In June 2021, several local business owners began working together to create an association to represent the interests of existing and new business owners in the district. These initial Business Champions included:

• Doug Plant (Michigan Humane Society)
• The late Mrs. Johnnie Hunter (Hunter Office Spaces)
• Nicole Piach (Banner Sign Co.)
• Tom Aepelbacher (New Center Stamping)
• Rod Parks (Parks BBQ)
• David Flatt (Model T Museum)
• Rocky Lala (Method Development)
• Pamela Martin Turner (Vanguard Community Development)

These business owners and leaders worked collaboratively over two years to finalize the purpose, mission statement and a name for the organization. From these efforts, the North End Milwaukee Junction Business District Association (NEMJ-BDA) was created.

Additional shoutout to the Rebuild Group for providing in-kind branding and logo services for the organization.