Small businesses across Chicago are looking to capitalize on the influx of new tourists flocking to the city for the Democratic National Convention, and one business district is using street ambassadors to lure those customers.
“At first, people always confuse us with ticket writers or street sweepers,” says ambassador Ezra Lee.
Street ambassadors wearing blue vests patrolled Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood Tuesday afternoon, helping promote the community, especially during the week of the Democratic National Convention.
“I didn’t know there were so many places to explore in Chinatown. I feel like this job has given me a deeper understanding and connection to Chinatown and to myself,” Lee said.
Lee and 14 others are participating in the ambassador program through the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community.
“I love my job,” one ambassador said. “I’ve known Chinatown since 1985, so I know a lot of the people here.”
Since last summer, their mission has been to drive more business to the corridor, welcome customers and address safety concerns from residents.
“I think this program will help businesses, local businesses and tourists, and I think they’ll enjoy themselves when they come here,” Ambassador Patty Leong said.
With the DNC coming to the city, managers of the program say the timing couldn’t be more perfect: They’re stepping up a social media campaign encouraging people to shop at small businesses, including those listed in the DNC vendor directory.
“It’s a really good opportunity to showcase what we have,” Policy Manager Clayton Shue said.
The city launched the program in 2022 to help businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s now implemented in several neighborhoods, and ambassadors hope it gives visitors a chance to see a different side of Chinatown.
“We really want people to try the different food and shopping options here, but most importantly, we want them to learn more about the rich history, culture and people here,” Xu said.