Get to know your community organizations

By Elizabeth Czapski, staff writer

The West Loop stays vibrant with the help of residents, business owners and community leaders who work together through the neighborhood’s many organizations. Here are four stand-outs:

West Central Association (WCA) Chamber of Commerce

This neighborhood association wears a couple of different hats as a chamber of commerce and a delegate agency of the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Economic Development. The Chamber was founded in 1918 to support businesses and the community in general. Benefits for Chamber members include networking opportunities, exposure through WCA’s marketing, access to city services and public officials, and more. Find out more at wcachicago.org.

West Loop Community Organization (WLCO)

This membership organization is a non-profit delegate agency of the City of Chicago that participates in public planning, economic development and community programming. WLCO’s committees include a Welcoming Committee, Safety Committee, Education Committee, Assorts & Culture Committee, and Development Committee, which works with the aldermen to review proposed developments and request zoning changes. Learn more at westloop.org.

Fulton Market Association

Fulton Market Association is a non-profit economic development agency working in Fulton Market, West Loop, Kinzie Industrial Corridor and the West Side. The association focuses on public safety, business, real estate and community solutions, infrastructure, neighborhood beautification, economic development, among other topics. Members receive free advertising to more than 1,000 business and community contacts. More information can be found at fultonmarketchicago.org.

Neighbors of West Loop (NoWL)

Neighbors of West Loop is a membership organization formed by residents who wanted to make a positive impact on the neighborhood. The organization is involved in all areas of community improvement: reviewing new developments, improving parks and green spaces, promoting local events, schools and businesses, ensuring public safety, and more. Get involved at neighborsofwestloop.com.

(Published March 18, 2019)