With the recent influx of village enhancements and new business energy, Long Grove is primed to re-emerge this year as one of Illinois’ top “destination towns.” The Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association (HDLGBA) is proud of the role we've played in the amazing turnaround. In addition to organizing annual festivals that drew tens of thousands to Long Grove in 2019, the HDLGBA also placed greater emphasis on fundraising for village revitalization projects and for local organizations that inspire and promote community. Groups we donated to included Long Grove Park District, Long Grove Historical Society, Long Grove Arts and Music Council, Long Grove Lions Club, Rotary Club, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and Kildeer Countryside PTO, among others.
We’ve also championed the local economy by encouraging residents and visitors to support our business neighbors through shopping and dining in downtown Long Grove. None of this could be possible without the leadership and commitment of our board members who donate their time for the greater good of the community. We especially want to thank two outstanding board members whose service tenure ended; Ryan Messner (State Farm) and Marian Ward (Within Reach). “Working with Long Grove and the board has been an amazing experience over the last six years,” Messner said. “We have made and continue to make every effort to update the look and feel while keeping the enduring qualities of our historic downtown. The future looks great for residents and businesses.” As we look ahead now that construction is complete, we can expect to see a revitalized downtown where the charms of historic Long Grove are accentuated by modern comforts like wide new sidewalks, city water and for the first time, street lighting.
Our quaint hamlet has shaken off the dust and is starting on a bright new path forward with the support of an old friend—the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association.
About the Author: Mike Marr, founder and chief brewer at Buffalo Creek Brewing, is president of the group that represents downtown Long Grove businesses.
