The Chamber had a very successful 2017. We added 21 new members.

Leyden Township has joined the Chamber. Due to the generosity of our members we have been able to continue to support our local communities. Our members hosted 11 Business After Hours (BAH) events. We had a very successful and fun Christmas party which resulted in a donation of food and over $1,000 to Leyden Family Services. Our Christmas Tour was enjoyed by all. Due to the generosity of the business community we were again able to donate to the park/recreation districts of Franklin Park, Schiller Park and River Grove. We co-sponsored Leyden District 212’s Career Fair/Business Expo. We were also able to sponsor programs at Rhodes School and the Franklin Park Viper baseball and softball league. The Chamber was a sponsor for Leyden Township’s Trek to the R.E.C. We hosted a lunch for Shriners Hospital and awarded three $1,500 scholarships again. One scholarship was specific to a manufacturing related program at Triton College. Our annual Golf Outing cosponsored by the Bensenville Chamber is our main fundraiser for our scholarship program. We had a very successful outing last year.

All this would not be possible without the support of the Villages of Franklin Park, Schiller Park and River Grove. I also want to thank our excellent and hardworking volunteer board of directors that put together over 20 events each year. The board is composed of local business people, non-elected government administrators, private citizens and educators. We are privileged to have representatives from Sloan Valve, Digital Realty, Pan America Bank, Roy Strom Refuse, Huntington Bank, American Family Insurance, Rickert Realtors, Leyden Township, the park districts of Franklin Park & Bensenville, JS Printing, KCS Computer, Coldwell Banker, Triton College, all three villages we serve, Leyden Credit Union and Leyden District 212 as board members.

The 2018-2019 Community Guide is provided by the Chamber by O’Hare and is distributed to all residents of the three villages, village halls, libraries and community centers and it is included in the welcome packet given to all new businesses. We encourage you to please patronize the advertisers and Chamber members who support the activities of the Chamber and the publication of the Community Guide. Local shopping helps your community. We wish to thank the Villages of Franklin Park, Schiller Park, River Grove, Leyden Township, Daily Herald and Town Square Publications for their help in making this guide possible. Leyden District 212 High School students furnished the cover again this year.

The Chamber works closely with neighboring Chambers, school districts, village governments, charity and community organizations. This year we will again be presenting Breakfast with Your Mayors, Meet Your Representatives and the Business Expo/Career Fair in conjunction with Leyden District 212.

In order to help our business, educational, government and residential communities we need to recruit and retain local businesses. If you are a member I hope you not only stay but take advantage of our many events, most of which are free. If you are not a member please consider joining. You will find an application in the Community Guide or on-line at chamberbyohare.org Your business will benefit through networking, referrals and our website. Advertising is now available on our web page. Members can attend as many or as few events as you wish. Business guests are welcome but you must register for the event.

The Chamber headquarters is at KCS Computer Technology, 9524 Franklin Ave., Franklin Park, IL 60131, next to the Franklin Park Community Center. There you will find information on the goods and services offered by our members along with information on community events. We are open on weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. Current Chamber members please feel free to drop off some literature and business cards on your company.

Please support our communities by shopping, playing and entertaining locally. All of the Villages have excellent Park Districts and facilities, – fun pools, parks and day trips. Prices are very reasonable. Don’t miss out on the host of first class events put on by the Villages – Historical House and Barn Tours, Franklin Park Fest, Car Shows and Street Dances to mention a few. If you have any suggestions on how to improve this guide or the Chamber please let us know.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Kollar
President
Chamber by O’Hare
Franklin Park/Schiller Park/River Grove

Our location gives your business a competitive advantage. Franklin Park’s location at the Crossroads of North American commerce makes it the perfect location for your business. We are a transportation hub, adjacent to O’Hare International Airport with unequaled connectivity including rail freight access and one of the nation’s most extensive highway systems. We are just 15 miles west of the Chicago Loop giving us direct access to a diverse workforce and a world-class financial network as well as renown education and research institutions.

This access has made Franklin Park a regional hub for manufacturing and industrial firms. We are proudly the home to both family-owned businesses and globally recognized companies such as Life Fitness, Sloan Valve and Nestlé.

Franklin Park is an important industrial center in the Midwest and we also have vibrant commercial districts with a variety of retail and dining options.

Expanding businesses will find Franklin Park an amenable partner in their growth. We aim to be responsive and proactive in meeting your needs. To encourage re-investment, we have streamlined bureaucratic processes, cut the red tape and have community development professionals on staff who will work with you to fulfill your expansion plans.

We understand the impact that reliable infrastructure has on your business success and we have worked hard to secure millions of dollars in state and federal funding to upgrade infrastructure, repair streets and mitigate flooding.

Franklin Park is committed to improving environmental sustainability through innovative practices. The village has built a LEED Gold certified police station, replaced outdated vehicles with energy efficient electric vehicles, installed public charging stations and implemented a community-wide recycling program. An award-winning natural lawn care policy protects both the environment and the health of the community.

Franklin Park is a family-friendly community. Residents choose Franklin Park for its tree-lined streets, safe neighborhoods, award-winning schools and stable home prices. Residents enjoy three Metra stations, 19 public parks, two outdoor pools, an ice arena and access to over 10 square miles of Cook County forest preserves. A full calendar of events and festivals and a wide variety of dining, nightlife and shopping options in Franklin Park serve every age, taste and budget.

The village is pleased to welcome your family or your business. To learn more about our vibrant community, please visit our website at www.vofp.com or call the Mayor’s office at (847) 671-8236.

Sincerely,

Barrett F. Pedersen
Mayor
Village of Franklin Park

Mayor Barrett F. Pedersen
Village Hall
(847) 671-4800
9500 Belmont Ave.
Franklin Park, IL 60131

Building Department
(847) 671-8245

The village website, www.vofp.com, provides residents and businesses access to information and many village services.

Building inspection program:
Inspection Services for all permit work. Building and electrical permits are required for pools, fences, sheds, wood decks, concrete patios, garages and additions.

Please contact us for more information and details.

Fire prevention services:
Inspection to commercial and industrial properties to ensure proper life safety and fire safety compliance. Review of new construction and alteration plans to ensure compliance with fire codes.

Multi-dwelling inspection program:
Provides examination of all multi-unit structures every 12 months. Emphasis is on life-safety issues and structural code compliance.

Health inspection program:
Inspectors undertake the following food inspectional programs: food establishments, food and food products,mobile food vendors, food service operations, food dispensing machines and food transport.

Vacant property:
If a property is believed to be vacant, please call (847) 671-8245.

Health & Human Resources
(847) 671-8240

Recycling Program:
The village provides a comprehensive recycling program to all residents in conjunction with our waste removal company. Residents may contact us with questions regarding scavenger pickup and issues related to recycling and garbage removal.

Reportable conditions to county state agencies:
Reports all communicable diseases, tampering contamination conditions and pollution problems.

Social services:
The village offers a variety of programs to senior citizens, including emergency ID bracelets, Meals on Wheels, snow removal in winter and grass cutting in summer.

Officer Friendly program for grades K-5 and safety-related presentations. Please contact us for more information and details.

Fire department
Non-emergency: (847) 678-2444

Fire safety programs:
Speakers available to visit schools to address general or specific fire-safety topics. Station visits arranged for citizens to acquaint them with fire services.

As we continue to celebrate 130 years of River Grove, what a year my first year as Mayor of this beautiful town has been. I am happy  to say that the Village of River Grove is thriving and continuing to  build for the future. This past year we have welcomed several new businesses to town as well as new developments, and a brand-new website – www.rivergroveil.gov.

Safety continues to be one of our top priorities. The village has purchased a brand-new fire engine as well as several new vehicles to  add to our aging fleet of police and public works vehicles. This past January River Grove welcomed a new payroll system and a new benefits program to provide more efficiencies for our employees. All this while trying to be mindful of cost and budget constraints. I am so very proud of our village board for their work and commitment to making River Grove a village that we can all take pride in.

Starting this spring, the village in conjunction with the River Grove Beautification Committee entered into a street scaping program for all of Grand Avenue in River Grove. You will see updated planters, beautiful seasonal flowers and decorations throughout the year, continuing to make the Grand Corridor a place we can all be proud of.

We have many initiatives on the horizon, updating our parks, bringing back the River Front Fest, Grand and Thatcher development, infrastructure improvements and much more. As always, I welcome your family or business to our town and know that I am always available. Contact me via email at mayor@rivergroveil.gov or call my office directly at (708) 453-8000.

I continue to be humbled by your support in my leadership and look forward to doing great things together!

Sincerely,

David B. Guerin
Village President

Village President David B. Guerin
mayor@rivergroveil.gov
Village Hall
(708) 453-8000
2621 Thatcher Ave.
River Grove, IL 60171
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday.

Elected Officials

David B. Guerin
Village President
mayor@rivergroveil.gov

Marjorie A. Manchen
Village Clerk
mmanchen@rivergroveil.gov

Trustees

Tracy Aller
taller@rivergroveil.gov

Lynn Bjorvik
lbjorvik@rivergroveil.gov

Michele Obaya
mobaya@rivergroveil.gov

Michael Konwinski
mkonwinski@rivergroveil.gov

Roger Sewell
rsewell@rivergroveil.gov

Robert Thomas
bthomas@rivergroveil.gov

Emergency Services

Police Department
2621 Thatcher Ave.
Non-emergency: (708) 453-2121
Emergency: 911

Fire Department
2621 Thatcher Ave.
Non-emergency: (708) 453-1429
Emergency: 911

Department Heads

Rodger Loni
Police Chief
(708) 453-2121
rloni@rivergroveil.gov

Larry LaRiviere
Fire Chief
(708) 453-1429
llariviere@rivergroveil.gov

Corey Beck
Public Works Superintendent
(708) 452-7055
cbeck@rivergroveil.gov

John “Bucky” Bjorvik
Water Superintendent
(708) 452-7055
jbjorvik@rivergroveil.gov

Community Phone Numbers

ComEd
(877) 426-6331

Nicor
(888) 642-6748

Roy Strom
Waste Collection
(708) 344-5000

Leyden Family Services
(847) 451-0330

Leyden Township
(847) 455-8616

Schiller Park is a great destination whether you are looking to purchase a home or open a business. Our location, adjacent to O’Hare International Airport, as well as the connectivity offered by multiple highways and rail lines, makes Schiller Park the perfect business address for relocation, expansion and start-up businesses. Our location provides the ability to expeditiously move products and people, which is why transportation, distribution, logistics and manufacturing firms find the O’Hare area and Schiller Park among the most attractive in the region.

The international aspect of the airport is carried over into the businesses and restaurants that are located in Schiller Park. Business owners, employees, residents and visitors frequent our restaurants that feature cuisine from many countries, including India, Poland, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Mexico and America.

In addition to our international corporations, Schiller Park boasts cutting-edge technology and research and development businesses that flourish in our town. From virtual reality to international distribution hubs, these businesses have the ability to drive commerce throughout the world.

Our Community & Economic Development Department offers responsive and individualized service to move projects, investments and relocation forward, while minimizing red tape. We are a reliable resource for businesses, offering updated information from, and partnerships with, State, County and local governmental entities regarding new programs, development and opportunities.

The Village administration is also dedicated to providing reliable and consistent services, including steadfast attention to public safety, as well as streets, sidewalks, sewers, infrastructure and access to an abundant supply of safe, affordable utilities including natural resources and water. Additionally, our Recreation Department offers several quality parks and recreation programs, an award-winning water park and a fitness center, all of which enhance the quality of life for our residents and employees of businesses. We take pride in our Police, Fire, Public Works and Recreation Departments and administrative staff, and offer services to assist residents and businesses that further the betterment of the community.

Additionally, our stable family-friendly neighborhoods make it ideal for people to call Schiller Park their home, and for our businesses to hire from the neighborhood. Schiller Park’s population, approximately 12,000, offers access to a diverse workforce. We celebrate throughout the year with family events including Clock Tower Park Summer Concerts, Movies in the Park, Halloween Howl, and Santa’s Winter Wonderland. Our Classic Car Show and Family Fun Day in late August promotes some of our businesses and attracts over 150 classic cars and thousands of visitors.

Schiller Park is a dynamic community that looks forward to welcoming your business and your family. Schiller Park: Small Town Feel With The World At Its Touch.

Sincerely,

Nick Caiafa
President
Village of Schiller Park

Village President Nick Caiafa
mayornick@schillerparkil.us
Village Hall
(847) 678-2550
9526 W. Irving Park Rd.
Schiller Park, IL 60176
www.villageofschillerpark.com
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday

Trustees

Catherine Gorzynski
cgorzynski@schillerparkil.us

Moses Diaz
mdiaz@schillerparkil.us

Russ Klug
rklug@schillerparkil.us

Robert Lima
rlima@schillerparkil.us

Thomas Deegan
tdeegan@schillerparkil.us

Joan Golembiewski
jgolembiewski@schillerparkil.us

Administrative services

Brad Townsend
Village Manager
Administrative Offices
(847) 678-2550
btownsend@schillerparkil.us

Services: Water billing and payments, village licensing and vehicle stickers. Responsible for all village finances.

Clerk’s office
Rosa Jos, Village Clerk
(847) 671-8520
RJos@schillerparkil.us

Services: Depository for all village records, ordinances and resolutions. Citizen requests requiring board action are processed through the clerk’s office. Freedom of information request, voter registration and garage sale permits.

Department of Community Development

John Komorowski
Building Official
(847) 671-8555
johnk@schillerparkil.us

Services: Administration of village’s zoning and subdivision ordinances, flood plain review, building permit review, economic development inquiries.

Street Department

Joe Blum
Street Foreman
(847) 671-8550
jblum@schillerparkil.us

Services: Street repair, forestry program, brush removal, street sweeping, alley maintenance, traffic and street sign replacement, snow removal and salting.

Water Department

Mario Jos
Public Works Superintendant
(847) 671-8553
mjos@schillerparkil.us

Services: Water turn on/off, repair of water mains, water meter reading, maintenance of water distribution system and sewer system, water testing.

Fire Department

Pete Chiodo
Fire Chief
(847) 678-5136
pchiodo@schillerparkil.us

Services: Speaker available to visit schools to discuss fire-safety topics. Station visits can be arranged to acquaint citizens with fire services.

Police Department

Tom Fragakis
Police Chief
Non-emergency: (847) 678-4794
tfragakis@schillerparkil.us

Services: School safety and DARE program. Officer Friendly program for grades K-5.

Important phone numbers
Emergency (police/fire): 911
Schiller Park Fire non-emergency:
(847) 678-5136 or (847) 678-0712
Schiller Park Police non-emergency:
(847) 678-4794

Community phone numbers
American Red Cross: (800) 733-2767
Better Business Bureau-inquiries: (312) 832-0500
Cook County Sheriff: (708) 865-4700
ComEd repair: (800) 334-7661
JULIE (to locate buried utility lines): (800) 892-0123
Nicor repair: (888) 642-6748
Telephone repair: 611

Cook County state’s attorney
Consumer fraud: (800) 386-5438
Child abuse hotline: (800) 252-2873
Illinois Department of Employment Security (800) 244-5631

Local services

Leyden family service: (847) 451-0330
Leyden Township: (847) 455-8616
Northwest Youth Outreach: (773) 777-7112
Poison Control Center: (800) 942-5969
Social Security Administration: (800) 772-1213