WAUKEGAN – To get to know local entrepreneurs and foster an inclusive and diverse local business community, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) paid a visit to Gordon’s Gourmet Popcorn Shop in Waukegan in celebration of National Black Business Month.

“Small businesses across the country suffered during the pandemic, but the recent successful opening of Gordon’s Gourmet Popcorn Shop is a testament to the resilience of the Waukegan community,” Johnson said. “It was a pleasure to get to know Greg and Hannah, and I look forward to visiting the shop for years to come.”

Greg Gordon and his wife Hannah Jackson opened Gordon’s Gourmet Popcorn Shop earlier this month on Genesee Street in downtown Waukegan. Jackson also recently opened Queen Hannah’s, a convenience store next door.

Gordon is a lifelong Lake County resident, 20-year businessman and former participant in the Eddie Washington Center program who is passionate about contributing to the community’s economic success. His goal is to grow his business and eventually open up another Gordon’s location in the Waukegan area.

Johnson visited Gordon’s Gourmet Popcorn Shop as part of her small business tour series. During August’s National Black Business Month, Johnson has prioritized touring Black-owned businesses and encourages others to recognize and support Black entrepreneurs.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted small businesses across the board, but particularly those owned by people of color—a survey earlier this year found more than half of Black-owned small businesses experienced at least a 50% decrease in revenue during the pandemic, whereas 37% of white business owners reported such significant losses. From February to April 2020, an estimated 41% of all Black-owned businesses in the U.S. closed their doors for good.

Like many small business owners, Gordon and Jackson are still struggling to hire staff and attract customers to their shop, but they hope to stay connected with Senator Johnson and the local chamber of commerce for support.

“After the pandemic, I’m especially sensitive to the needs of our small business community,” Johnson said. “I’m ready and willing to connect business owners with state assistance, community support systems and other resources to help their businesses recover, grow and succeed.”

Johnson encourages local business owners to sign up to participate in her tour series. To apply, visit SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/SmallBusinessTours. Once an application is received, a member of Johnson’s team will reach out with additional details.

Business owners with questions can contact Senator Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201 or by visiting SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/contact-us.

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PHOTOS ATTACHED: State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) visits Gordon’s Gourmet Popcorn Shop in downtown Waukegan and meets with owners Greg Gordon and Hannah Jackson as part of her small business tour series.