The City of Zion is undergoing significant
change. All around town, new businesses are moving in and
existing businesses are beautifying their storefronts. The
city's economy is growing as the city draws upon its multi-million
dollar non-tax dollar economic development fund.
At the core of this effort to bring in new businesses is
the city's “Zion: Heralding a New Future”
campaign. Tangible results of this campaign can be seen in
the construction of new sidewalks, vintage looking lampposts
and hanging flowerpots downtown. An invisible, but much more
extensive aspect of the “Heralding a New Future”
campaign is the economic development outreach. Our city government
is working overtime to make sure that retailers know that
there's room for commercial growth and that manufacturers
know that there is a ready and able work force available in
Zion.
Some businesses that have recently come to town include:
Applebee's – The new Zion location has exceeded sales
projections in every quarter since opening in October of 2001.
Applebee's has become a genuine part of the neighborhood
by supporting local fundraising efforts and making Zion the
first “TO GO” location in Lake County now offering
call ahead ordering and special pick up parking.
C.J. Coffee House – Locally owned by long time Zion
investors, C.J.'s offers quality hand dipped ice cream,
incredible pastries and a line of gourmet coffees to meet
every taste.
Grand Appliance – Choosing Zion as their new corporate
headquarters and the central distribution facility for all
of the Midwest Grand Appliance stores in 2002, this business
helps place Zion on the map of up and coming light industrial
development in Lake County. This operation also brings new
jobs and retail sales tax revenue to the community.
ALDI Food Stores – Currently located in 16 countries
throughout the world, ALDI has the distinction of never having
closed a single store location. That is all the more reason
for value conscious consumers to celebrate their recent decision
to locate their new 17,000 sq. ft. store in downtown Zion.
Along with new jobs and sales tax revenue ALDI adds another
national name to our growing list of business developers.
Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins – Another nationally recognized
venture is making Zion once again their home at the corner
of Rt. 173 and Sheridan Road. Anticipated opening is February
2003.
7 – 11 – Not the typical gas station/mini-mart
convenience outlet since the Zion location can genuinely boast
that it is the highest provider of Slurpee products in the
entire Lake County area!
Walgreen's – Choosing Zion as a site in their corporate
commitment to make Walgreen's the corner drugstore in
every town in America, the intersection of Rt. 173 and Sheridan
Road has enjoyed a beautiful rebirth. Open until midnight
seven days a week and offering discounts on products for every
health or beauty need, this business heralds a new standard
in site design.
Piggly Wiggly – A regional grocery chain Piggly Wiggly
recently expanded into a beautiful new 25,000 sq. fit. complex
in the K-Mart Plaza offering a full service bakery, deli and
baking operation for your convenience.
China Buffet – Opening spring of 2003 in the historic
downtown business district, China Buffet will offer a full
range of traditional Chinese dishes as well as daily specials
for lunch and dinner.
AutoZone – Another national name located in the downtown
business district, AutoZone provides quality auto parts and
supplies at discounted prices.
Zion has a core of businesses that have become mainstays
over the years. Some of them are:
Ace Hardware & Leader True Value - Family owned in Zion
since 1909
Jewel/Osco – Part of Zion more than 25 years
Big K-Mart -- In Zion over 20 years and the highest sales
producing K-Mart in Lake County.
Midwestern Regional Medical Center and Cancer Treatment Centers
of America - Partnering with Zion for more than 15 years.
The Economic Development department acts as a liaison between
the City Council and various boards and commissions to encourage
business growth in Zion. One such group is the TIF Review
Board that oversees the funds accrued in the three Tax Increment
Financing districts. These TIF districts were established
by the City Council to encourage new development in previously
under appreciating areas. It is the duty of the TIF Review
Board to consider proposed projects for these chosen areas
and determine to what extent they can or will be supported
by the available funds. An approved project developer can
apply for reimbursement for some of the costs related to bringing
a new development to these areas of Zion in exchange for the
increased property value, jobs created or sales taxes generated
by the project. For more information on the TIF districts
please go to the Economic Development pages.
Another group involved with the Economic Development Department
is the Zion Downtown Redevelopment Project (ZDRP) consisting
of the Organizational and Appearance Committees. Through the
leadership of Chairman Paul Bouchard these groups developed
the guidelines for the Façade Grant Program to assist
businesses already located in Zion. The groups also understood
the need to bring new business to our community as well and
visited other cities to determine what works and what doesn't
work in a modern downtown business district. The group also
initiated a survey of desired Zion business from members of
the community and designed a framework of controlled growth
for the main business corridor. Based on the results of their
research the Director of Economic Development has been able
to focus specifically on many of the businesses targeted by
their work. The result is that many of the projects and improvements
the committees determined to be good for Zion have already
been completed.
For more information on the work of the ZDRP and the members
responsible for their success please visit the Economic Development
pages.
The Economic Development Department also oversees the Public
Service and Downtown Maintenance Programs that provide the
personal touches that make a city a genuine community. This
refers to beautiful flowering baskets from May through October
along our main business corridor as well as sweeping, snow
plowing, painting and general repairs for our local business
district and public facilities all year long. These programs
also provide the preparation and after event pick up for parades
and local events such as Nostalgia Days, Gypsy Days and the
Jubilee Days festival. The breathtaking display of Kringle's
Kingdom during the Christmas holiday season is largely the
result of this program and the dedication of Diane Burkemper
and Jim Kelley. For more information on this program or how
you can become involved in these events please visit the Community/Volunteers
page.
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