Tinley Park Lauded for Economic Development Efforts, Organization

Tinley Park has become the first city in Illinois with an accredited economic development organization through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), according to a report. 

Jeff Finkle, President and CEO of the IEDC in Washington, D.C., presented the recognition to Tinley Park Mayor Ed Zabrocki and Trustee David Seaman during the annual Tinley Park Business Breakfast on May 7.

"Tinley Park has an exemplary economic development program … displaying the professionalism, commitment and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor," Finkle said.

In the accreditation review, the Village’s economic development program was recognized for achieving significant business development success, maintaining a clear development policy for more than 40 years, securing sustainable economic diversity, and operating with cost efficiency.

The AEDO comprehensive peer review process measured Tinley Park against best practice standards in the profession.

"Accreditation demonstrates that Tinley Park economic development is meeting the benchmarks of excellence our businesses and citizens deserve," Seaman said.

During the Business Breakfast, which was attended by nearly 300 people, Mayor Zabrocki presented the annual “State of the Village Business Climate” report. He highlighted the significant infrastructure improvements and Village fiscal policies that are supporting a strong business environment.

Trustee Seaman focused on the 61 new businesses and 740 new jobs created in Tinley Park over the past year, including new investments by Anvil International and UGN Corporate Headquarters. Seaman said an increase in total building permits and commercial permits, in addition to a continuing low vacancy rate, are evidence that Tinley Park has recovered from the recession.

Trustee Seaman also explained how the home rule sales tax provides a needed budget rebalancing that places less emphasis on property tax revenue.

Rick Mattoon, a senior economist with the Federal Reserve of Chicago, provided an Economic Outlook report. He pointed out that the national economy is improving for consumers and businesses, but the Illinois and Chicago metro economy could be hindered by pension obligations and a structural budget gap.

Mattoon also suggested that Tinley Park (and other similar suburbs) can continue to have economic strength through conservative fiscal management, support of the U.S. growth in advanced manufacturing, and a focus on economic sector diversity.

The annual Business Breakfast is always held on the first Wednesday in May and is sponsored by the Tinley Park Economic and Commercial Commission.

A video of the event will be available soon on Tinley Park Television, which broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week on Comcast Channel 4 and U-Verse Channel 99.