Thursday, October 22, 2009
Rouso to Appear on WGN-TV
Dean Rouso of Prime Property Partners will appear live on the 11:00 a.m. newscast of the WGN-TV Midday News on Monday, October 26. He will discuss the first time homebuyers federal tax incentive of $8,000 and upcoming deadline of December 1, 2009. Following the segment he will then be a part of an online web chat on wgntv.com for the full hour answering real estate questions.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
LIFE ABOVE LA GRANGE
Melissa Budak of Smothers Realty (324W.Burlington Ave.) had a colorful, playful display for children and families visiting the West End Art Festival.
In addition to promoting her business, she treated visitors all weekend to "Take a Shot at Life Above La Grange" -- which challenged children to match upper floor views of La Grange's downtown from various condo developments in and around the central business district.
The winner of the contest drawing at the festival was Annette Gablin of La Grange
In addition to promoting her business, she treated visitors all weekend to "Take a Shot at Life Above La Grange" -- which challenged children to match upper floor views of La Grange's downtown from various condo developments in and around the central business district.
The winner of the contest drawing at the festival was Annette Gablin of La Grange
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Rouso Named 2009 REALTOR of the Year
Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS, the tenth largest association of REALTORS in the United States, named Dean Rouso, REALTOR of the Year for 2009 at an industry reception August 28.
The designation is one of the highest honors in the real estate industry and recognizes one of the Chicago areas premiere up and coming REALTOR broker-owners. “Dean Rouso exemplifies what it means to be a REALTOR. He has contributed freely of himself and his talents and is committed to excellence in his profession,” said CEO Pam Krieter of Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS.
“This award would not be possible without the support and dedication of my family, staff and REALTORS at Prime Property Partners,” said Rouso upon accepting the award.
While the real estate market has been slow since 2008, Prime Property Partners has seen growth in its business to the tune of 90% in 2009. Rouso attributes this award in part to the cutting edge way he does business. “Real estate is market based, we provide our clients with the statistical data and out of the box thinking that will help them make the right decision about selling or buying a home,” said Rouso.
Rouso’s service at the Illinois REALTOR Association has been as a Director, member of the Finance Committee, Business Issues/License Law Working Group, Strategic Planning and Vice Chair of the Professional Development MIG. At the National Association he is a Director and a member of the Conventional Finance and Lending Committee.
Dean’s dedication and commitment goes beyond the real estate business. He has served as the president of the La Grange Business Association and was honored with its Business Leader of the Year award in 2008. He is also currently serving as chairman of the event committee for the H Foundation’s Goombay Bash fundraiser raising over $3 Million for basic cancer research at Northwestern University.
For more information about Dean Rouso and Prime Property Partners please check out the website www.primeanytime.com To schedule an interview with Dean Rouso, please contact Chris Comes at chris.comes@ripsoncommunications.com or 312-282-0539.
The designation is one of the highest honors in the real estate industry and recognizes one of the Chicago areas premiere up and coming REALTOR broker-owners. “Dean Rouso exemplifies what it means to be a REALTOR. He has contributed freely of himself and his talents and is committed to excellence in his profession,” said CEO Pam Krieter of Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS.
“This award would not be possible without the support and dedication of my family, staff and REALTORS at Prime Property Partners,” said Rouso upon accepting the award.
While the real estate market has been slow since 2008, Prime Property Partners has seen growth in its business to the tune of 90% in 2009. Rouso attributes this award in part to the cutting edge way he does business. “Real estate is market based, we provide our clients with the statistical data and out of the box thinking that will help them make the right decision about selling or buying a home,” said Rouso.
Rouso’s service at the Illinois REALTOR Association has been as a Director, member of the Finance Committee, Business Issues/License Law Working Group, Strategic Planning and Vice Chair of the Professional Development MIG. At the National Association he is a Director and a member of the Conventional Finance and Lending Committee.
Dean’s dedication and commitment goes beyond the real estate business. He has served as the president of the La Grange Business Association and was honored with its Business Leader of the Year award in 2008. He is also currently serving as chairman of the event committee for the H Foundation’s Goombay Bash fundraiser raising over $3 Million for basic cancer research at Northwestern University.
For more information about Dean Rouso and Prime Property Partners please check out the website www.primeanytime.com
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
LGBA LEADERSHIP CHANGES SEPT. 1
Downtown business owner Michael LaPidus spent his last day as president of the La Grange Business Association this past Monday.
Effective Sept. 1, he resigned after six years at the helm of the property and business owner's association, to spend more time getting prepared and running his new business, Q-BBQ, in place of his former Roly Poly Sandwiches franchise he closed last month at 70 S. La Grange Road.
He made his intentions known in a letter to all LGBA members Sept. 1, but only after meeting with his board last week, he said.
"It's bittersweet," he said. "I cannot believe I stayed as long as I did. I wanted to make sure the LGBA could move forward at a different level than it had in years past."
In his e-mailed letter also sent to OnLaGrange.com, LaPidus explained how there has been no other person whom he has relied on more heavily than the woman who will fill his shoes comfortably: Urban Sole proprietor and retail district neighbor Honor Lorenzini.
"Her vision, detailed execution and positive attitude are second to none," LaPidus wrote. They opened their respective businesses at roughly the same time some five years ago.
Lorenzini was unavailable for comment on her first day at the helm.
"Honor, she has a much different leadership style than I do," he said. "She is quiet in front of a microphone, but very forceful in doing things the right way."
He described himself as "very aggressive in trying to change things" and both straight-forward and upfront with colleagues, adding, "I don't back-door anything."
Cindy Lautner will continue as treasurer and filling the role of secretary and vice president will be Ryan Williamson, owner of Horizon Wealth Management on Calendar Court.
Williamson, he stated, "is the future of the LGBA" and is both talented and committed to La Grange.
"I see this new leadership as really going back to the basics with the organization," he said, noting it is tapped out with volunteers. He said it is time to "rethink" the way in which the LGBA is operated.
"We still have to maintain the high-level events we put on," he said, referring to such popular events as the annual Christmas Walk, the Ahhh! La Grange Carnival, the upcoming Halloween Walk and the summer art projects such as this year's Big Picture exhibit.
In addition to its role of advocacy for the business community like endorsing the proposal for the village to financially assist the La Grange Theater owners in a massive renovation project and lobbying against a recent pawn shop proposal, he said the LGBA under his leadership raised more than $90,000 for local charities.
Although some business owners quietly protested his stance against the pawn shop, questioning the fate of other small businesses others may find offensive in the future, he said that issue had nothing at all to do with his departure. He reiterated his leaving is solely to devote time to his new eatery, set to open in mid-September.
"The number one challenge for me stepping aside is the overwhelming experience of opening a new restaurant," he said. "I have to focus all of my time on that for now."
In his letter, he also outlined accomplishments over the years.
"We accomplished a working and expanded relationship with the village on various issues (such as) the discussion on restoring the La Grange Theatre, the new Library building, the YMCA land planning phases, the Park District expansion and many other community centered projects. These developments are critical to the success of our downtown and I am confident that the strength and value of our organization remains vibrant as we head into 2010."
LaPidus "extensively" attributed among the reasons for the success of downtown in recent years to the LGBA board and volunteers .
"We've taken a leadership role in changing some of the marketing initiatives ... and in starting new events n town" that helped raise awareness of La Grange's vibrancy. That work, he said, contrbuted greatly to the Chicago magazine's recent recognition of La Grange as having the "Best Downtown" in the metropolitan area.
"We've dealt with some pretty controversial issues when other people stayed quiet," he said.
The next public meeting of the LGBA is at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Palmer Place.
Effective Sept. 1, he resigned after six years at the helm of the property and business owner's association, to spend more time getting prepared and running his new business, Q-BBQ, in place of his former Roly Poly Sandwiches franchise he closed last month at 70 S. La Grange Road.
He made his intentions known in a letter to all LGBA members Sept. 1, but only after meeting with his board last week, he said.
"It's bittersweet," he said. "I cannot believe I stayed as long as I did. I wanted to make sure the LGBA could move forward at a different level than it had in years past."
In his e-mailed letter also sent to OnLaGrange.com, LaPidus explained how there has been no other person whom he has relied on more heavily than the woman who will fill his shoes comfortably: Urban Sole proprietor and retail district neighbor Honor Lorenzini.
"Her vision, detailed execution and positive attitude are second to none," LaPidus wrote. They opened their respective businesses at roughly the same time some five years ago.
Lorenzini was unavailable for comment on her first day at the helm.
"Honor, she has a much different leadership style than I do," he said. "She is quiet in front of a microphone, but very forceful in doing things the right way."
He described himself as "very aggressive in trying to change things" and both straight-forward and upfront with colleagues, adding, "I don't back-door anything."
Cindy Lautner will continue as treasurer and filling the role of secretary and vice president will be Ryan Williamson, owner of Horizon Wealth Management on Calendar Court.
Williamson, he stated, "is the future of the LGBA" and is both talented and committed to La Grange.
"I see this new leadership as really going back to the basics with the organization," he said, noting it is tapped out with volunteers. He said it is time to "rethink" the way in which the LGBA is operated.
"We still have to maintain the high-level events we put on," he said, referring to such popular events as the annual Christmas Walk, the Ahhh! La Grange Carnival, the upcoming Halloween Walk and the summer art projects such as this year's Big Picture exhibit.
In addition to its role of advocacy for the business community like endorsing the proposal for the village to financially assist the La Grange Theater owners in a massive renovation project and lobbying against a recent pawn shop proposal, he said the LGBA under his leadership raised more than $90,000 for local charities.
Although some business owners quietly protested his stance against the pawn shop, questioning the fate of other small businesses others may find offensive in the future, he said that issue had nothing at all to do with his departure. He reiterated his leaving is solely to devote time to his new eatery, set to open in mid-September.
"The number one challenge for me stepping aside is the overwhelming experience of opening a new restaurant," he said. "I have to focus all of my time on that for now."
In his letter, he also outlined accomplishments over the years.
"We accomplished a working and expanded relationship with the village on various issues (such as) the discussion on restoring the La Grange Theatre, the new Library building, the YMCA land planning phases, the Park District expansion and many other community centered projects. These developments are critical to the success of our downtown and I am confident that the strength and value of our organization remains vibrant as we head into 2010."
LaPidus "extensively" attributed among the reasons for the success of downtown in recent years to the LGBA board and volunteers .
"We've taken a leadership role in changing some of the marketing initiatives ... and in starting new events n town" that helped raise awareness of La Grange's vibrancy. That work, he said, contrbuted greatly to the Chicago magazine's recent recognition of La Grange as having the "Best Downtown" in the metropolitan area.
"We've dealt with some pretty controversial issues when other people stayed quiet," he said.
The next public meeting of the LGBA is at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Palmer Place.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
AURELIO'S STEPS BACK IN TIME
The last thing a business owner wants to do in a down economy is lose money, but the owners of Aurelio's pizzeria in downtown La Grange did just that last week.
Although nobody was seen in hoop skirts or bobby socks on Calendar Court on the night of Aug. 20, new and (15-month) old customers filled the sit-down restaurant and bar to the gills that evening to enjoy circa-1959 menu prices.
The event, held throughout the 43-store chain, was celebrating founder Joe Aurelio's first restaurant in the south suburbs, which remains in business today. The La Grange store, which opened in the middle of a deteriorating economy in the summer of 2008, still packs the place regularly -- leaving its competitors in the dust.
And though the owner admitted to taking a bit of a financial hit to carry out the promotion, it seemed to prove at least one good thing: that customers know a good thing when they see it and take on a certain loyalty to that business. Some newcomers, we believe, just don't seem to understand.
In our own informal poll of waitstaff that evening, we found out the loyal customer base ponied up reasonable and realistic tips based on the fact their biggest thin crust, for example, cost them about one-fifth of what it usually does (say five or six bucks for a minimum $25 pie).
But many of those who heard about the promotion and appeared to be first-time customers
especially enjoyed leaving 1950's style gratuities (say a buck-80 for a $12 pizza order that would normally run them about 40 bucks). Go figure.
But that's business and life goes on. Hope for the best, but expect the worst, I always say.
Every member of the waitstaff I have met there seems to understand tips are a treat and vary from person to person. They even act like they don't care what people leave. Some businesses boldly stick the tip jar in your face as you order or even include it on the bill. Not here.
Aurelio's staff is courteous, friendly and really gets to know their customers. In the spirit of full disclosure, I am among them. This is no endorsement based on a favor to advertisers (of which they are not), but when an owner delivers orders to the table, and frequently also cleans the table when you leave, that puts a smile on your face.
And in a down economy, that's just what people need: a much-deserved pick-me-up. Ross and Co. provide just that.
Although nobody was seen in hoop skirts or bobby socks on Calendar Court on the night of Aug. 20, new and (15-month) old customers filled the sit-down restaurant and bar to the gills that evening to enjoy circa-1959 menu prices.
The event, held throughout the 43-store chain, was celebrating founder Joe Aurelio's first restaurant in the south suburbs, which remains in business today. The La Grange store, which opened in the middle of a deteriorating economy in the summer of 2008, still packs the place regularly -- leaving its competitors in the dust.
And though the owner admitted to taking a bit of a financial hit to carry out the promotion, it seemed to prove at least one good thing: that customers know a good thing when they see it and take on a certain loyalty to that business. Some newcomers, we believe, just don't seem to understand.
In our own informal poll of waitstaff that evening, we found out the loyal customer base ponied up reasonable and realistic tips based on the fact their biggest thin crust, for example, cost them about one-fifth of what it usually does (say five or six bucks for a minimum $25 pie).
But many of those who heard about the promotion and appeared to be first-time customers
especially enjoyed leaving 1950's style gratuities (say a buck-80 for a $12 pizza order that would normally run them about 40 bucks). Go figure.
But that's business and life goes on. Hope for the best, but expect the worst, I always say.
Every member of the waitstaff I have met there seems to understand tips are a treat and vary from person to person. They even act like they don't care what people leave. Some businesses boldly stick the tip jar in your face as you order or even include it on the bill. Not here.
Aurelio's staff is courteous, friendly and really gets to know their customers. In the spirit of full disclosure, I am among them. This is no endorsement based on a favor to advertisers (of which they are not), but when an owner delivers orders to the table, and frequently also cleans the table when you leave, that puts a smile on your face.
And in a down economy, that's just what people need: a much-deserved pick-me-up. Ross and Co. provide just that.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
PIZZA IN LA GRANGE AT 1950'S PRICES?!?
Customers of Aurelio's Pizza, 11 Calendar Court, in La Grange's downtown business district will likely be shocked when they visit the popular Italian eatery on Thursday, Aug. 20 -- or so we hear.
Seems that is the very day chain owner Joe Aurelio opened up his first restaurant in south suburban Homewood, way back in 1959.
It was a big secret until today, when we heard the La Grange Aurelio's will be scaling back prices to the way they were in '59. On what and by how much, we don't know yet. C'mon Ross, spill the beans!
We'll have to see what kind of crowds will show up at the already frequently packed pizzeria Thursday ... and what kind of deals are in store.
Talk about an economic stimulus package.
Seems that is the very day chain owner Joe Aurelio opened up his first restaurant in south suburban Homewood, way back in 1959.
It was a big secret until today, when we heard the La Grange Aurelio's will be scaling back prices to the way they were in '59. On what and by how much, we don't know yet. C'mon Ross, spill the beans!
We'll have to see what kind of crowds will show up at the already frequently packed pizzeria Thursday ... and what kind of deals are in store.
Talk about an economic stimulus package.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Fifth Annual Fudge for Soldiers
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factorys of LaGrange and Orland Park, IL, LOVES our soldiers. We love the freedom the soldiers provide, and we appreciate their efforts.
Starting July 1, 2009, when a customer buys one pound of our hand-made creamy fudge that we make fresh in our store, we will be sending ONE POUND overseas to our soldiers starting in November. When asked why are you waiting so long to ship the fudge, store owner, Jean Kuhn, replied, “We could ship it now because fudge doesn’t melt, however we wanted to ship it closer to the holidays. We are running this promotion in July only. This will give us hundreds of pounds of fudge to ship. We will be shipping the fudge through Operation Support Our Troops Illinois.” www.osotil.com.
The two RMCF stores are keeping a tally board in the store so customers can see how much fudge we will be sending.
“This is the fifth year that we have been running this promotion,” said Kuhn. “We have sent over 1300 pounds of fudge so far. Our goal is to send 300 pounds this year.”
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is a retail chocolate store that specializes in hand-made fudge that we make right in the store, along with 20 varieties of caramel apples, and fine chocolates. We are located in downtown LaGrange, and inside the Orland Square Mall, upstairs entrance, by Macy’s. Both Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores offer chocolate fundraising programs, as well as corporate gift baskets.
For more information please contact the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory of LaGrange: 708-352-6487 and Orland Park: 708-349-2063
Starting July 1, 2009, when a customer buys one pound of our hand-made creamy fudge that we make fresh in our store, we will be sending ONE POUND overseas to our soldiers starting in November. When asked why are you waiting so long to ship the fudge, store owner, Jean Kuhn, replied, “We could ship it now because fudge doesn’t melt, however we wanted to ship it closer to the holidays. We are running this promotion in July only. This will give us hundreds of pounds of fudge to ship. We will be shipping the fudge through Operation Support Our Troops Illinois.” www.osotil.com.
The two RMCF stores are keeping a tally board in the store so customers can see how much fudge we will be sending.
“This is the fifth year that we have been running this promotion,” said Kuhn. “We have sent over 1300 pounds of fudge so far. Our goal is to send 300 pounds this year.”
The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is a retail chocolate store that specializes in hand-made fudge that we make right in the store, along with 20 varieties of caramel apples, and fine chocolates. We are located in downtown LaGrange, and inside the Orland Square Mall, upstairs entrance, by Macy’s. Both Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory stores offer chocolate fundraising programs, as well as corporate gift baskets.
For more information please contact the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory of LaGrange: 708-352-6487 and Orland Park: 708-349-2063
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