The Media is invited to send reporters and cameras to cover "State of The Parks" by City of Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury and Village of Machesney Park Mayor Steve Johnson on Wednesday, October 19 at 4:30 PM at Forest Hills Country Club (5135 Forest Hills Road).

The schedule is as follows:

4:00 PM: Networking Begins
4:30 PM: Welcome by The Parks Chamber Executive Director Tonya Lamia and Remarks by Immediate Past Chairman of the Board Craig Carlson and new Chairman of the Board Mike Broski
4:45 PM: “State of the City” by Mayor Greg Jury
5:00 PM: "Sate of the Village" by Mayor Steve Johnson
5:15 PM: Networking Resumes

This is the ninth of ten events as part of The Parks Chamber Legislative Event Series and is also the Annual Meeting of The Parks Chamber of Commerce.

"The Parks Chamber is the local business organization for the City of Loves Park and the Village of Machesney Park, and we're proud that the Mayors from both municipalities and their top Administrators all serve on our Board of Directors," said The Parks Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tonya Lamia. "With the start of our new fiscal year on October 1, we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our Annual Meeting than by having our Mayors present their 'State of The Parks' updates to highlight current initiatives and recent successes in our community."

The primary goal of The Parks Chamber Legislative Event Series is to connect the local business community with legislative and government leaders so we can hear from them directly. Events are held on the third Wednesday of every month from February through November from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Forest Hills Country Club. Each event also features Informational Tables by federal, state, and local organizations that offer FREE and confidential services to businesses and entrepreneurs, including the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), The Workforce Connection, and the U.S. Commercial Service.

Photos and videos of past events as part of The Parks Chamber Legislative Event Series are available online at ParksChamber.com/gallery.

ABOUT MAYOR GREG JURY

Mayor Jury was sworn in on May 1, 2017 to become the 9th Mayor of the City of Loves Park. He has served Loves Park since 1999 as Alderman for the 1st Ward prior to being elected Mayor. Mayor Jury is a Harlem High School graduate, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree at Loras College, and he is a lifelong resident of Loves Park. His entry into public service as an Alderman was driven by both his desire to serve his community and his focus on ensuring that individuals in elected positions are advocating for the business community while also providing real, fiscal oversight for the citizens. Public safety for the residents and businesses of Loves Park is one of Mayor Jury’s top priorities. This has been demonstrated by his public support of the City’s Police and Fire Departments. Mayor Jury is also a strong taxpayer advocate, working to ensure that Loves Park never has a municipal property tax by continually creating opportunities for retail sale tax growth and striving to make the City of Loves Park a business friendly community.

ABOUT MAYOR STEVE JOHNSON

Mayor Steve Johnson has served as an elected official in Machesney Park since 2005. He served ten years as Village Treasurer and two years as Village Trustee for District 2 before being elected Village President in April 2017. Mayor Johnson is happily married to his wife Diana, and he often travels to the southwest suburbs to visit his son’s family. Aside from public service, Mayor Johnson worked 44 years as a Pharmacist, 24 years of which were for CVS Pharmacy. Mayor Johnson is deeply devoted to Machesney Park, its schools, and service organizations, especially those serving veterans and retired folks.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tonya Lamia

815.997.3724

tonya@ParksChamber.com

UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE SERIES

www.parkschamber.com/legislative-event-series-2022

NOV 16

“State of The Park District”

Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine