Tuesday, July 26, 2016

SUMMERTIME CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE…MCHENRY AREA DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION’S DATE NIGHT...BJORKMAN HONORARY STREET SIGN DEDICATION CEREMONY... MCHENRY ROTARY CLUB BLUES BREWS BBQ...MCHENRY’S “NATIONAL KEEP THE SPIRIT OF 45 ALIVE” DAY!!!!!


 THANK YOU TO THE MCHENRY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, CITY OF MCHENRY, ALL THE BUSINESSES, SPONSORS, RESIDENTS, VOLUNTEERS AND ATTENDEES FOR MAKING FIESTA DAYS 2016 A SUCCESS!!! 



ANY ONE/GROUP CAN PLAN AN EVENT AND EVEN EXECUTE ONE BUT IT TAKES MANY GROUPS WORKING COLLABORATIVELY FOR THE COLLECTIVE WHOLE WHO UNDERSTAND THE VISION AND MUTUAL GREATER BENEFIT TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL EVENT!!  MCHENRY FIESTA DAYS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE!!!



CONGRATULATIONS TO PASTOR ROGER SCHNEIDER 2016 MCHENRY FIESTA DAYS PARADE MARSHAL!!  THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 45 YEARS INCLUDING:  22 YEARS ON THE BOARD OF FAMILY SERVICES FOR MCHENRY COUNTY; KIWANIS MEMBER FOR 30 YEARS; PAST RECIPIENT OF FRANK LOW AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE!!!




McHenry Area Downtown Businesses Association Date Nights-July 27, August 24, September 28 and October 26, 2016



Looking to break the ice; meet up with an old friend and support Downtown McHenry in the process:  On the following Wednesdays between the hours of 5:00-7:00 PM:  July 27, August 24, September 28 and October 26 the McHenry Area Downtown Business Association is launching:  DATE NIGHT!  http://mchenrydowntown.biz/.


“Bring someone special in your life (or a first date) for a midweek night out in Downtown McHenry! Stroll down the streets and enjoy sweet specials from some your favorite shops and restaurants. We hope you'll love it” (McHenry Area Downtown Business Association). 





Bjorkman Family Honorary Street Sign Dedication Ceremony
July 29, 2016

On Friday July 29 at 11:00 am at the intersection of Lillian Street and Crystal Lake Road an Honorary Street Sign approved by the City Council will be dedicated to the Bjorkman Family.  Many of you may be aware the Bjorkman Family sold their Ace Hardware Store earlier this year to the Laskowski Family, who owns and operates several Ace Hardware locations in Lake County. 

In 1948 Bjorkman’s Ace Hardware was born in a 1,500 square-foot space on Riverside Drive; expanded to 8,000 square feet on Elm Street; completed an 8,000 square-foot addition at the same location on Elm (currently Century Plaza); and expanded to a 30,000 square-foot store on Crystal Lake Road in 1989. 

The Bjorkman Family epitomized community spirit; exemplified corporate citizenry and as many can attest, placed the customer first!  I was fortunate to sit down and speak with Steve Bjorkman and a member of the new ownership team Rich Laskowski and talk with them about their background, experience, how both families have given back to the community and will publish in a future post.  If you are able please come out on Friday July 29 at 11:00 am at the intersection of Lillian Street and Crystal Lake Road to say thank you to a great family and potentially meet another great family!


Rotary Club of McHenry Presents BLUES BREWS BBQ
August 5-7, 2016





 “Keep The Spirit of 45 Alive” day is a National Day of Remembrance honoring members of “The Greatest Generation” and the end of WWII

August 14, 2016 is McHenry’s Observance of “Keep The Spirit of 45 Alive” day at 5:00 PM IN VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK



On Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 5:00 PM McHenry’s observance of “Keep The Spirit of 45 Alive” day will be held at Veterans Memorial Park, 3400 Pearl Street, McHenry, IL.  Congress has designated the second Sunday of each August as a national day of remembrance honoring members of “The Greatest Generation” and the end of WWII.  Check out the following You Tube video:  https://youtu.be/AnLWz2u3kjA. 



McHenry’s events over the past several years have gained national recognition for our City and Combined Veterans Organizations in large part due to local businessman Ron Bykowski.  He initiated the event and attended the “Keep The Spirit of 45 Alive” National Conference in San Diego at the Air & Space Museum.  Representatives from 37 States were extremely impressed that a City the size of McHenry has three active Veterans organizations:  American Legion Post 491, VFW Post 4600 and Polish Legion of American Veterans Liberty Post 188. Each organization has played an important role in fostering the enrichment of patriotic and civic spirit within our community.  Thank you to those who serve and have served our country!!!



COME ON OUT AND CONTINUE CELEBRATING AND SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY!!! THE PARTY IN THE CITY OF MCHENRY CONTINUES!!!!!

SAVE THE DATES:

BJORKMAN FAMILY HONORARY STREET SIGN DEDICATION, CRYSTAL LAKE ROAD & LILLIAN STREET FRIDAY JULY 29, 2016 AT 11:00 AM
                  
BLUES BREWS BBQ AUGUST 5-7, 2016 AT PETERSEN PARK

MCHENRY’S OBSERVANCE OF “KEEP THE SPIRIT OF 45 ALIVE SUNDAY AUGUST 14, 2016 5:00 PM VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

DOWNTOWN UNCORKED SEPTEMBER 17, 2016

MANUFACTURING TRADE AND INDUSTRY CAREER EXPO SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 MCHENRY EAST CAMPUS

CITY OF MCHENRY SUMMER BAND CONCERTS BEGIN AT 7:30 P.M. (PRECEDED BY A FARMERS MARKET) IN VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK ON THURSDAY NIGHTS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

MCHENRY OPEN AIR MARKET AND DOWNTOWN SHOPPING EVERY THURSDAY MAY 19-SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 4-7 PM

GREEN STREET CRUISE NIGHTS:  MONDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26, 2016

FLAVORS OF FALL TASTE FEST OCTOBER 9, 2016

DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS WALK AND TREE LIGHTING NOVEMBER 19, 2016

DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS WALK AND PARADE NOVEMBER 20, 2016

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2016
am very happy to report Fabrik purchased the building at 1515 Miller Parkway and is expanding their business.  This will not only retain over 400 existing jobs at Fabrik but will create an additional 50-100 jobs over the next several years due to Fabrik’s expansion.  This could not have been accomplished without regional collaboration by numerous entities:  Fabrik Molded Plastics; City of McHenry, McHenry County Economic Development Corporation; McHenry County; McHenry County Conservation District; McHenry Township Fire Protection District; McHenry High School District 156; McHenry County College; Nunda Township; Nunda Township Cemetery District; Nunda Township Road and Bridge District and State of Illinois!  Thank youhis will benefit the entire McHenry County Community, State of Illinois, Midwest a


THANK YOU TO ALL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS WHICH HAVE MADE A COMMITMENT TO GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY; SUPPORT/VOLUNTEER AT A LOCAL EVENT; AND/OR LOCATE THEIR BUSINESS AND/OR EXPAND IN THE CITY OF MCHENRY…EVERY ONE CONTRIBUTES!!!!!




Please help us keep our community vibrant and strong to the greatest extent practical for businesses, residents and visitors alike!  The City Council is continually evaluating ways to assist in promoting business, tourism, community events and service!  Economic development is an ongoing effort the City is committed to and is a community-wide effort.  At the end of the day the entire community and everyone who is a part of it benefits!




Douglas P. Martin
Director of Economic Development
City of McHenry
333 S Green Street
McHenry, IL 60050
815.363.2110 (d)
815.363.2173 (f)
815.790.4752 (c)



Wednesday, July 13, 2016

CONGRATULATIONS SERGEANT DAN KREASSIG AND HAMPTON INN; BUSINESS, BUSINESS AND MORE BUSINESS; FIESTA DAYS…CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY!!!



CONGRATULATIONS TO SERGEANT DAN KREASSIG WHO RETIRED FROM THE MCHENRY POLICE DEPARTMENT AFTER MORE THAN 27 YEARS OF SERVICE IN OUR COMMUNITY!!!  ONE OF MCHENRY COUNTY’S EVERYDAY HEROES!
 
 
Sergeant Dan Kreassig; Mayor Susan Low and Officer John Adams
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HAMPTON INN
Congratulations to the Hampton Inn, 1555 South Illinois Route 31, recently awarded TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.  The award signifies the consistent commitment to quality and service in the hospitality industry and we’re very lucky to have the Hampton Inn in the City of McHenry.
 
BUSINESSES BUSINESSES AND MORE BUSINESSES!!!
We are entering the second half of 2016 and I wanted to provide an update on business activity since the beginning of 2016.  All non-residential businesses which change ownership are required to obtain a certificate of occupancy so some of the businesses, while not new to the City, may have changed ownership.  Requiring a certificate of occupancy for an ownership change is an opportunity to ensure all life safety issues are met and the City and all emergency service personnel have the correct owner and tenant contact information. 
The change of occupancy and walk-thru for any new non-residential use is free.  The person requesting it simply needs to call 815.363.2170 and request a commercial walk-thru inspection.  These inspections require 24 hours notice and are completed Monday thru Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
 
They are also provided for anyone interested in opening a business, expanding a business, or simply seeking ideas to improve their existing business.  The opportunity allows a site to be evaluated and opportunity to ask questions of our inspectors to determine not only what permits may be required but our inspectors can offer suggestions on how to meet the codes and make businesses work and ultimately open and be successful for many years to come!  Since January 2016 the following businesses have opened, made improvements or changed ownership in the City.  Thank you for choosing the City of McHenry!
 
AMI GROUP INC:  311 FRONT STREET (STAFF AGENCY; INSURANCE)
SECOND AMENDMENT SPORTS:  3705 W ELM STREET (RETAIL SPORTING GOODS AND INDOOR FIRING RANGE)
FIREARMS PROFESSIONAL TRAINING INC:  2908 W ILLINOIS ROUTE 120 UNIT A (CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION ON USE OF FIREARMS)
VA COMMUNITY OUTPATIENT CLINIC:  3715 MUNICIPAL DRIVE (Outpatient Medical Clinic for Veterans)
MCHENRY MARATHON:  4713 ELM STREET (FUELING STATION)
INNOVATIVE PSYCHOLOGY COUNSELING SERVICES INC:  4318 CRYSTAL LAKE ROAD UNIT L (Counseling Services)
THE LAW OFFICE OF DENISE KUZNIEWSKI:  4103 W CRYSTAL LAKE ROAD (LAW FIRM)
NALLEY REALTY:   5214 ELM STREET (REAL ESTATE OFFICE)
TIGER GAS STATION:  3811 ELM STREET (FUELING STATION)
MATTRESS FIRM:  1763 N RICHMOND ROAD (RETAIL MATTRESSES)
BLUE CLOUD INC:  1635 OAK DRIVE (WAREHOUSE)
KEY’S MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY:  1639 OAK DRIVE (MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING)
MEAT & POTATO EATERY:  400 S ILLINOIS ROUTE 31 (RESTAURANT)
SNAP KEEP GAMES:  4400 W ELM SUITE G (GAME STORE)
E-Z TAN AND TRISHA’S BARBER SHOP:  4507 ELM STREET (TANNING AND BARBER SHOP)
U-HAUL:  2019 N RICHMOND ROAD (TRUCK AND TRAILER RENTAL AND RETAIL SALE OF BOXES/SUPPLIES-INSIDE STORAGE UNITS TO BE COMPLETED SOON)
ADVANCED FLEET REPAIR:  1401 NORTH DRIVE (VEHICLE REPAIR)
DONAHUE AND WALSH P.C:  413 FRONT STREET (LAW FIRM)
FINANCIAL DYNAMICS INC:  4310 CRYSTAL LAKE ROAD UNIT H (FINANCIAL PLANNING)
SHEPHERD PREMIER SENIOR SERVICE:  1330 N RIVERSIDE DRIVE (OFFICE FOR SENIOR LIVING HOMES)
MY PLACE BAR AND GRILL:  4621 W ELM (RESTAURANT)
COBRA RESTORATION:  3980 ALBANY STREET UNIT 2 (OFFICE/STORAGE)
NEXT AUTO SALES:  1112 FRONT STREET (AUTOMOBILE SALES)
AESTHETICS CREATIONS:  404 S ILLINOIS ROUTE 31 (RETAIL)
CVS PHARMACY:  3900 W ELM STREET (PHARMACY/RETAIL W/DRIVE-THRU)
METROPCS:  3720 W ELM STREET UNIT A (RETAIL)
THE PATROONS MEXICAN RESTAURANT:  4005 W KANE AVENUE UNIT G (RESTAURANT)
FIRST MIDWEST BANK:  1308 N RICHMOND ROAD (FINANCIAL INSTITUTION)
LAND TECHNOLOGIES:  3922 MAIN STREET (ENGINEERING, SURVEYING)
POTPOURRI:  5308 W ELM STREET (RETAIL; RESALE POTPURRI)
SUNNYSIDE CHRYSLER DODGE RAM:  4810 W ELM STREET (AUTOMOBILE DEALER-NOW SELLING JEEPS!)
AUTO VILLA AND AUTO VILLA CUSTOM TRUCKS:  3017 W ILLINOIS ROUTE 120 (AUTOMOBILE SALES AND REPAIR)
ART OF ACUPUNCTURE:  2808 W ILLINOIS ROUTE 120 (ACUPUNCTURE SERVICES)
KARNICK SUPPLY COMPANY:  4901 PRIME PARKWAY (WAREHOUSE OF UTILITY PRODUCTS)
EPIC DELI:  2616 SCHAID COURT (RESTAURANT)
HI-POINT EMBROIDERY:  3012 W ILLINOIS ROUTE 120 UNIT A (RETAIL SALE SHIRTS/UNIFORMS, ETC.)
REVOLUTION MOTORS LLC:  3706 W ELM (AUTOMOBILE SALES)
GARDEN QUARTER NEIGHBORHOOD RESOURCE CENTER:  3733 W ELM STREET (RESOURCE CENTER FOR RESIDENTS SEEKING ASSISTANCE-SERVING LATINO COMMUNITY)
OPAQUE VAPE:  319 FRONT STREET (SALE OF VAPOR PRODUCTS/MERCHANDISE)
As part of our business outreach program Director of Community Development Ross Polerecky and I do our best to visit all new businesses.  The purpose is multi-fold:  personally thank them for locating in the City of McHenry and also state we are here to serve them and this doesn’t end when they open their doors.  If you’re interested please contact me, dmartin@ci.mchenry.il.us and we’ll be happy to stop by.  Below are some photographs of new businesses recently opened in the City of McHenry.
 
OPAQUE VAPE (319 FRONT STREET)

AUTO VILLA (3017 W ILLINOIS ROUTE 120)
AUTO VILLA (3017 W ILLINOIS ROUTE 120)
SUNNYSIDE CHRYSLER RAM DODGE (4810 W ELM STREET)
SUNNYSIDE CHRYSLER RAM DODGE (4810 W ELM STREET)
VA COMMUNITY OUTPATIENT CLINIC (3715 MUNICIPAL DRIVE)
 
OPAQUE VAPE (319 FRONT STREET)

CVS PHARMACY (3900 ELM STREET)
 
CVS PHARMACY (3900 ELM STREET)
 
 
 
PLEASE CHECK OUT AND SUPPORT THESE AND ALL BUSINESSES IN THE CITY OF MCHENRY!!!
 
FIESTA DAYS BEGINS FRIDAY JULY 15 THRU SUNDAY JULY 24!!!
CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR A COMPLETE GUIDE TO FIESTA DAYS:  COME ON OUT AND CELEBRATE AND SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY!!! IT’S CITY OF MCHENRY PARTY TIME!
 
SAVE THE DATES:
 
CITY OF MCHENRY SUMMER BAND CONCERTS BEGIN AT 7:30 P.M. (PRECEEDED BY A FARMERS MARKET) IN VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK ON THURSDAY NIGHTS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 29, 2016.
GREEN STREET CRUISE NIGHTS:  MONDAYS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26, 2016
 
I am very happy to report Fabrik purchased the building at 1515 Miller Parkway and is expanding their business.  This will not only retain over 400 existing jobs at Fabrik but will create an additional 50-100 jobs over the next several years due to Fabrik’s expansion.  This could not have been accomplished without regional collaboration by numerous entities:  Fabrik Molded Plastics; City of McHenry, McHenry County Economic Development Corporation; McHenry County; McHenry County Conservation District; McHenry Township Fire Protection District; McHenry High School District 156; McHenry County College; Nunda Township; Nunda Township Cemetery District; Nunda Township Road and Bridge District and State of Illinois!  Thank you!  This will benefit the entire McHenry County Community, State of IllinoTHANK YOU TO ALL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS WHICH HAVE MADE A COMMITMENT TO GIVE BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY AND/OR LOCATE THEIR BUSINESS AND/OR EXPAND IN THE CITY OF MCHENRY…EVERY ONE CONTRIBUTES!!!!!
 
 THANK YOU TO PAT WIRTZ, CHAIRMAN OF THE CITY OF MCHENRY LANDMARK COMMISSION FOR THE FOLLOWING PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN OVER A 20-DAY PERIOD!!!
 
 
 
Please help us keep our community vibrant and strong to the greatest extent practical for businesses, residents and visitors alike!  The City Council is continually evaluating ways to assist in promoting business, tourism, community events and service!  Economic development is an ongoing effort the City is committed to and is a community-wide effort.  At the end of the day the entire community and everyone who is a part of it benefits!
Douglas P. Martin
Director of Economic Development
City of McHenry
333 S Green Street
McHenry, IL 60050
815.363.2110 (d)
815.363.2173 (f)
815.790.4752 (c)