Village of Skokie Convenes Economic Recovery Task Force
As Part of Overall COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan
Business and healthcare professionals to provide guidance for Village-wide recovery efforts
The Village of Skokie recently launched its 10-member Economic Recovery Task Force through a Zoom Meeting. The Task Force is co-chaired by Shalom Klein, Chairman of the Village’s Economic Development Commission, and Skokie Chamber President Howard Meyer Commission Vice-Chair. The Task Force is a working group of Skokie business and healthcare community leaders who have volunteered to assist the Village with its response to economic issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately reopening the business community.
Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen welcomed and thanked the volunteers who serve on the Task Force. “We only get one chance to do this and we need to get it right for the sake of protecting our community’s health and the economy we’ve worked so hard over the years to create,” said Mayor Van Dusen. “This is uncharted territory and the Task Force is charged with providing important guidance during this unprecedented public health emergency and economic downturn. My fellow elected officials join me in looking to the Task Force for both short- and long-term strategies. Historically, Skokie’s economy has remained strong in the face of economic challenges, and I have every confidence that this skilled, insightful group will help lead our recovery effort from the current international crisis.”
In addition to providing overall guidance during regular weekly meetings, the Task Force will contribute to the ongoing Economic Recovery Plan that will serve as a guide to the community. Elements of the Economic Recovery Plan include continued business support, reopening guidance, business telephone interviews and online surveys, research and data collection, Village policy and regulatory review as well as a marketing plan to complement existing efforts with recovery-specific activities. The Task Force will not have formal authority to expend Village resources, but may vote on recommendations proposed by Village as the Economic Recovery Plan is developed over the next few months.
During the inaugural meeting, Task Force members reaffirmed that the immediate need is to bring residents, businesses and employees back to the restaurants, shops and services that make Skokie’s business community so diverse and distinctive. In addition, providing guidance on the myriad of financial and other business assistance programs was also given high priority.
In addition to co-chairs Klein and Meyer, Task Force members include Katie Bulgrin, Culver’s of Skokie; David Drehobl, Georgia Nut Co.; Madeleine England, Kneads & Wants Artisan Bakery; Serge Khalimsky, Westfield Old Orchard; Erica Minchella, Attorney; David Rahija, NorthShore University HealthSystem Skokie Hospital; John Terzis, Oakton Financial and Randy Usen, Byline Bank. An interdisciplinary team of Village staff are serving as Task Force liaisons.
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Contact: Len Becker, Economic Development Manager, 847/933-8471 or len.becker@skokie.org