Car shows could be vehicle to boost local business in Morton Grove

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Updated: February 27, 2012 8:05AM

After reviewing the fruits of its 2011 labors, the Morton Grove Economic Development Commission is on a mission to make improvements.

“We need to look beyond what we did last year and think of ways to better promote the business community,” said Chairman David Lewis at the Jan. 16 commission meeting.

Up for review were the trio of car shows, the business-awards program, the two pet-adoption events and the health expo.

Also discussed was the real-estate luncheon that was put on hold until improvements to Dempster Street were completed.

Trustee William Grear, who serves as village-board liaison to the commission, suggested members keep events to a manageable amount.

“You don’t want too much overload,” he said, noting he was expressing the wishes of the village board. “Five is a good number” of events.

Grear said by taking on more events the commission runs the risk of tiring out its volunteer members.

Evoking the most discussion at the commission meeting was improving the inaugural car-show program that was held at Village Plaza just west of Harlem Avenue on Dempster Street.

Lewis said the commission should consider moving the days of the car show to Fridays from Thursdays, with the Memorial Day weekend serving as the 2012 opening.

“Our original concern was that Morton Grove would compete with Palatine’s Friday show,” he said. “At the last car show (in August,) the problem was we had too many cars, if you could call that a problem.”

The number of entries was about 200.

By moving the car shows to Friday, Lewis estimated that after talking to car owners the village could double the attendance.

He also suggested establishing parameters regarding the age a vehicle can be to enter.

“It’s just something to consider,” he said. “This is a classic and antique car show, and we should stick with that.”

Lewis also suggested holding the shows twice a month.

“Maybe even set up a row of Morton Grove auto-related businesses,” he said.

“But we must be thorough and make sure we touch all relevant businesses,” Grear interjected. “We don’t want to miss anyone.”

Lewis said this year he would like to commission to concentrate on convincing property owners and store managers that the shows are good for business.

“Maybe they could hold sidewalk sales or have in-store specials,” he said. “Something to entice people into the stores.”

Lewis also suggested the Economic Development Commission consider improving parking management and traffic flow by working with the village’s Emergency Management Agency.

John Said, director of community and economic development, said he had spoken with John Hill, coordinator of the volunteer agency, who is willing to work with the commission.