Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • Midnight Flight Book
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • The Arab street Podcast
  • Submit a Press Release
  • Toggle search form
  • Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement. Photo courtesy of Berry M. Goldwater Jr.
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of Republican conservative icon, to keynote Gorman rally Friday Blogger
  • ormer City Hall reporter Ray Hanania, ShawnTe Raines-Welch and Nick Kantas, candidates for Judge in the 4th SubCircuit, and Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar.
    Arab Democratic Club forum hosts candidates for public office at brunch May 15 censorship
  • Orland Township hosts Job Fair
    Orland Township events: Walk & Talk program, and Summer Job Fair Business
  • Liz Gorman hosts Forum for Republican Candidates May 20. Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement, will be a keynote speaker
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of former GOP Presidential icon, headlines Gorman Republican Forum breaking news
  • Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the driver services facility in the Orland Township Building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Also attending the ribbon cutting were (from left): Orland Township Trustee Antonio Rubino, Orland Township Trustee John Lynch, Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly and Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort).
    Illinois Secretary of State’s race is a mess Blogger
  • Closure notice from Mayor Lori Lightfoot for Arab and Muslim owned Citgo Gas Station at at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago.
    Mayor Lightfoot accused of targeting Arab and Muslim stores in gang crackdown Business
  • Two backpacks full of emergency supplies sit ready for action in John and Chloe Clayborn’s Lincoln Park living room — one “go bag” for each of them.
    Maintaining Calm Amid Chaos: Families Pack ‘Go Bags’ to be Ready for Natural Disasters Features
  • Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Dad gains sole custody to protect son from reported abuse Chicago
  • Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker
    Governor Pritzker joins Secretary Pete Buttigieg for ribbon cutting at Joliet Gateway Center’s new Pace bus facility Government
  • A Roe vs Wade support placard
    Casten and Newman vow to find to defend Roe vs Wade federal ruling Health
  • David Shestokas, Republican candidate for Illinois AttorneyGeneral in the June 28, 2022 GOP primary election
    Shestokas adds law and order professionals to his campaign for Illinois Attorney General elections
  • The Political Pundit Comic Strip for May 3, 2022. By Ray Hanania
    The Political Pundit Comic Strip: Anyone who criticizes me hates the police Blogger
  • Chicago Wolves face-off with Toronto Marlies Nov. 13, 2021
    Chicago Wolves sweep AH regular season awards Chicago
  • Classic and great tasting Shish Kabob plate with skewers of beef, lamb, and kuftah on a bed of yellow and red rice at Zwar in Orland Park. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Finally an Arab Restaurant in Orland Park Americans will love Entertainment
  • David Moore Talks w Germaine Light. Photo courtesy of David Moore
    Moore endorsed for Secretary of State by U.S. Rep. Davis and former Alderman Simpson elections
Columnist Ray Hanania poses with Alderwoman Silvana Tabares and Arab American Chamber of COmmerce of Chicago President Hassan Nijem. Sept. 7, 2021. Photo courtesy of Hassan Nijem

American Arab Chamber honors Ald. Silvana Tabares

Posted on September 7, 2021September 7, 2021 By Ray Hanania No Comments on American Arab Chamber honors Ald. Silvana Tabares
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

American Arab Chamber honors Ald. Silvana Tabares

The American Arab Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday honored Chicago Alderwoman Silvana Tabares for defending the rights of Arab American business owners.

Tabares, along with Alderman Matthew O’Shea, adjusted an ordinance intended to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco to young people and children under the age of 21. The original ordinance would have also prohibited the sales and use of flavored tobacco by the city’s more than 20 Hookah lounges which employ more than 250 Chicagoans.

The adjustment permitted Hookah lounges to provide flavored tobacco for the use of hookah’s on premises and to see the flavored tobacco for hookahs to adults aged 21 or older from their businesses.

“That slight change saved more than 250 jobs in Chicago, people who would have lost their employment had th ehookah lounges been forced to close because of the original ordinance,” said Hassan Nijem, president of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce.

Columnist Ray Hanania poses with Alderwoman Silvana Tabares and Arab American Chamber of COmmerce of Chicago President Hassan Nijem. Sept. 7, 2021. Photo courtesy of Hassan Nijem
Columnist Ray Hanania poses with Alderwoman Silvana Tabares and Arab American Chamber of COmmerce of Chicago President Hassan Nijem. Sept. 7, 2021. Photo courtesy of Hassan Nijem

“After we spoke with Alderwoman Tabares and provided information to Alderman O’Shea that explained how the original ordinance might have an unintended consequence beyond protecting young people, they immediately reviewed the information and adjusted the ordinance. We are grateful to both Alderwoman Tabares and Alderman O’Shea for working with our community to ensure fairness while protecting the interests of our people.”

Nijem said that the adjustment not only prevented the businesses from closing but it also saved nearly 300 jobs.

“The Arab American business community is grateful not only for defending Arab American owned businesses but also saving the jobs of the people who work at the businesses,” Nijem said.

“It only took a small effort to speak with the officials, provide them with the information and then explain how the proposed law might have an unintended consequence that the aldermen had not intended. Alderwoman Tabares was very receptive and helpful.”

Nijem presented a plaque of gratitude to Tabares at her offices on Archer Avenue.

Hanania, a columnist with the Southwest News Newspaper chain that includes the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, The Regional News and the Reporter Newspapers, said Tabares is “one of the most responsive and effective members of the Chicago City Council.”

During the presentation, Tabares said she was honored to received the recognition and also to have been able to help Arab American businesses.

“Maintaining jobs in our city and region is so important and I appreciate the involvement of Arab American businesses from the Arab American Chamber of Commerce in Chicago and its president Hassan Nijem and its board members,” Tabares said.

The American Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1986, by  Hassan Nijem and a group of business men , who brought to the new chamber a vision of changing the way Middle-Eastern and Muslims conducted business. This laid the groundwork for what is now a well recognized and trusted organization, serving , empowering and partnering with local, federal institutions, local Middle-Eastern and Muslim organizations and community at large.

Throughout the years, Hassan Nijem, founder and president of The American Arab chamber of commerce  has seen it’s vision and role continuously evolving with the aggressive growth of the Middle-Eastern and Muslim businesses leading these businesses and  community to become one of the most economically and culturally affluent communities locally. 

Our vision is to build a world class business community chamber of commerce in the US and to connect the Middle-Easter and Muslims  and strength our social culture, religion and economical aspects as well as to build bridges with other ethnic and civic communities.

For more information on the Arab American Chamber of Commerce of Chicago visit: www.aaccusa.org.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Barry Goldwater Jr., son of Republican conservative icon, to keynote Gorman rally Friday - May 18, 2022
  • Arab Democratic Club forum hosts candidates for public office at brunch May 15 - May 17, 2022
  • Orland Township events: Walk & Talk program, and Summer Job Fair - May 17, 2022
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Business, Chicago, Cook County, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:alderman, Alderwoman, American Arab Chamber of Commerce, Arab American Chamber of Chicago, Business, employment, Hassan Nijem, Hookah lounges, Ray Hanania, saving businesses, saving jobs, Silvana Tabares

Post navigation

Previous Post: 6 miles over limit punished more than gangbangers carrying guns
Next Post: Lightfoot shuts small businesses in futile drive to stop street gang violence

Related Posts

  • Cook County Board President Pro Temper Deborah Sims, (4th from left) poses with representatives of Arab American organizations in Illinois at the board meeting March 20, 2019. From left are Tasneem Abuzir and Mazen Barakat, editor and publisher of Hyatt Magazine, writer and author Ray Hanania, Sims, activist Sam Odeh, County Commissioner Sean Morrison, and Our Lady of Lebanon Pastor Pierre El-Khoury. Photo courtesy of the Cook County Board.
    April named Arab Heritage Month by new Illinois Law Blogger
  • Fraternal Order of Police FOP Logo
    Recall biased Cook County Judge Cecilia Horan Blogger
  • Controversy-plagued Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    The racism of the people screaming racism Blogger
  • Electrical power lines. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    ComEd offers contact info in event of wind damage News
  • How do you not remember a DUI-drug court date?
    How do you not remember a DUI-drug court date? Blogger
  • Moraine Valley Community College MVCC
    Registration underway for continuing education at Moraine Valley Education

More Related Articles

Popular Lyons chicken BBQ returns News
Lenny Bruce courtesy of Wikipedia Review: I’m Not a Comedian … I’m Lenny Bruce Blogger
Time out for bars, restaurants News
One of the Arab Community’s most effective organizations Blogger
Memorabilia from covering Jane M. Byrne, the late and former Mayor of Chicago. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Former Mayor Jane Byrne deserves more recognition Blogger
Seniors receiving vaccinations and medical care by doctors. Photo courtesy of the CDC and Unsplash. Coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic Monday’s Column: Making the impact of coronavirus worse Baby Boomers

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement. Photo courtesy of Berry M. Goldwater Jr.
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of Republican conservative icon, to keynote Gorman rally Friday
    May 18, 2022
  • Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the driver services facility in the Orland Township Building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Also attending the ribbon cutting were (from left): Orland Township Trustee Antonio Rubino, Orland Township Trustee John Lynch, Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly and Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort).
    Illinois Secretary of State’s race is a mess
    May 8, 2022
  • The Political Pundit Comic Strip for May 3, 2022. By Ray Hanania
    The Political Pundit Comic Strip: Anyone who criticizes me hates the police
    May 3, 2022
  • Pekau Sign place along curb.
    Crime is down for everyone but Pekau, he claims
    April 29, 2022
  • Chicagos first minority and Woman Mayor Jane M. Byrne is often ignored by the mainstream media. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Remembering Great Chicago Mayors, not just one
    April 23, 2022
  • Gas station image gasoline pump. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Governor and legislature turn public need into campaign greed
    April 16, 2022

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the driver services facility in the Orland Township Building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Also attending the ribbon cutting were (from left): Orland Township Trustee Antonio Rubino, Orland Township Trustee John Lynch, Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly and Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort). Illinois Secretary of Sta... Illinois Secretary of State's race is a mess Most elections are pretty muc... posted on May 8, 2022
  • Suspect Joseph Guzman, 20, charged in two separate homicides that took the lives of three people. April 28, 2022. Mugshot courtesy of the Cicero Police Cicero Police and Illinoi... Cicero Police and Illinois State police announce murder charges against two... posted on April 28, 2022
  • Closure notice from Mayor Lori Lightfoot for Arab and Muslim owned Citgo Gas Station at at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago. Mayor Lightfoot accused o... Mayor Lightfoot accused of targeting Arab and Muslim stores in gang crackdo... posted on May 7, 2022
  • Classic and great tasting Shish Kabob plate with skewers of beef, lamb, and kuftah on a bed of yellow and red rice at Zwar in Orland Park. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Finally an Arab Restauran... Finally an Arab Restaurant in Orland Park Americans will love One of the b... posted on April 29, 2022
  • The Political Pundit Comic Strip for May 3, 2022. By Ray Hanania The Political Pundit Comi... The Political Pundit Comic Strip: Anyone who criticizes me hates the police... posted on May 3, 2022
  • NEWS
  • ormer City Hall reporter Ray Hanania, ShawnTe Raines-Welch and Nick Kantas, candidates for Judge in the 4th SubCircuit, and Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar.
    Arab Democratic Club forum hosts candidates for public office at brunch May 15
    May 17, 2022
  • Orland Township hosts Job Fair
    Orland Township events: Walk & Talk program, and Summer Job Fair
    May 17, 2022
  • Liz Gorman hosts Forum for Republican Candidates May 20. Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement, will be a keynote speaker
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of former GOP Presidential icon, headlines Gorman Republican Forum
    May 16, 2022
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Mother ordered to pay divorcing dad’s attorneys’ fees
    May 10, 2022
  • Closure notice from Mayor Lori Lightfoot for Arab and Muslim owned Citgo Gas Station at at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago.
    Mayor Lightfoot accused of targeting Arab and Muslim stores in gang crackdown
    May 7, 2022
  • Two backpacks full of emergency supplies sit ready for action in John and Chloe Clayborn’s Lincoln Park living room — one “go bag” for each of them.
    Maintaining Calm Amid Chaos: Families Pack ‘Go Bags’ to be Ready for Natural Disasters
    May 6, 2022
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Netflix is the best streaming service, despite drop in stock price
    April 20, 2022
  • Book Cover "Laptop from Hell" by Miranda Devince
    Questions remain unanswered about Hunter Biden’s ties to Ukraine
    February 20, 2022
  • Amazon.com's "Day 1" tower in Seattle, WA in January 2017. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Clifford Law to sue Amazon after employee is killed by tornado at downstate distribution center
    January 16, 2022

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • Chicago Wolves face-off with Toronto Marlies Nov. 13, 2021
    Chicago Wolves sweep AH regular season awards
    May 1, 2022
  • Muhammad Ali Center United Way
    Muhammad Ali Center, Metro United Way partner for Greatest Give Back
    April 29, 2022
  • Chicago Wolves lose to Toronto Marlies in overtime at AllState Arena Nov. 14, 2021
    Chicago Wolves wrap up home schedule in style
    April 29, 2022
  • Chicago Wolves Artyom Serikov courtesy of the Chicago Wolves
    Chicago Wolves break franchise mark for Best Record
    April 25, 2022
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Orland Township hosts Job Fair
    Orland Township events: Walk & Talk program, and Summer Job Fair
    May 17, 2022
  • Liz Gorman hosts Forum for Republican Candidates May 20. Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement, will be a keynote speaker
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of former GOP Presidential icon, headlines Gorman Republican Forum
    May 16, 2022
  • Two backpacks full of emergency supplies sit ready for action in John and Chloe Clayborn’s Lincoln Park living room — one “go bag” for each of them.
    Maintaining Calm Amid Chaos: Families Pack ‘Go Bags’ to be Ready for Natural Disasters
    May 6, 2022
  • Candidate for Cook County Board President Richard Boykin in the June 28, 2022 Democratic Primary election
    Preckwinkle challenger Richard Boykin unveils 7-point Holistic Public Safety Plan to address the County’s escalating crime rates
    April 21, 2022
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Children rescued from abusive home now safe, Dads’ Rights attorney Leving reports
    April 19, 2022
Two Guys on PoliticsTwo Guys on Politics

John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Orland Township hosts Job Fair
    Orland Township events: Walk & Talk program, and Summer Job Fair
    May 17, 2022
  • Closure notice from Mayor Lori Lightfoot for Arab and Muslim owned Citgo Gas Station at at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago.
    Mayor Lightfoot accused of targeting Arab and Muslim stores in gang crackdown
    May 7, 2022
  • John Husnick provides direction at Worth Township Career Fair
    Building Trades Career Fair offers opportunities for students
    April 29, 2022
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Leving to present on dad’s rights legal issues at Horasis Global meeting Friday March 4, 2022
    March 3, 2022
Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme