As women, we have the power to vote in formal elections due to the women suffragettes who fought for our right to do so. But, did you consider that we can also vote for the companies, brands, products, and businesspeople who uphold our ideals and support fairness and equality?

 

One of the companies I’m all in on supporting is the Loews Hotel Group. Full disclosure, I was treated to an overview of the Chicago ultra-local menu last Wednesday with two of the loveliest, wittiest Chicago gals around. Other than the glistening Chicago skyline, what really shined was the menu complete with ingredients and pairings showcasing local Chicago food entrepreneurs. Many of whom, are women.

 

Miami local favorite Azucar Ice Cream is a Calle Ocho staple nestled in the heart of Little Havana – specializing in sabor latino or latin flavor and bringing the flavor’s of the founder’s Abuela Maria to the masses…..this business is all flavor, all heart, and a dream realized for multiple generations of Latina-Americans. Loews brings this flavor to the world by stocking the confections year round at their Miami destination.

 

Loews seeks to partner with hyper-local produce, beverage, and dessert companies to stock not only local flavors but support burgeoning businesses. I was most touched by the story of Loews Boston’s support of young entrepreneur Grace Conner, founder of Little G’s ice creams. The enterprising Conner, who is currently attending Stanford – with all of that ice cream money no doubt – kicked off her business by delivering batches of her ice cream on foot to a local grocery for stocking during a snowstorm. If you’ve ever been to Boston in the Winter – you know this took serious moxie and grit.

 

The impressively brilliant and enterprising (not to mention cute and ultra stylish) Miss Grace Connor with her wares.

 

It’s no wonder Loews has chosen Little G’s Ice Cream, among other enterprising businesswomen to support. In Chicago I sampled honey from The Chicago Honey Co-op and tried produce and juices from Here.co; a local farm to table enterprise run by President, Megan Klein – a former attorney who decided to go about creating and managing a firm that is dedicated to providing people and communities with better food in a sustainable, repeatable way.

 

The savvy and stunning Megan Klein of Here.Co with her juice empire.

 

For me, the choice is simple now. Whenever I’m traveling and not staying in an Air BnB, I’m going to support Loews hotels with my dollars. Our lady money is one of our biggest tools, as the spending power of women is massive – just look at the stats. As a company that supports local women entrepreneurs, sustainable food and beverage programs and has a host of policies around child friendliness, pet friendliness, and being a good neighbor. Loews gets my vote, and my support. As we continue to support businesses that match our values – only the most equitable will survive.

Look at some of these Chicago-land local lady entrepreneurs that the Loews is supporting in the local community. You can bet your pilates toned tush that I’ll cheers to and put my lady money behind that.

Heather Johnston of the incredible, edible – sinfully good Veruca Chocolates.

 

Elizabeth Madden of Rare Bird Preserve showcasing her fine jams and preserves. Try em at Loews.

 

If you’re curious about the spread I enjoyed, just have a look at the below photo diary!