CHICAGO (CBS) — The Democratic National Convention is doing something never done before. Tens of thousands of visitors to Chicago will be the first to witness a vendor exhibit called “All Things Chicago,” sponsored by the DNC Host Committee.
West Side businessman Thad Smith has been producing and selling honey products for nearly a decade and will bring several cases to the trade show.
On the south side of the city, in the Bronzeville neighborhood, clothing store Legacy Mandene Muhammad has also made preparations for the Expo.
Both entrepreneurs will meet with more than 70 other companies at McCormick Place for a trade fair that begins Monday.
“For me, it’s about highlighting Chicago, and for Democrats, it’s about highlighting Chicago. We talk about a strong, diverse economy making our country strong. That’s what we’re talking about. Chicago is a microcosm of that,” said Alex Sims-Jones, one of the organizers.
There was a similar event in Milwaukee during the Republican National Convention where local businesses showcased themselves to the thousands of convention attendees, something that business owners participating in “All Things Chicago” are looking forward to.
“It puts us on a bigger stage, and there’s so much negative talk about Chicago and trying to show it. To be a part of the good that’s actually happening, I think is phenomenal. It gives us a chance to show the excellence, the black excellence,” Muhammad said.
Smith agreed. He is one of the few black beekeepers in the country.
“I want to reach out to others, not just here in the city of Chicago, but across the country, so we can bring beekeeping and my programs to other places,” he said.
The Expo is open to the public and is located in the main atrium of McCormick Place at the corner of 24th and Indiana. You must register, but you can do so on-site.
The best way to get there is by public transport, but there is discounted parking available in car park C. The show opens on Monday morning and traders will be at the expo until Thursday.
Dorothy Tucker
