News Flash

Posted on: December 6, 2019

Fiorenzo is 2019's Park Forest Business Person of the Year

Ten years after becoming the first-ever recipient of the Park Forest Business Person of the Year Award, Janet Fiorenzo is now the first ever two-time recipient of the award.Fiorenzo was officially recognized as the 2019 Sam Montella Park Forest Business P...

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Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: December 5, 2019

Legislative Breakfast: The Changing Face of Retail Business

The Southland Legislative Breakfast will be held on Thursday, December 12 at Freedom Hall located at 410 Lakewood Boulevard in Park Forest.

This free event will start at 7:45 a.m. with continental breakfast & networking. A panel discussion will start a...

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Additional information and free registration... Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: November 21, 2019

Jet Foods...We Are Giving Away 500 FREE Turkeys!

We are so excited to be giving away FREE #Thanksgiving Turkeys to the first 500 people who enter our giveaway. 

All you need to do is:1. Like our post on Facebook. 2. Comment #JetFoodsGiveaway below in the comments.3. Sign up for the give...

Read on...

Enter now! Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: October 31, 2019

Grocery store expected to open after new year now hiring

An estimated 80-plus jobs will be filled in the coming months as a new Park Forest grocer prepares to open just after the new year.Jet Foods, to be located at 120 Orchard Drive, will anchor Orchard Park Plaza which was recently purchased by Freedom Develo...

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Click on the link to apply now! Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: October 30, 2019

JET Foods is Hiring in Park Forest!

JET Foods will soon be opening at 120 S. Orchard Drive in Park Forest. They are currently accepting applications for full and part time positions.  We are beginning the hiring process! We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic applicants who ...

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Apply here! Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 26, 2019

You Still Have Time...Nominate Your Park Forest Business Person of the Year by Oct. 31

Park Forest's Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) is seeking nominations for the EDAG 2019 Sam Montella Business Person of the Year. 

The EDAG Sam Montella Business Person of the Year award is an annual award to recognize Park Forest busine...

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Nominate someone now! Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: October 25, 2019

SUNDAY, Grand Opening...Bounce 2 It Inflatables

Make birthday wishes come true with unforgettable celebrations. Customize your package for your child's celebration. Book us for all your party needs including showers, school parties, organization events, soft play, and more! 

Come celebrate thei...

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Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 26, 2019

Nominate Your Park Forest Business Person of the Year by Oct. 31

Park Forest's Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) is seeking nominations for the EDAG 2019 Sam Montella Business Person of the Year. 

The EDAG Sam Montella Business Person of the Year award is an annual award to recognize Park Forest busine...

Read on...

Nominate someone now! Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 27, 2019

Public hearing on cannabis sales in Park Forest set for Oct. 8 at Freedom Hall

On January 1, 2020, the State of Illinois will permit licensed businesses to sell, grow, and process adult use recreational cannabis. The Village of Park Forest is currently in the process of determining whether or not to permit these businesses to operat...

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Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 27, 2019

Water Bill Buck Buster II Ends Monday ~ Drawing October 4

Spend $150 from July1 through September 30 in Park Forest and you'll be entered in our raffle for a $200 water bill credit!  There will be three winners!

• Submit receipts totaling $150 or more dated within this time period from Park Forest business...

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Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 6, 2019

ROBO Kids STEM Lab Celebrates Grand Opening

Please join us as we welcome ROBO Kids STEM Lab to the Village of Park Forest. Their Grand Opening will be held on Saturday, September 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..  Ribbon cutting will start promptly at 1:00 p.m.

Face painting...

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Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: August 7, 2019

2019 Summer Edition of Park Forest Business News

This newsletter was brought to you by the Village of Park Forest Economic Development & Planning Department.

 This edition includes:

• Mayor’s Message
• Park Forest House Rehabbed Through Various Programs
• Meet & Greet Networking Event in May
• Popul...

Read on...

Click here for the full newsletter. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: July 19, 2019

Park Forest welcomes AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps volunteers

An AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team is again set for service in the Village of Park Forest this summer.The NCCC team this week begins its first of an eight-week stay in Park Forest.“The Village of Park Forest is very happy – and fo...

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Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: July 3, 2019

2019/2020 Shopping & Services Guide is Now Available

The 2019/2020 Shopping & Services Guide is now available online with active links to business websites. If you're in need of a hard copy, please contact Monica DeLord at (708) 283-5617 or mdelord@vopf.com. Let's Think Local, Buy Local, and Be Local..S...

Read on...

Click here to access the Guide.. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: June 3, 2019

June is Resident Appreciation Month

Several resident appreciation events are slated to take place this month. The events include:• Paint 'n' Sip | June 7 at 7 p.m. | Artistic Flow, 200 Main Street• Community BBQ | June 12 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. | Village Green, Main Street and Cunningham Drive...

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Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: May 23, 2019

New Park Forest business helps south suburban home-based food service businesses

Since opening in March, Poppin Plates Culinary Incubator, a new Park Forest business offering memberships and hourly rates for access to a 950-square-foot commercial kitchen, has already gained nine members. The business looks to continue its mis...

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Check out the full article in this week's Chica Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: March 6, 2019

2019 Winter/Spring Edition of Park Forest Business News

This newsletter was brought to you by the Village of Park Forest Economic Development & Planning Department.

 This edition includes:

• Mayor’s Farewell Message
• Washington Named Business Person of the Year
• January Breakfast Covered MicroFi...

Read on...

Click here for the full newsletter. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: October 22, 2018

2018 Fall/Winter Edition of Park Forest Business News

This newsletter was brought to you by the Village of Park Forest Economic Development & Planning Department.

 This edition includes:

• Mayor's Message
• Business Person of the Year Nomination Due
• Third AmeriCorps NCCC Team
• Last Drawing for Water Bill ...

Read on...

Click here for the full newsletter. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 21, 2018

Nominate Your Favorite Business Person of the Year by October 31

The Park Forest Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) seeks nominees from residents, civic groups, and businesses to recognize a Park Forest business owner who is committed to community service. Do you know a Park Forest business owner who has made a...

Read on...

2018 Business Person of the Year Nomination Form Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 20, 2018

October Business Connection: Your Company & Cyber Security

How to Protect Your Company from Cyber Threats

Don't miss this great informational session! Some of the material covered during this meeting include: overview on cyber history, current threats, wireless security, Endpoint Security, data backup with disaste...

Read on...

Additional information and registration... Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: July 11, 2018

2018/2019 Shopping & Services Guide is Now Available

The 2018/2019 Shopping & Services Guide is now available online with active links to business websites. If you're in need of a hard copy, please contact Monica DeLord at (708) 283-5634 or mdelord@vopf.com. Let's think local, buy local, and be local..s...

Read on...

Click here to access the Guide.. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: June 27, 2018

First Raffle Drawing for Water Bill Buck Buster Program is Friday!

Spend $150 each quarter in Park Forest and you'll be entered in our quarterly raffle for a $100 water bill credit!  Submit receipts totaling $150 or more dated within each quarter starting in April from Park Forest business(es). Win Village swag ...

Read on...

Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: June 26, 2018

Grand Opening Ceremony for Park Forest Foods is Tomorrow

Plan to attend Park Forest Foods' grand opening ceremony tomorrow, June 27 at 5:00 p.m. that will include a ribbon cutting ceremony.Grand opening specials, sample stations, music with a DJ, and Main Street Nights food specials will be highlighted that day...

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Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: April 23, 2018

2018 Spring/Summer Edition of Park Forest Business News

This newsletter was brought to you by the Village of Park Forest Economic Development & Planning Department.

 This edition includes:

• Mayor's Message
• Business Signage and the Unified Development Ordinance
• DownTown Facility Manager Opening
• Child Ide...

Read on...

Click here for the full newsletter. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: March 30, 2018

Park Forest Water Bill Buck Buster Program Starts in April!

Spend $150 each quarter in Park Forest and you'll be entered in our quarterly raffle for a $100 water bill credit!  Submit receipts totaling $150 or more dated within each quarter starting in April from Park Forest business(es). Win Village swag ...

Read on...

Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: March 9, 2018

Park Forest Foods Conducts Hiring Event

Park Forest Foods, located at 120 S. Orchard Drive in Park Forest, will be conducting a hiring event on Thursday, March 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Friday, March 16 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

The grocery store is hiring for all positions...

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Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: October 6, 2017

Village Board adopts Unified Development Ordinance

On December 11, 2017, the Village Board adopted new zoning and subdivision regulations that are now contained.within a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).  Storm water management regulations are forthcoming and should be adopted by Spring 2018. ...

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View UDO Ordinance Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: December 13, 2017

Czupryn is 2017's Park Forest Business Person of the Year

Ed Czupryn of the Park Forest Currency Exchange is Park Forest’s Business Person of the Year for 2017.

Czupryn was presented the Sam Montella Business Person of the Year Award Monday at Village Hall during Park Forest’s Board of Trustee...

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Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 25, 2017

2017 Fall/Winter Edition of Park Forest Business News

This newsletter was brought to you by the Village of Park Forest Economic Development & Planning Department.

 This edition includes:

• Mayor's Message
• Business Person of the Year Nomination Due October 31
• Congratulations to 2017 Best of Chicago...

Read on...

Click here for the full newsletter. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 18, 2017

October Business Connection: The Power of the Inbox

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESSFUL EMAIL MARKETING This powerful session takes you step-by-step through the process of developing an effective email marketing campaign. From revealing why regular email doesn't work, to insider tips and techniques like autom...Read on... Additional information and registration... Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: August 21, 2017

Nominate Your Favorite Business Person of the Year by October 31

The Park Forest Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) seeks nominees from residents, civic groups, and businesses to recognize a Park Forest business owner who is committed to community service. Do you know a Park Forest business owner who has made ...Read on...

2017 Business Person of the Year Nomination Form Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: March 1, 2017

Park Forest Summertime Bingo Game Ends July 31

Have fun while exploring Park Forest this summer!  Complete 5 tasks and/or activities across, down or diagonal (center is free square) for Bingo. Submit completed Bingo card along with proof of completion and you'll be entered for a chance to win...Read on...

Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: July 20, 2017

Show Your Pride with Park Forest Logo Merchandise

Did you know that the Village of Park Forest has logo merchandise for sale?  All items are at cost plus tax. If interested in ordering any items, please contact Monica DeLord at (708) 283-5617 or mdelord@vopf.com.  All merchandise is ava...Read on... Click here to access the order form.. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: March 1, 2017

TWO WEEKS LEFT to Play the Park Forest Summertime Bingo Game!

Have fun while exploring Park Forest this summer!  Complete 5 tasks and/or activities across, down or diagonal (center is free square) for Bingo. Submit completed Bingo card along with proof of completion and you'll be entered for a chance to win...Read on...

Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: June 8, 2017

2017/2018 Shopping & Services Guide is Now Available

The 2017/2018 Shopping & Services Guide is now available online with active links to business websites. If you're in need of a hard copy, please contact Monica DeLord at (708) 283-5617 or mdelord@vopf.com. Let's think local, buy local, and be local.....Read on... Click here to access the Guide.. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: March 29, 2017

Park Forest Business Networking Mix is April 19

There will be several interactive activities including speed networking to help you connect with as many people as possible at the event. Small give-aways will be handed out to activity winners including a $50 VISA Card for the person who brings the most ...Read on... Additional information and registration... Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: March 6, 2017

2017 Spring Edition of Park Forest Business News

This newsletter was brought to you by the Village of Park Forest Economic Development & Planning Department.

 This edition includes:

• Mayor's Message
• Zoellner Named Economic Development Leader of the Year
• Women's Empowerment Session Held in Fe...

Read on...

Click here for the full newsletter. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: February 10, 2017

Park Forest's Zoellner lands Economic Development Leader of the Year Award

Park Forest Assistant Economic Development Director Sandra Zoellner is the South Suburban Small Business Association’s Economic Development Leader of the Year. Zoellner received the award at the 15th Annual Summit Awards at Idlewild Country Clu...Read on... Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: December 30, 2016

Women's Empowerment Event: GO FOR IT!

Are you feeling that life is full of opportunities and possibilities, but somehow you can never figure out how to tap into them? If so, then this is the session for you! Learn how to determine your dreams, define your moments to help you achieve your dr...Read on...

Check YouTube for additional details Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: December 21, 2016

Next Quarterly Park Forest Business Connection is January 18

Please join us for our next quarterly business breakfast to be held on Wednesday, January 18 from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The topic "Alternate Funding Sources: Crowdfunding and What's It's All About" will be presented by Elliot Richardson, CEO, ...Read on...

Register here. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 30, 2016

Nominate Your Favorite Business Person of the Year by October 31

The Park Forest Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) seeks nominees from residents, civic groups, and businesses to recognize a Park Forest business owner who is committed to community service. Do you know a Park Forest business owner who has made ...Read on...

2016 Business Person of the Year Nomination Form Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 28, 2016

Next Quarterly Park Forest Business Connection is October 5

Please join us for our next quarterly business breakfast to be held on Wednesday, October 5 from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The topic "Developing the Leader Within You" will be presented by Lee Ann Piano, owner of Fine Tuning For Success.

This...Read on...

Register here. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: July 11, 2016

2016/2017 Shopping & Services Guide is Now Available

The annual Shopping & Services Guide is available online with active links to business websites. If you're in need of a hard copy, please contact Monica DeLord at (708) 283-5617 or mdelord@vopf.com.

Let's think local, buy local, and be local..shop...Read on...

Click here to access the Guide.. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: February 19, 2016

2016 Spring Edition of Park Forest Business News

This newsletter was brought to you by the Village of Park Forest Economic Development & Planning Department.

This edition includes:

• Mayor’s Message
• Jones Named 2015 Sam Montella Business Person of the Year• State Senator Hastings...The S...Read on...

Click here for the full newsletter. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: February 17, 2016

Park Forest Business Networking Mix is April 28

This free event includes a complementary breakfast buffet. There will be several interactive activities including speed networking to help you connect with as many people as possible at the event.

Small give-aways will be handed out to activity winne...Read on...

Additional information and registration... Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: December 17, 2015

Jones receives Sam Montella Business Person of the Year Award

Yvette Jones is Park Forest’s Business Person of the Year for 2015.

Jones was presented the Sam Montella Business Person of the Year Award at Village Hall during Park Forest’s Board of Trustees meeting on December 14.

The annual award, sponsored b...Read on...

Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: November 16, 2015

Gladstone, Warner named Good Egg Awardees for 2015

The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations is pleased to announce that Georgette Gladstone and Caleb Warner of Park Forest are the recipients of the 2015 Good Egg Award.

Georgette's nominator states that she was both the cheerleader and conscience o...Read on...

Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: October 12, 2015

SouthWorks MakerLab in Park Forest Announces October & November Class Schedule

SouthWorks MakerLab in Park Forest has announced their October and November class schedule. All classes will be held at 210 Forest Boulevard. The class cost is $10.00.

For registration information and/or general questions, please call (708) 283-5020. ...Read on...

Class Schedule Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: October 1, 2015

Nominate Your Favorite Business Person of the Year by October 30

The Park Forest Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) seeks nominees from residents, civic groups, and businesses to recognize a Park Forest business owner who is committed to community service. Do you know a Park Forest business owner who has made ...Read on...

2015 Business Person of the Year Nomination Form Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 25, 2015

2015 Fall/Winter Edition of Park Forest Business News

This newsletter was brought to you by the Village of Park Forest Economic Development & Planning Department.

This edition includes:

• Mayor’s Message
• Do You Have a Business Succession Plan in Place?• Business Person of the Year Nomination ...Read on...

Click here for the full newsletter. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 3, 2015

Next Quarterly Park Forest Business Breakfast is September 23

Please join us for our next quarterly business breakfast to be held on Wednesday, September 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The topic "Creative Marketing Solutions on a Budget" will be presented by Jennifer M. Murray, Murray & Associates, In...Read on...

Additional information and registration... Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: September 2, 2015

Foster's Kennel Celebrates Grand Opening

Join us as we celebrate Foster's Kennel grand opening on Saturday, September 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They are located at 2348 Western Avenue in Park Forest. (708) 748-0022.

The ribbon-cutting will take place at 11:45 a.m.

Foster's Kennel is...Read on...

Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: August 31, 2015

Congratulations to the 2015 Best of Chicago’s Southland

Eleven of the annual Best in Chicago’s Southland East Region winners were Park Forest businesses! For the last 15 years, the Chicago Tribune (formerly Southtown Star) polls their readers asking them for their favorite places to shop, eat, etc. in 60 diff...Read on...

Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: August 27, 2015

Pass the Word...Manufacturing Employment Event on August 28 in Park Forest

There will be a manufacturing employment pre-screening event on Friday, August 28 from 11AM to 3PM at Dining on the Green Banquet Hall located at 349 Main Street in DownTown Park Forest.

There are over 80 positions available in the Southland. Please b...Read on...

Event Details Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: August 27, 2015

SouthWorks MakerLab in Park Forest Announces September Class Schedule

SouthWorks MakerLab in Park Forest has announced their September class schedule. All classes will be held at 210 Forest Boulevard. The class cost is $10.00.

For registration information and/or general questions, please call (708) 283-5020. You can al...Read on...

September Class Schedule Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: August 4, 2015

Park Forest makerlab wins grant for second straight year

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today announced the 80 winners of the second annual Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. The SouthWorks MakerLab in Park Forest was among the grant recipients for the second year in a row. The recipients repre...Read on...

Click to read the full press release from the SBA! Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: August 27, 2015

2015/2016 Shopping & Services Guide is Now Available

The annual Shopping & Services Guide is available online with active links to business websites. If you're in need of a hard copy, please contact Monica DeLord at (708) 283-5617 or mdelord@vopf.com.

Let's think local and buy local..shop Park Fores...Read on...

Click here to access the Guide.. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: June 16, 2015

2015 Spring/Summer Edition of Park Forest Business News

This newsletter was brought to you by the Village of Park Forest Economic Development & Planning Department.

This edition includes:

• Mayor’s Message
• Village Earns 3-STAR Community Rating• SouthWorks MakerLab in Park Forest Opens May 6
• ...Read on...

Click here for the full newsletter. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: April 24, 2015

Grand Opening Ceremony for SouthWorks MakerLab on May 6

The grand opening celebration for SouthWorks MakerLab starts at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Boulevard, on Wednesday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m.

The ceremony will start with a screening of Maker: The Movie, followed by comments from Mayor Ostenburg, Mollie Dow...Read on...

Click here to register for event. Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: March 5, 2015

Johny's Restaurant Opens in DownTown Park Forest

Johny's Restaurant opens their second location in DownTown Park Forest. They're located at 347 Liberty Drive (next to the Theater). (708) 481-1175 Open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Their offerings include gyros...Read on...

Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News

Posted on: February 17, 2015

Black History Month Program, Feb. 21

The Park Forest Commission on Human Relations presents a Black History Month program celebrating African-American investors on Saturday, Feb. 21, beginning at 2 p.m., at Freedom Hall. A special, live painting by talented artists will be conducted as part...Read on...

Village of Park Forest - Economic Development & Planning News