On September 26, 2019, CCLF opened its newly redesigned office and welcomed investors, borrowers, industry colleagues, supporters and friends to join in an Open House and $100 Million Asset Milestone Celebration. The evening included music, food, and engagement inaugurating CCLF’s expanded office space, redesigned to better serve Chicagoland’s communities.

Nearly 200 guests joined CCLF’s staff to tour the office and new Training Center. The advanced Training Center has state-of-the-art flat screens and increased capacity to accommodate more workshop participants.

“Our investment in infrastructure and in human capital is part of our 2017-2020 strategic plan,” CCLF President Calvin L. Holmes told the revelers. “We could not do this without the support of our funders.” Funding for the technology improvements was provided by Fifth Third Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.

Catering for the event was provided by resident chefs of CCLF-funded One Eleven Food Hall, the first food hall on Chicago’s South Side, which includes: Exquisite Catering and Events, Majani Vegan Soul, and Laine’s Bake Shop.  CCLF supported development of the Food Hall’s building. Beverage service was provided by Drinks On Me Catering.

“There were several funders that stood up to say they would support CCLF’s internal capacity building by funding our Enterprise Campaign,” Holmes added. He went on to acknowledge JPMorgan Chase, Wintrust Financial Corporation, Capital One, US Bank, and Northern Trust, which during the Open House made a funding commitment to the campaign.

CCLF reached $100 million in total assets in June 2019. During the September celebration, CCLF Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Programs Bob Tucker and Chief Financial Officer Angela Dowell celebrated funders, investors, partners and staff that helped propel CCLF’s growth over 28 years to this significant milestone.