| Richton Park Economic Development News |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by Abe Lentner |
| Monday, 29 June 2009 10:38 |
|
Construction season is in full swing here in Richton Park. If you drive through our shopping districts, you will see a number of projects underway. Many of these projects have taken advantage the Local Stimulus Package passed by the Richton Park Board of Trustees in January of 2009. As you may recall, this local stimulus package contained initiatives to help boost business and construction in Richton Park this year. There is still time to participate in the local stimulus package! Richton Park businesses are encouraged to renew their 2010 business licenses early; renew by June 30th and you will receive a 25% discount on your Business License Fee. If you have repairs to make, now is the time to get your building permit; file for a repair/replace building permit before June 30th and you may be eligible for a discount or waiver on your building permit fee! Visit the Richton Park building department to learn how to take advantage of these programs. Here are some quick statistics about the state of the local economy in Richton Park during the first half of 2009: - So far this year, the Village has issued 312 building permits—11% more than the same time last year. - In 2008, total retail sales in Richton Park topped $31.3 million, up 4% over the previous year and the highest year since 2005. - Total retail sales in the 1st quarter of 2009 was $8.2 million, up 2.2% over the 1st quarter of 2008, and up 3.6% over Q1 2007. - In the last six months, we have had several new business openings, including two new restaurants and a new gas station. - Several of our businesses have chosen to stay in Richton Park rather than close or move. Our local full-service grocer, Buy-N-Save, is under new ownership as Super Save. - Some of our building owners have begun renovations and expansions. The Henkel’s Sports and Trophy building is being renovated & Joann’s Liquors is expanding—both with attractive new brick facades. The Village is renovating Lakewood Plaza and signing up new tenants. Performance Chemical has bought, cleared and is now landscaping their new side lot on Governors Highway. Watch for more planned improvements soon!
These are encouraging indicators. Though there are undoubtedly challenges ahead before we completely emerge from this recession, we hope that Richton Park will be able to continue this positive momentum well into the recovery.
The July 2009 Richton Park business of the month is Cuddle Time Day Care. Located at 22359 Governors Highway in Richton Park, Cuddle Time Day Care has been providing quality day care for over 17 years. Click Here to read more about Cuddle Time Day Care. Also, join us in congratulating Aurelio’s Pizza on the 50th anniversary of the opening of their first restaurant in Homewood. On Aug 20th, this South Burbs Favorite will celebrate their anniversary by selling pizzas at 1959 prices at all Aurelio's locations. Richton Park is proud to be home to one of Aurelio’s original, family owned locations. We have some other good news to pass along to you. Below are some news updates and events you may be interested in. Sincerely, Abe Lentner NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE RICHTON PARK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE ********************************** LAKEWOOD PLAZA—BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Stop by Lakewood Plaza, and you may see some new things happening. Over the coming months, you’ll see changes, improvements and new activity. The Village of Richton Park is undertaking a significant renovation to bring new life to this building. The Village is seeking qualified tenants for this soon-to-be renovated neighborhood shopping center. Rents start at $14 per square foot. If you would like to learn more about the opportunities at Lakewood Plaza, visit www.ShopsOfLakewood.com ********************************** STATE OF THE VILLAGES ADDRESS & LUNCHEON The Matteson Area Chamber of Commerce is once again organizing the State of the Villages Luncheon. Each year, the Chamber brings together the mayors of Richton Park, Matteson, Park Forest, Olympia Fields and University Park speak to an audience of local business leaders and others about the accomplishments of each Village in the past year. This year the event will be held at the Matteson Holiday Inn and Convention Center starting at Noon, 30 June 2009. Tickets are $40 at the door. Call (708) 747-6000 for information or reservations. ********************************** 1st TIME HOME BUYERS SEMINAR The Community Relations Department is hosting a “First Time Home Buyers Seminar” at Village Hall on 09 July 2009 at 7:00pm. The seminar will address how the current market and available incentives affect first time home buyers. There will be an attorney and a mortgage lender available to answer your questions. To RSVP call: (630) 476-4242. ********************************** ANNUAL VOLUNTEER AWARD CEREMONY The Richton Park Human Relations Commission is presenting the 2nd Annual “I Make A Difference Awards” guest speaker State Senator Maggie Crotty. To be held at Lioncrest Townhome Club House on 11 July 2009 at 2:00pm. This is an event that honors Richton Park volunteers. No RSVP required. ********************************** INTERNATIONAL CYCLING CLASSIC RETURNS TO RICHTON PARK Richton Park is proud to once again host the 4th leg of the International Cycling Classic, a 17 day cycling event featuring professional cyclists from all over the world. The cyclists will be racing around Pierce Park on Monday, 13 July 2009, from 10 AM to 8 PM. Pierce Park is located on Latonia Lane, ½ mile south of Sauk Trail. The event is proudly sponsored by Chicago Dough Company in Richton Park. Contact the Parks & Recreation Department for more information about this exciting event: 708-753-8800. ********************************** RICHTON PARK BUSINESS RECEPTION – 19 AUG 09, 7:30 PM The Richton Park Economic Development Office will be hosting a business persons’ reception on Wed. 19 AUG 09 at 7:30 PM at the Ark Restaurant, located at Cicero and Sauk Trail. There will be food and fun at the reception, but we also have some great information to share with you: - Interior Designer Cynthia Smith of CCS Design Studio will be sharing tips and information about how to design your store to draw in customers. Visit www.ccsdesignstudio.com for info. - We’ll share the latest news about new business openings and development projects - There will be updates about business assistance programs and marketing resources - We’ll be awarding the annual business appreciation awards
**********************************
A COMPLETE COUNT IN THE 2010 CENSUS
Help us ensure that every Richton Park citizen is counted in the 2010 Census. This is critical to ensuring Richton Park’s success over the next decade. RICHTON PARK, DON’T THROW YOUR MONEY AWAY. COME TO YOUR CENSUS AND BE COUNTED! LET’S GET YOUR FAIR $HARE. IT’S IN OUR HANDS. ********************************** If you know someone who would like to receive this e-newsletter, please email me so I can add them to the distribution list. If you would prefer not to receive these e-newsletters, send me an email, and I’ll make sure you don’t receive another issue.
Thanks!
-- T. Abraham Lentner Economic Development Officer Village of Richton Park, Illinois (708) 481-8950 x 120 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
