TABLE OF CONTENTS

8 Chamber Welcome

10 Board of Directors & Staff

12 Who We Are & What We Do

14 Why Join the Chamber

16 Chamber Events

20 History of Edgebrook & Sauganash

24 Community Events

28 Area’s First Farmers Market

30 Beauty of SSA

34 Community Association

38 Local Resources

46 Demographics

48 Member Profile

50 Recreation

57 Member Directory – Alphabetical

59 Member Directory – Categorical

62 Advertiser Index

65 Member Search

CHAMBER WELCOME

Welcome!

On behalf of the Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Commerce, welcome! We are proud to present our annual Community Guide—your go-to resource for discovering the people, places and services that make our area such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

We are excited to provide you with this year’s Community Guide for 2025-2026. Inside, you’ll find local businesses, schools, churches, organizations and government services ready to connect with you. I invite you to try something new—visit a shop you’ve never been to or explore a service you’ve been meaning to check out.

At the Chamber, we uphold the commitment of “Two Neighborhoods, One Community.” Our mission is to bring Edgebrook and Sauganash together—creating opportunities for business owners to network, encouraging neighborhood involvement and giving back through programs like the Mary Lou Quinn Scholarship, the North Branch Farmers Market and our sponsorship of local events.

To our valued members—thank you for your support. To our neighbors who are not yet part of the Chamber—this is your invitation to join us and see how we can help your business grow.

One of our proudest community partnerships is with the North Branch Market. In just three years, it has grown tenfold into a vibrant gathering place filled with vendors, live music and the friendly faces that make our neighborhoods feel like home.

Here’s to a year of growth, connection and community pride. We’re glad you’re here!

Jay Smith

President

Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Commerce

Officers

President:

Jay Smith
Smith Corcoran Funeral Homes

Vice Presidents:

Karen Proesel
City’s Edge

Nancy Krueger
Wintrust Bank Sauganash

Treasurer:

Dalia Marouf DMD
Sauganash Smiles

Secretary:

Mandy Genge

New Book Joy

Board of Directors

Jim Dunbar – Mosquito Joe of Chicago North

Barbara Eastman – 6415 N Central LLC

Brandon Feaman – Northwestern Mutual

Robert Klairmont – Imperial Realty

Harriet Luden – Donna’s Garden Flower Shop

Glenn Nadig – Nadig Newspapers

Frank Spula – Polish National Alliance

Ray Wohl – Chicago Male Clinic

Staff

Kimberly Kilmer – Executive Director

Christina Briskovic Roland – Executive Director Assistant

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO

Who We Are

The Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Commerce (ESCC) is a dynamic network of local businesses, organizations and community leaders dedicated to fostering growth, connection and pride in our neighborhoods. Representing both Edgebrook and Sauganash under our guiding motto “Two Neighborhoods, One Community,” we work to create a thriving environment where businesses can succeed and residents can enjoy a strong, connected community. Our mission is simple: support local commerce, strengthen community ties and advocate for the continued vitality of our area.

What We Do:

•  Promote Local Businesses – Offering marketing, networking and visibility opportunities for members.

•  Host Community Events – Organizing the North Branch Farmers Market, seasonal celebrations and sponsorship of local gatherings.

•  Support Education – Providing scholarships, such as the Mary Lou Quinn Scholarship, to invest in the next generation.

•  Advocate for Businesses – Working with local government and community groups to create a business-friendly environment.

•  Encourage Collaboration – Connecting members to each other for partnerships and shared growth.

•  Foster Neighborhood Pride – Supporting initiatives that beautify, engage and strengthen our shared spaces.

By bringing together entrepreneurs, community members and local organizations, the ESCC serves as a hub of opportunity and collaboration. Whether you are a new business, a longtime resident or simply looking to get more involved, we welcome you to be part of a community where relationships matter and progress is built together.

WHY JOIN THE CHAMBER

Relationship Building

Forge meaningful connections with local business owners and community leaders to strengthen your professional network.
With increased name recognition, the higher the chances you will meet people seeking your product and services.

Networking Opportunities

Gain access to exclusive events and meet-ups designed to enhance your business connections and
collaborations. Our chamber provides multiple networking opportunities with other chambers.

Community Involvement

Participate in initiatives that support local causes, fostering a sense of community and making a positive impact.

Social Media Presence

Boost your visibility through the chamber’s social media platforms, showcasing your business to a wider audience. We offer free social media blasts to all our members.

Resource Provider

Benefit from valuable resources, tools and information that can help your business grow and thrive in the local market.

Promote Economic Development

Contribute to and benefit from efforts aimed at enhancing the economic vitality of the community.

CHAMBER EVENTS

January

•  Installation Dinner and Holiday Party

March

•  Multi-Chamber Legislator Breakfast

May

•  Mary Lou Quinn Scholarship

June

•  Multi-Chamber Golf Outing

July

•  Summer Social

•  Farmers Market Begins

August

•  Farmers Market

September

•  Farmers Market Ends

October

•  Halloween Happenings

November

•  North Branch Market Winter Pop-Up

December

•  Holiday Trolley to see Neighborhood Lights

•  SSA Tree Lighting

OUR HISTORY

Modest beginning led to the creation of a bustling, tight-knit community

The Edgebrook Sauganash area, known as a “hidden gem” in Chicago, has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Billy Caldwell, who was born in the 1780s to a Mohawk mother and Irish father, was given the nickname “Sauganash,” meaning “English-speaking” or “Englishman,” during this timeframe, as the term was often used by Native Americans to refer to the British Colonists who had settled in the area. To thank Caldwell for his involvement in negotiating the 1829 Prairie du Chien Treaty, he was awarded a 1,600-acre patent along both sides of the Chicago River, which became known as Caldwell’s Reserve. The structure of this original land patent is responsible for the diagonal street patterns the area is known for today. Caldwell began selling off the land in 1833 and the Edgebrook Sauganash communities have only continued to grow since then.

When Charles Johnston emigrated from Sweden to Chicago in 1840, he purchased part of the land. He built a homestead on the corner of Peterson and Cicero Avenues, where it remained until the 1950s. In 1912, the real estate firm Koester and Zander bought 260 acres of the Reserve upon which they built a housing development they named Sauganash after the previous owner’s nickname. The first eight homes were built along Kostner Avenue between Peterson and Rogers Avenues. By 1930, 200 more homes had been constructed, firmly cementing this Northwest Side area as a burgeoning neighborhood.

Today, Sauganash is a bustling, vibrant and tight-knit community. Barb Eastman, a board member of the Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Commerce has embraced the area since the 1970s. Many of her childhood friends grew up in the area, explored other places and ultimately chose to move back and raise their own families in the Edgebrook and Sauganash communities.

“This community is like one family. The people here love the area and want to see it grow and thrive,” said Eastman.

Edgebrook is Chicago’s northernmost nook, bordered by the Edens Expressway to the east, the North Branch of the Chicago River to the south, and forest preserves to the west with Lincolnwood, Skokie and Niles close by. Today, Edgebrook houses six subdivisions including Original Edgebrook, Edgebrook or Edgebrook Manor, Wildwood, North Edgebrook, Edgebrook Towers and Edgebrook Woods Property Association, also known as South Edgebrook.

Edgebrook’s history can also be traced back to the 1800s. The area now known as Original Edgebrook was owned by Arthur and Annie Dixon. In 1894, the Dixons sold the land to the Title Guaranty and Trust Company. In 1896, a railroad station was added and the community grew quickly thereafter. Today, pieces of Edgebrook’s history can be found when visiting the Old Edgebrook District, which features a variety of architecture with Colonial Revival and Queen Anne aesthetics. Colonial Revival is noticeable for its nod to Colonial architecture and features gabled windows, pronounced front porches and pilasters and columns. Houses built in the Queen Anne style are known for incorporating different building materials into the design, such as a brick first floor and stucco or wood second floor. Wooden spindle-work adorning entryways and porches and multi-paned and stained-glass windows are also hallmarks of the Queen Anne style. 

In all, Old Edgebrook is bounded by Central and Devon Avenues, the Chicago River and the Edgebrook Golf Course. The area became a designated Chicago landmark in 1988.

“The area, especially the businesses, have grown and adapted to meet the needs of the community,” said Eastman, “which is why so many people want to stay here and watch the area flourish.”

“This community is like one family. The people here love the area and want to see it grow and thrive.”
- Barb Eastman

COMMUNITY EVENTS

April

•  ECA Easter Egg Hunt

June

•  ECA Garden Walk

•  ESCC Multi-Chamber Golf Outing

July

•  4th of July Parade

•  ESAA Picnic

August

•  SCA Back-to-School Movie in the Park

October

•  Paint Edgebrook Pink 5K

•  ECA Spooky House Contest

November

•  Small Business Saturday

December

•  ECA Holiday Tree Lighting

AREA’S FIRST FARMERS MARKET

North Branch Market Brings Fresh Goods to Neighborhood Streets

When the neighborhood farmers market was in danger of shutting down in 2024, Meghan Dwyer turned to the power of social media to revive this popular local event. With the help of other Edgebrook moms, the group kept the market going and growing. Today, the North Branch Market, as the group is now formally called, consists of more than ten core members and other volunteers who bring the North Branch Farmers Market to life every summer.

The market kicks off Fourth of July weekend and runs every other Saturday through the end of September. Each market has a unique theme, with the Fourth of July Red, White & Bubbles market being one of the most popular. Pairing a trip to the market with viewing the area’s Fourth of July parade makes for a true Americana experience.

The North Branch Farmers Market sets up shop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Edgebrook Elementary School at Central and Hiawatha Avenues. While the market primarily serves the Edgebrook, Sauganash, Wildwood and Forest Glen communities, it draws well over 1,000 visitors from different neighborhoods each week. People travel from throughout the city and suburbs to buy fresh produce, flowers, soaps and more from their favorite vendors such as Soul Good Coffee and De Bloemen Flower Design. Enjoying fresh food from delicious vendors such as Tamales Express is a must-do when visiting the market, and little ones will love exploring the free kids’ section with activities just for them. Offerings from local artisans are a huge draw for the market as well. Many neighborhood residents first rent booths at the market as they begin exploring turning artistic and agricultural passions into businesses, such as Edgebrook Acres, a local farm that sells jams, jellies and farm-fresh eggs.

“This market is giving artisans, growers and producers who live in the neighborhood the chance to grow a small business right in their backyards,” said Meghan Dwyer, founding member of the North Branch Farmers Market.

With a team of dedicated and savvy volunteers behind it, the market has grown year after year. The market has previously boasted 80 vendors and, as it gains in popularity, will only continue to attract more. Due to the summer market’s success, Dwyer and her team launched a Winter Market that is held in November and draws numerous local artisans and more than 3,000 attendees. Dwyer hopes that the success of the market shows individuals and the business community at-large that Edgebrook and neighborhoods like it are worth investing in and that they’re the perfect spots to set up brick-and-mortar businesses.

“We’re in this to create an excellent market, make a place for the community to be together and show people that there is a reason to invest in these neighborhoods. If you build it, they will come. We’ve certainly seen that with the market,” said Dwyer.

For more information, visit: www.northbranchmarket.com

“This market is giving artisans, growers and producers who live in the neighborhood the chance to grow a small business right in their backyards.”- Meghan Dwyer

BEAUTY OF SSA

Sauganash Special Service Area #62

The Sauganash Special Service Area (SSA) focuses on enhancing the Peterson and Cicero corridors of the Sauganash business district. Funded by voluntary property owner contributions, the SSA generates $75,000 annually for community improvements. A team of volunteer commissioners works with the Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Commerce to invest in beautification projects, including landscaping, decorative lighting and public art. Established in 2014, the SSA aims to create a welcoming environment for pedestrians, cyclists and shoppers while promoting community pride and attracting commercial development.

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Local Associations Knit Communities Closer Together

Founded in 1924, the Sauganash Community Association (SCA) serves to unite residents and promote the common good. The association focuses on preserving the community’s architecture and aesthetic, advocating for beneficial projects and fostering civic, social and recreational activities. The association encourages active participation in government and supports improvements while upholding zoning laws. The association also hosts popular events, including a July 4th parade, a Back-to-School Movie in the Park event and Breakfast with Santa, enriching community engagement and spirit.

The Edgebrook Community Association (ECA) fosters community spirit among residents while focusing on the maintenance and enhancement of public spaces and services. Known for its “suburban living in the city” charm, Edgebrook provides easy access to Chicago’s museums, theaters and shopping. The ECA hosts engaging events such as the Edgebrook Garden Walk, a Halloween house decorating contest, a July 4th parade, a holiday lighting event, an Easter egg hunt, and its Clean and Green initiative, bringing residents together throughout the year.

LOCAL RESOURCES

EMERGENCY

Police, Fire & Paramedics 911

Non-Emergency, Graffiti, City Services, etc. 311

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988

Illinois Poison Control 800-942-5969

Police – 16th District, Jefferson Park 312-742-4480

Police – 17th District, Albany Park 312-742-4410

CHURCHES

Edgebrook Community Church 773-763-1522

Edgebrook Covenant Church 773-763-4230

Edgebrook Lutheran Church 773-763-2121

Korean United Presbyterian Church 773-283-7799

Park Community Church 312-420-5680

Queen of All Saints Basilica 773-736-6060

Sauganash Community Church 773-283-3947

St. Mary of the Woods Church 773-763-0206

Cristo Rey Episcopal Church 773-774-4519

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Edgebrook Community Association [email protected]

Edgebrook Women’s Club and Charitable Foundation 773-454-0567

Edgebrook/Sauganash Little League (ESAA) ESAA.org

Sauganash Community Association 773-800-9685

Sauganash Women’s Club [email protected]

Forest Preserves of Cook County Volunteer Resource Center 773-558-2003

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS

Edgebrook Sauganash Chamber of Commerce 773-545-9300

Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce 773-756-6206

Lincolnwood Chambers of Commerce 847-752-4111

Peterson Pulaski Business and Industrial Council 773-866-2900

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Chicago Treasurer’s Office 312-744-3356

Chicago City Clerk 312-744-6870

Chicago Dept. of Public Health 312-747-9884

Chicago Public Library Edgebrook Branch 312-744-8313

Cook County Assessor 312-443-7550

Cook County Clerk 312-603-5656

Cook County Treasurer 312-443-5100

Clerk of the Circuit Court 312-603-5031

Forest Preserve District 800-870-3666

Edgebrook Post Office 773-763-5370

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

Ald. Samantha Nugent, 39th Ward 773-736-5594

Ald. James Gardiner, 45th Ward 773-853-0799

Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, 10th District 773-561-1010

Illinois State Representative Mike Kelly, 15th District 773-736-0218

Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam, 8th District 872-208-5188

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, 5th District 773-267-5926

U.S. Senator Richard Durbin 312-353-4952

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth 312-886-3506

PARK AND RECREATION

Edgebrook Park 773-631-7461

Gompers Park 773-685-3270

North Park Village Nature Center 312-744-5472

Peterson Park 312-742-7584

Sauganash Park 773-685-6122

Wildwood Park 773-631-7455

Edgebrook Golf Course 773-763-8320

Billy Caldwell Golf Course 773-792-1930

SCHOOLS

Edgebrook School 773-534-1194

Northtown Academy 773-478-3655

Palmer Elementary School 773-534-3704

Queens of All Saints 773-736-0567

Saint Mary of the Woods School 773-736-7577

Sauganash Elementary School 773-534-3470

Wildwood Elementary School 773-534-1188

William Howard Taft High School 773-534-1000

Notre Dame College Prep High School 847-965-2900

Resurrection College Prep High School 773-775-6616

CHICAGO UTILITIES

ComEd – Electric 1-800-Edison-1

Peoples Gas - Natural Gas Emergency 866-556-6002

City of Chicago Department of Water Management 312-744-4420

Buried Utility Locations Digger Information 811 or 312-744-7000

DEMOGRAPHICS

Average age of residents

42

Edgebrook/Sauganash: media age 42

POPULATION

28,499

Edgebrook

10,451

Sauganash

12.6 MIL

Illinois

Percentage with a College Degree

22.7%

Edgebrook

22.6%

Sauganash

Unemployment percentage/rate

4.2%

Edgebrook/Sauganash

4.6%

Illinois

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME

111,115

Edgebrook

104,124

Sauganash

SEX

Edgebrook

47.3%

MALES

52.7%

FEMALES

Sauganash

48.3%

MALES

51.9%

FEMALES

MEMBER PROFILE

Sharper Dot Printing Inc. Helps clients customize messages with style

Sharper Dot Printing Inc. was founded in 2002 by Steve Clark, a lifelong printer with more than 50 years of industry experience, alongside his grammar school best friend, Jim Dravecky. After decades of perfecting their craft, they fulfilled their dream of owning a fully commercial printing company. Today, Sharper Dot Printing has grown into a dedicated team of 12 employees (9 of which are related) who share their passion for producing high-quality print materials.

Sharper Dot specializes in creating exceptional marketing materials, including business cards, brochures, postcards, flyers and more. For Clark, printing is more than just a business. “It’s just something I really enjoy,” he said.

That enthusiasm shines through in every project the company undertakes, from business cards to large-scale marketing campaigns.

Beyond printing, Sharper Dot actively supports the local community. As a member of five chambers of commerce, The Sharper Dot team regularly sponsors events and seeks ways to stay engaged and give back to the communities they grew up in.

“Outstanding Customer Service” is more than a motto; it’s their mission. One opportunity is all they need to prove it.

RECREATION

The Great Outdoors beckons you in the Edgebrook Sauganash communities! Our park district maintains amazing hiking trails and outdoor spaces for all your nature adventures. Take a look here, to see some of the great offerings just beyond your front door.

Golf

Tee it up at two of Chicago’s best forest preserve courses! Billy Caldwell Golf Course offers a classic 9-hole, par 35 layout with beautifully groomed fairways and greens. For fun, try Friday Night Golf offered all summer long. Just minutes away, Edgebrook Golf Course delivers 18 holes of par 66 golf along the scenic North Branch of the Chicago River. Both courses are Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, combining fun, affordable play with a natural setting - perfect for quick rounds, full golf outings or casual neighborhood golf.

North Branch Trail

The North Branch Trail System offers paved and unpaved trails along an estimated 20 miles of the North Branch of the Chicago River, making it a premier biking route in the northern suburbs. Connecting Chicago to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, the system includes trail loops through ecological restoration sites with diverse native wildlife. The North Branch Trail cuts right through the heart of the Edgebrook and Sauganash community, making it a wonderful opportunity to explore the city and suburbs.

Edgebrook/Sauganash Little League Association

The Edgebrook-Sauganash Athletic Association was established in the early 60’s and has served as a cornerstone of community-based youth baseball and softball. It brings families together through sports and local engagement and is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit community organization. Our baseball and softball programs are for children, ages 5 to 14. Our motto is: have fun, build friendship and learn the fundamentals of baseball.

Parks

Sauganash, Edgebrook and Wildwood parks are home to Little League games, summer camps, movies in the park, indoor intramural games of hockey and basketball, tennis and pickleball. These parks are more than just recreational areas; they represent a strong foundation for our neighborhoods. They provide spaces for families to gather, children to play and friendships to blossom, which strengthens the community and creates lasting memories.

The Volunteer Resource Center (The VRC)

The Mathew Bieszczat Volunteer Resource Center is a very versatile event venue. The Forest Preserves’ Volunteer Resource Center (The VRC) has long been an enjoyable meeting location and can be rented out for private parties, weddings, birthdays, communions, baptismal, and organizational meetings. It features an amply spaced room with a stage and an enclosed porch separated by a row of classic French doors. This room can accommodate up to 100 guests and has a smaller class room (40 guests) nearby which can be configured for a variety of uses as well.