Letter: Support Small Business By Voting Yes To D113A Referendum

This letter was submitted to the editor and was written by Jason Berry.

We can support small business by supporting Lemont-Bromberek School District 113A

Lemont residents have done so much to “shop small,” particularly through the challenges of this past year. The many merchants I work with are grateful to be a part of this amazing community. For small business, support for the District 113A referendum is an economic development investment in Lemont.

There is a well-known adage in commercial development: retail follows rooftops. Lemont’s steady, sustainable growth has become a red-hot real estate market for new and existing homes, and that has caught the attention of small business owners and commercial brokers. Desirable demographics have entrepreneurs looking to bring new business to the village, and great schools are why so many move to Lemont. Top schools support economic growth.

Lemont is lively with “location, location, location.” Support for the District 113A referendum will allow the school board to reopen Central School, a landmark in the Lemont community. Given the school’s proximity to downtown Lemont, new life at Central School will bring additional vibrancy to the historic heart of town. Offering full-day kindergarten ensures that Lemont remains a destination for young families, who contribute to a growing economy and incredible quality of Place.

Supporting a school district’s investment in their schools is as important as investing in our own homes. Support for District 113A signals to business owners that residents are dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life. It is an understanding that the community will invest in its own future just as surely as merchants invest in theirs. When we make a community an attractive place to invest, we see a return on that investment in the form of desirable shopping areas, a dynamic downtown, and a variety of small shops, merchants, restaurants and more.

Lemont’s moms and pops are needed to support our mom-and-pop businesses! Support small business in Lemont by supporting School District 113A. It is an investment that makes business sense for Lemont.

Jason Berry, American Institute of Certified Planners