Meet the NCC Board: Michael Kane, President

The Northcenter Chamber of Commerce could not put on all the events, programs and networking opportunities that we do without the help of an amazing volunteer Board of Directors. This board is comprised of business owners, entrepreneurs and committed residents who have made an impact on the Northcenter business community. In this series, we will introduce you to them one by one, starting with our Chamber Board President, Michael Kane of Kane Insurance.

You've probably seen Michael Kane at many Chamber events, from networking luncheons to golf outings, or in the neighborhood on his way to meet a client. The green-and-white Kane Insurance storefront has been a fixture along Lincoln Avenue for decades, and inside, Kane and his team serve as independent insurance brokers, working on behalf of clients to provide the best insurance solutions for any situation. Recently, Kane also became a leasing agent, helping Chicagoans find their perfect apartment or home.

Kane first became involved with the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce nearly 20 years ago hoping to meet some new customers and get involved in operations. He began volunteering, found that it helped get the word out about his business, and eventually joined the board. After a few years on the executive committee, Kane became President of the Chamber Board of Directors in January 2014. He says he has enjoyed getting to know business owners in Northcenter and establish some lifelong friendships along the way. "I love the diversity of businesses and personalities working in this neighborhood," he says.

Kane's ties to the Northcenter community date back more than 50 years. He has lived in the neighborhood and cared for it as a member of the community and a business owner. Over the years, he says the neighborhood has become more diverse and seen a new influx of young people, and is becoming more of a destination. "We even have sidewalk cafes," he says with a laugh.

Kane, a former rugby player and avid golfer in his spare time, says his perfect weekend day in Northcenter would involve a bike ride to the lakefront, afternoon at a sidewalk cafe watching the world go by and chatting with neighbors, dinner at one of the many local restaurants and a nightcap at a good bar or tavern. But, he adds, any kind of day would be perfect when spent alongside the great people he's met in Northcenter.

"I can move to any part of the city and know I will maintain these friendships with the people I've met in this community."