Park Forest’s Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) is accepting nominations for the 2025 Sam Montella Business Person of the Year Award, which recognizes local business owners for their contributions to the community.

The deadline to submit nominations is Feb. 15, 2026.

The award is presented annually to recognize Park Forest business owners who have demonstrated leadership through ongoing charitable work, active participation in community service, and impactful initiatives or projects that contribute positively to the economic, social, or cultural development of the village.

Sandra Zoellner, the Village’s director of economic development and planning, said the award was first established in 2009. It was renamed in 2015 in memory of Sam Montella, a former EDAG chairman and longtime Park Forest businessman.

“Sam was a fixture in the community,” Zoellner said. “He worked tirelessly to promote the Village of Park Forest, its assets and amenities to help recruit, retain and expand commercial enterprises and strengthen housing values.”

The Economic Development Advisory Group was established in 1997, with Montella becoming chairman in 1999 and serving until 2014.

Montella had a long banking career and later started a consulting practice, stepping down as EDAG chairman when he retired in 2014.

More than a dozen business owners have received the Sam Montella Business Person of the Year Award since its inception. A complete list of past recipients is available on the Village’s website.

Residents may nominate a business owner by submitting a nomination form by Feb. 15, 2026.