Who We Are
Our district is a powerhouse.
When you’re here, you know you came to the right place, because this is where it all happens. This is true for visitors as much as it is for you, our members. The community and the people who visit are our inspiration, which is why we feel inspired to help the District grow and succeed with our support, not as a directive, but as partner. Because the way we see it, we’re more than an organization, we’re a collection of business and property owners all working together to build a better place for each other, as well as the residents and visitors who keep coming back for more. It’s what has allowed us to do so much here in Downtown Oak Park, and what will keep us doing even more.
What We Do
Business Development
Supporting local businesses within the Downtown Oak Park area is at the core of all we do. We are in tune with issues that affect their bottom line and help through participation in our gift certificate program and special directories.
Beautification & Landscaping
Getting to our businesses wouldn’t be quite as enjoyable without our year-round seasonal landscaping and displays. Beyond the decorations, we make sure our Midwest winters don’t deter visitors, with snow removal and sidewalk maintenance.
Events
Our beautiful streetscaping isn’t the only way we attract visitors to Downtown Oak Park. We host numerous Signature Events throughout the year, including the very popular Thursday Night Out dining & entertainment experience that runs weekly from June – August.
Promotions
Our comprehensive marketing and communication plan reaches residents through an active social media presence, email campaigns and community advertising. A robust website full of current happenings and specific merchant offerings supports this outreach.
Real Estate Growth
We’re especially proud of the partnerships we’ve made with our property owners. As champions of our business community, we’ve created a vibrant district that’s attractive to new commercial tenants, keeping the area full of a diverse mix of businesses and services.
Member Resources
In addition to everything we offer the entire downtown district, there are extra benefits for those who choose to become members. DTOPBA members enjoy discounts to educational seminars and workshops, opportunities to grants, and voting rights in our annual elections.
Here for You
Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance Board
| Susie Goldschmidt, Merchant Director – President |
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Term expires: May 2027 Byline Bank Phone: 708-930-1663 sgoldschmidt@bylinebank.com |
| Mike Fox, Owner Director – Vice President |
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Term expires: May 2027 R.P. Fox & Associates Phone: 708-848-9550 mikefox@rpfox.com |
| Mike Carney, Owner Director – Treasurer |
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Term expires: May 2025 Heitman/Shops of Downtown Oak Park Phone: 312-425-0410 Michael.Carney@heitman.com |
| Paul Beckwith, Owner Director – Secretary |
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Term expires: May 2027 Albion paul@sachemco.com |
| Ray Ward, Owner/Merchant Director |
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| Term expires: May 2025
The Nineteenth Century Charitable Organization Phone: 708-386-2729 x 1 rward@nineteenthcentury.org |
| Frank Heitzman, Owner Director |
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Term expires: May 2025 Heitzman Architects Phone: 708-267-1352 frank@heitzman.org |
| Michelle Vanderlaan, Merchant Director |
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Term Expires: May 2026 Suitcases & Sugarcup Trading Owner 110 & 108 N Marion St. Oak Park, IL 60301 Phone: 708-524-5336 mvanderlaan@sugarcuptrading.com |
| Tina Salerno, Merchant Director |
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Term Expires: May 2026 James Anthony Salon Owner 115 N Marion St. Oak Park, IL 60301 Phone: 708-383-3100 tiz.salerno@yahoo.com |
| Jonathan Kaufman, Merchant Member |
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| Term Expires: May 2027
Wells Street Popcorn Owner 1119 Lake St. Oak Park, Il 60301 Phone: 708-383-1600 jonathan@wellsstreetpopcorn.com |
| Jenny Shepherd, Merchant Member |
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| Term expires: May 2027
Personalization House 127 Marion St. Oak Park, Illinois 60301 Phone: 708-383-4100 jenny@gopersonalize.com |
| Dave Schrodt, Counsel |
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| Chapman and Cutler LLP 111 W. Monroe St. Chicago, Illinois 60603
Phone: 312-845-3702 schrodtlaw@gmail.com |
| Emily Egan, VOP Representative |
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Village of Oak Park Phone: 708-358-5422 EEgan@oak-park.us |