The Many Faces of our Skokie (Business) Community

“Let’s slow the traffic down”, “This block needs more parking”, “Increased signage will attract new business”, and “Changing a zoning code is the solution”, are all pieces of feedback that those of us trying to attract business to Skokie hear on a regular basis.

My opinion – every area in Skokie has a very different “personality” and attracts a different type of business that may be looking to call Skokie “home” as it relocates.  Having grown up in Skokie, and then thrown myself into developing a Skokie business, and working closely with Village officials (as well as the faces of marketing and economic development in Skokie, Ann Tennes & Leslie Murphy), I’ve discovered how diverse our community really is. While the culture of our Skokie residents is fascinating and so inspiring, I am going to focus this post on the business climate.

For a developing business which is interested in a change in scenery, the most intriguing area in Skokie may be the Westfield Old Orchard zone, and the busy traffic of Golf Rd and Skokie Blvd. For others (and I am personally biased in this direction), they may want to join the re-emerging business district on Dempster Street, and be neighbors with the and the Dempster Street Merchant Association. Certainly, a lot of recent attention may attract a relocating entrepreneur to Oakton, with it’s new Skokie Swift train station, and a strong support network in IMODS, led by Randy Miles.  At the far end, we have an area filled with emerging potential on Touhy, which will be home to a brand new Wal Mart and of course the Village Crossing Shopping Center.

I don’t think that there is any single solution or model we should follow in our focus on economic development. Let’s collect and solicit feedback from the stakeholders, the ones that shop, live, and work in Skokie. I believe that we can come up with the right recipe to attract business and businesses to every area in our community, encompassing all of our business districts. So, if you are thinking of moving your business or considering starting a new enterprise, please consider making Skokie your next home. We will find the right spot for you.