Black Owned Business Networking

Uptown is home to hundreds of black business owners and black industry leaders from around the world.  To celebrate these individuals and to recognize their journeys that led them to Uptown; Uptown Chamber of Commerce  joins host Antonio Coke of Bodi Shak, and presenting sponsor Jerome' Holston of J.R. Holston Consulting in inviting you to a Black Owned Business Networking event scheduled for Wednesday, February 28th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  

46th Ward Alderwoman Angela Clay and 7th District Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons advocate for our business district and provide rich opportunities46th Ward Alderwoman Angela Clay and 7th District Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons, both strong advocates for our business community, are expected to attend to show their support.   Attendees should plan on expanding their professional networks, sharing resources, and growing client pools. The event will feature global cuisine from black owned businesses in Uptown. 

During registration, attendees will respond to questions that aim to make their networking experience more intentional: their industry, what they need to succeed and what they can offer to support others. Online registration will close 24 hours ahead of the event so Uptown Chamber can process responses and share expected attendance -- all to support strategic networking. 

Uptown networking events build community among Uptown businesses and non-profits, strengthening our local economy through the development of strategic partnerships.  These events are open to member businesses and non-members alike.  All respectful and well-intentioned business professionals with positivity to share in the Uptown community are welcome to attend Uptown Chamber of Commerce events.

$10 Chamber Members
$20 Non-members
$30 Door -- after 5:00 PM on Tuesday, February 27th all new registration will occur at the door.  

About our host:  Antonio Coke, founder of Bodi Shak
Antonio Coke’s journey to opening Bodi Shak is built of the ebbs and flows of his life experiences that culminated in his establishing the business in 2017. Originally hailing from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Antonio immigrated with his siblings and their mother, Viola, who brought them to the US to provide them a better life.  BODI SHAK exists to provide more than just a gym – more than just a workout. You're ready for that thing that meets you. BODI SHAK was created to meet you. It was born with the mission to bring you and others together on an exciting journey of discovery through fitness.  So whether your plan is to meet your fitness goals, have fun, or to simply find what moves you, BODI SHAK is here to help guide you on that journey.

About our presenting sponsor:  Jerome' Holston, J.R. Holston Consulting
Jerome’ R. Holston is the owner and founder of J.R. Holston Consulting, a firm specializing in supporting nonprofits and small business to create social impact. Jerome’ has more than ten years of experience in working with nonprofit, government, and private businesses to advance board participation, community and employee engagement, fundraising, and strategic partnerships.