2023 The State of La Grange

We're delighted to host an outstanding panel of decision-makers at an exclusive lunchtime discussion on the economic outlook for La Grange. These civic and business leaders will share their insights on the issues and actions that could affect your business in the year ahead.  Equip yourself with the information and the resources to help your business be more proactive and profitable.

Our panel of business leaders include:

Mark Kuchler
Village President, Village of La Grange
Mark is the Village President of La Grange where he has served in this current role since February 2020. Previously, Mark served as a Village Trustee since 2007.  President Kuchler currently serves on the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) Council of Mayors Executive Committee, representing the West Central Municipal Conference. In this role, Mark serves to formalize and strengthen the input from the region's municipalities regarding regional transportation planning and programming decisions. Mark is a founding partner at the trial law firm Ronaldson & Kuchler in Chicago and is also a certified public accountant.  His background in law and accounting has helped individuals and corporations in professional liability cases arising from accounting malpractice, legal malpractice, and medical/hospital malpractice. Mark has also served as Legal Advisor to the Office of The Illinois State Comptroller's Merit Commission and is a Hearing Officer for the Illinois Motor Vehicle Review Board. Mark is a long-time resident of La Grange, where he and his wife have raised four children.

Leslie McGranahan
Vice President and Director of Regional Research, Community Development and Policy Studies, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago
Leslie's primary research interests relate to the effects of federal, state, and local government policy on individuals and households. She has written about numerous government programs, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, and the sales tax. She also closely follows regional and national developments in government spending and revenues. 

Annie Coakley
Executive Director, Visit Oak Park
Visit Oak Park is the state-certified convention and visitors bureau for Western Cook County, representing the communities of Bellwood, Berkeley, Berwyn, Broadview, Brookfield, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Hillside, La Grange, La Grange Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, North Riverside, Oak Park, River Forest, River Grove, Riverside, Schiller Park, Westchester and Western Springs. Previously, Annie was the Director of Downtown Evanston where she was primarily responsible for keeping the district clean and well marketed as well as retaining and attracting businesses. Annie has also worked for the City of Chicago's Department of Planning and Development where she managed and coordinated a wide range of programs to attract, retain and support the growth of businesses throughout Chicago.
  
Ute Westphal, MBA
Program Manager | Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The Business Development Center strives to advance the practice of business ownership to stimulate economic growth and development through new company formation and growth. IIn her role, Ute advises business owners in all questions concerning incorporating, business model, financials, marketing and organizational structures. Her responsibilities include creating and conducting workshops and developing SBCD services into new geographical areas. 

Don't miss this valuable forum for business owners, presented by our sponsor, Ryan Williamson of Horizon Wealth Management.

Let us give you the tools you need to run your business in 2024. Come network - and learn - with us. Seating is limited; please don't delay in registering for this important discussion.