How the Best of the West was won

I became involved in the LaGrange Business Association through my business, Langan Enterprises, it was B2B based ad specialty and printing business, located in the 512 Burlington Building.  The West Suburban Chamber of Commerce was located in the same building and the LGBA was a branch organization.  As a business owner, I learned a great deal about La Grange and quickly became familiar with issues that faced the business community, such as parking and marketing/promotion.  I also was exposed to the many collaborations and partnerships with the non-profit organizations, the village and other businesses. 

I began attending Village meetings as the discussion of Streetscape and TIF came to the forefront. I learned all about the vision of the Village of LaGrange.  TIF is an economic development tool that helped the village change the brand and the energy of our central business district.   We installed new sidewalks, added trees and brick pavers, began a façade loan program so businesses could upgrade their buildings (with low interest loans).   Business owners invested in their property.   The Main Street organization was created.  The business community and LGBA working with the residents involved with Main Street and the Village of La Grange all worked together. 

The LGBA became more and more energized and was very active.  The LGBA had a number of ideas for exposing residents to the business community and generating interest by creating events like Endless Summer and the Art & Craft Show.  Endless Summer was a four day festival that took place in August featuring musical groups, a carnival, kid focused performances and food vendors.  The Guess Who, The Spinners (my favorite), Ides Of March, Survivor, Joan Jett, Buckinghams, Eddie Rabbit, KoKo Taylor, Lonnie Brooks and Charlie Daniels were all here performing in LaGrange.  The LGBA, resident volunteers and some of the non-profit volunteers all helped make it happen.  They worked the gate, sold tickets, and helped clean up.   It was a great opportunity to eat all of the food we aren’t supposed to, like turkey legs, corn dogs and wash it down with an adult beverage.  The community came out in force and we had some good times….dancing in the streets. 

Endless Summer couldn’t be done without a partnership of residents, business owners and the Village of La Grange.  Village staff is instrumental in making the events a success.  The Police Department is our security, the Fire Department provides on-site medical care, the Public Works Department cleans up and supplies barricades, the Community Development Department worked with food vendors to make sure the food is properly served and helps with staging and logistics.  

At the same time the Hometown Holiday Christmas Walk was created.  Sue Tutt and Mary Fadash, owners of Harris Place, an artesian shop, created the event.  The first year I believe they had a pie baking contest, Santa appeared, there was caroling and some small town fun.   I think attendance was about 100 people.   Each year the event continued to grow.  I was Rudolph for a few years.  Twenty years later, it is the showcase event in La Grange and attracts thousands of people.  The Village of LaGrange is the lead sponsor and LGBA partner in the event. 

West Suburban Living Magazine highlighted La Grange in its Best of The West 2013 issue.  As you read the article you will notice the great events that take place in the village like the Pet Parade and Lobsterfest.  The village is an integral part of all of these events.  The Community Development Department is active in planning and preparation, Public Works handles logistics and clean up, the Police and Fire Departments keep us safe.  Simply stated, the village and the business community work together to enhance and improve the quality of life for residents. 

I am running for Trustee in La Grange.  I have been a community volunteer for a number of years.  I hope you will support me, Bill Holder and Dave McCarty and Keep La Grange Working.