Group helps keep downtown Naperville at top of its game

What attracted you to Naperville in the first place? Schools? North Central College? A job? Good value? Commute to Chicago?

If you're a transplant as I am, the charm of downtown Naperville with Naper Settlement and the Riverwalk likely attracted you, too.

If you're a Naperville native, thanks!

Thanks for your part in creating a walkable place for a population peppered with can-do spirit. It's remarkable how quickly this one-time farming community grew, crossing generations to become a bustling metropolis where more than 145,000 of us live, work, shop, play and care.

Whenever I overhear a longtime resident grumble about newcomers, I'm tempted to say we've done our part to boost the local economy by supporting businesses owned by Naperville entrepreneurs throughout town. I agree that some of us can be overbearing. But it's not always newcomers who push for more.

Many of us are practical folks. We support seeking solutions to traffic congestion, taking care of infrastructure and maintaining the public amenities we have at a high standard, focusing on careful economic development now that build-out is so close. And did I mention supporting private enterprise?

When our family moved here in 1993, the posted population was 89,000. Nothing stays stagnant here for long. Residing in an ever-evolving culture that welcomes volunteers, innovation and creative opportunities definitely keeps us moving forward - if not frustrated at times - trying to pay attention.

Of course, downtown Naperville is always changing, too, as are shopping patterns.

Along with growth comes challenges to market downtown's array of inviting shops and restaurants, while trying to balance that "hometown feeling" we cherish in the fifth-largest city in Illinois.

Downtown Alliance

Paul Junkroski recently was elected chairman of the Downtown Naperville Alliance. The new leader of the volunteer group of downtown business and property owners said last week their search team had hired a new executive director, too.

Junkroski, who retired in 2006 after 32 years of teaching, is now involved full-time with Roseland Draperies and Interiors.

"Mary Ann (his wife) and Betty (Betty Kozlowski, her partner) are celebrating 25 years at their downtown location," he said. "I used to kid that I was in charge of light bulbs and trash bags, but since I retired, I've been promoted to help with anything - including DNA."

Junkroski notes plenty of changes, too. And he's not one to be an armchair quarterback.

"In many ways, we've created a downtown that arguably is among the best in the country," he said. "I thought we were becoming complacent about bringing in shoppers ... How could I sit back and express my opinion that the downtown needed certain things and not be willing to help?"

In July the DNA advertised for an executive director. The group received 175 applications - and after the deadline more have arrived at its office in the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce suite in the Main Street Promenade.

"We were prepared to find the right person - someone with a strong retail marketing background and communication skills," said Junkroski. "If we didn't, we'd start over and go through the process again."

Enter Katie Wood, who officially begins as DNA executive director on Sept. 2.

When we met Thursday, I recognized Wood from her involvement with Hometown Holidays last year.

The 10-year Naperville resident with 20 years of retail marketing experience is married with three sons, ages 16, 14 and 12. While she's devoted recent years toward raising her family, Wood said she's kept pace as a marketing consultant for new business initiatives via different ad agencies.

Her first priorities are Hometown Holidays and a plan for a "great shopping season and a vibrant 2009 calendar."

"I'm just delighted to be taking the helm at the DNA, working with a great team and Paul," she said. "Great strides have been made throughout the years with different tactics to reach consumers near and far."

Wood says she's eager for a chance to attract "even more consumers to the best place to shop."

Park near Riverwalk

Saturday I was absolutely joyful watching the wrap up of Riverwalk Phase I Rehabilitation project. The surface parking lot at Main and Jackson is nearly cleared for Last Fling this weekend.

The rededication ceremony for Phase I is slated for 4:30 p.m. September 15.

And I'm looking forward to pulling into my favorite downtown parking spot once again.

Stephanie Penick writes about Naperville. Contact her at spennydh@aol.com.