Berwyn, IL April 21, 2010- It
was an incredible evening of renewing old friends and making new ones as The
Board of Directors of Berwyn Main Street hosted their first networking event on
Cermak Road.
The event was hosted by Pierre’s Bakery on Wednesday evening and the
venue played host to local elected officials and business owners from both
Cermak Road and abroad. The theme for the evening was Berwyn Main
Street: Past, Present and Future.
The evening’s program began with a welcome by Alex Palacios, owner
of Pierre’s, followed by a few words from BMS Board Member Alma Rodriguez.
“The Berwyn Main Street’s mission is to
stimulate and promote the revitalization and preservation of the Cermak Road
Corridor while fostering economic development and encouraging community
partnerships, by having networking events like this one, we strive to
accomplish our mission statement and work towards a vision of which
Cermak Road will be the economic, cultural, entertainment and tourism corridor
providing a thriving and historic center for working, shopping and recreation,”
shared Rodriguez.
There was an introduction of the local
officials which was officiated by BMS Board Member Mario Lavorato.
“Berwyn Main Street would not be the success
that it is today without the great relationship we have with a lot of people
who are present in this room this evening,” shared Lavorato.
Lavorato then went on to introduce Mayor Robert
Lovero to the podium.
Lovero thanked the efforts of the BMS Board,
its Executive Director Dario Solono and all of the volunteers who are helping
to restore Cermak Road to its grandeur.
“Cermak road is vital to the growth and
stability of The City of Berwyn. We have gone as far as the Czech Republic
to bring new business to Berwyn,” shared Lovero.
Following Lovero’s very passionate speech was
Berwyn Alderman and President of BMS Michele Skryd.
Skryd said, “We will strive to make BMS an effective public-private
partnership for economic development and community renewal. We are
committed to our mission statement and with dedicated board members and
volunteers we will bring our vision statement into reality - that Cermak Road
will be a more vibrant place to Shop, Dine, and Explore.”
The happiness turned into a bit of sadness when Skryd announced that
she would be stepping down as BMS’s first President. She did, however,
agree to stay on as a board member.
Skryd went on to say, “I have served on the board since the concept
of Berwyn joining the IMS program in 2006. At the election of officers I became
the first President. I have grown with the program, and feel lucky to be
a part of its ongoing mission.”
Skryd ended her remarks by introducing the new President of BMS,
Alma Ortiz, who is VP at Harris Bank in Berwyn.
Ortiz shared, “I feel that each of you play a critical role in our
success. The City of Berwyn and Berwyn Main Street acknowledge the
business owners for providing quality products and services to the residents
and visitors of Berwyn. I encourage you all to embrace and welcome
change, collaborate and get to know each other. We should share knowledge
and ideas so we can continue to grow and prosper together.”
The evening was capped of with networking among civic and business
leaders as BMS moves in to a bright, successful future.
