamless as possible. The Legal Library Pro streamlines the journey to closing a deal by:
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Michelle Mills Clement Named Bisnow Power Woman
CEO Michelle Mills Clement was named as one of Bisnow’s 2021 Power Women in Commercial Real Estate. She will be honored at their Power Women event in February. She joins a variety of other women in Chicago commercial real estate who were honored for their work and efforts to make positive changes in the commercial industry. Congratulations, Michelle!