Founded in 1948, the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (LSRCC) is a not-for-profit association of approximately 250 local businesses, institutions, and professionals committed to addressing the issues most important to the community’s livelihood.  The Chamber is organized to focus attention and initiate action on major issues affecting the economic well-being and quality of life in the Lincoln Square and Ravenswood area of Chicago.  LSRCC continually strives to bring more attention to the local community by fostering relationships between community members, business owners, local officials, and the City of Chicago.

City of Chicago Delegate Agency

Through the Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) program with the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), LSRCC is able to assist local entrepreneurs in navigating City Hall.  LSRCC most commonly helps businesses start up, locate available real estate, connect to financial resources, find educational opportunities, and generally troubleshoot City-related issues.

Special Service Area – Service Provider

The Chicago Department of Planning and Development (CDPD) designates LSRCC as the service provider for Special Service Area #21 – Lincoln Square.  In this capacity, LSRCC oversees the beautification and enhancement of commercial corridors within the community, paying for services such as sidewalk cleaning, landscaping, and trash receptacle servicing.  Through the Special Service Area, LSRCC also supervises neighborhood branding, marketing, and holiday promotions to create a better sense of community and draw people to the area.

U.S. Chamber Accredited

On March 2, 2011 the Accrediting Board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce designated the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce as an Accredited 3-Star Chamber. This prestigious honor, offered to no other neighborhood Chamber of Commerce in the City of Chicago, puts LSRCC among the top 3% of chambers nationwide.

Accreditation indicates that a Chamber of Commerce operates under effective organizational procedures and contributes to significant, positive change in the community.  To achieve this standing LSRCC carried out an intensive self-assessment into its operation and organization across nine working areas, including governance, government affairs, human resources, and technology.