I AM Chicago

It is official all summer days should be spent on yachts! 900 Shops (home to your favorite Chicago Bloomingdales) kicked off the I Am Chicago campaign in early April. The concept was to find six locals who are passionate about living in Chicago and becoming an ambassador for the city.

900 North Michigan Shops is launching I AM CHICAGO, a new ad campaign competition searching for people to be the "face" of its iconic building. They were looking for "Men, women, movers, shakers, unique, trendy, confident, game changers." Sorry Chicago transplants, this opportunity was for born, raised, and bred Chicagoans only. At the original casting call, there was live music, beauty demo’s, and light refreshments. While being photographed and recorded, candidates were asked to share their unique Chicago story. Photographs and videos of the chosen few will be used throughout 2016-2018 in local print publications, digital placements and on 900’s website, social media and more.

To celebrate final six people chosen from hundreds of candidates, Elite Yachts hosted an evening filled with cocktails, appetizers and amazing views of Chicago. The campaign will run now through 2018 and will unveil 2-3 Chicagoans per season. This summer the winners revealed are Valerie Groth, the founder of Ryan Banks Academy (a nonprofit building the first boarding school for urban youth in Chicago) and professional and philanthropic couple, Dominick Mondi and Donna Hall (Dominick is the President of Capital Markets for Mesirow Financial and a philanthropist. Donna is the owner of Donna Mondi Interior Design).

My verdict: I an enamored with the idea of showcasing Chicago culture. Often times before moving here, I felt that Chicago often tried to be a mini New York which will always leave it second best. Highlighting the most influential tastemakers in Chicago gives everyone a little hometown pride which I am down for. The music at this event was sick in the best way. Think Top 40/ techno-pop tunes. Spirits were high and the open bar helped break the ice for unexpected networking sessions. As the loveable fat girl foodie, I am, the all you can eat modern Italian buffet won me over.

We will keep you posted with all the development in this exciting campaign.