Summer is my favorite time of year in Chicago. I know lots of people love their pumpkin spiced lattes and their football and chunky sweaters, but I prefer sunshine and shorts any day. Not only is summer finally here, but this also means 2019 is halfway over. Rather than bemoan the fact that time keeps marching on and on (and on), why not take a look back at the last six months and see how things are shaping up? Then you can figure out how to make more money in the second half of the year. Or at least think about which parties and events you can attend to make this year more memorable — or less memorable if you’re drinking enough cocktails.
While you’re reminiscing, I’m going to go ahead and start sharing some gossip. New Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her wife Amy Eshleman recently enjoyed a tour of Oprah Winfrey’s home and they all broke bread together. I’ve already been to Ms. Winfrey’s home a few times, but I’m sure the rest of you are reading this and feeling pretty jealous. My next goal is to get an invite to dinner at Mayor Lightfoot’s house.
In case you missed it, which seems pretty impossible, Louis Vuitton opened up a bright orange pop-up shop in the West Loop. This may be a great idea for some of you commercial pros hoping to drum up interest in vacant properties. Just make sure the paint is going to wash off before you get started.
The Who’s Who photo shoots are wrapping up, so if you didn’t get in on that action you’ll have to wait until next year. The final shoot took place at Essex on the Park, and word is Citibank’s Mike Fauth was late because he showed up at 808 N. Michigan instead of S. Michigan. Santa should send him a compass for under the tree this winter. I also heard Mike thought about doing a cannonball into the infinity pool but changed his mind. Perhaps he’ll make up for it at the Who’s Who party.
Either folks are too busy with summer BBQs, or I’m still on the do-not-invite list for some unknown reason. Well, I do know the reason, but I feel like we should be past that little stumble I took into a pile of bushes a couple of weeks ago. Nevertheless, I did attend CAR CommercialForum’s Opportunity Zones Summit on June 18. I learned a heck of a lot since this isn’t quite my wheelhouse, but maybe now it should be because I’m always happy to find ways to make more money.
Summer birthday time! Heidi Seagren should make a toast on a sunny rooftop for her June 24 birthday, while Dan Wagner and Chip Cornelius can celebrate together on June 27th. Joan Maloney won’t take any of your bologna on her July 2 bday, and maybe I should make Rich Rogala some rugelach for his July 3rd bday. Terry Anderson and Frank Montro share a birthday with America on July 4, while Tracy Flanagan missed it by one day on July 5. Last, but never, ever least, Sherri Southall will get another day wiser on lucky number 7 in July.