Wheeling seeks new economic development director before July 4

While he's overseen developments like the Westin Hotel, James Lang thinks one of his biggest accomplishments as economic development director for Wheeling was bringing in Superdawg.

"When that happened, it was like I had invented the dollar bill," Lang said. "I've come to appreciate Superdawg in the year that I've worked with the Berman family."

The hot dog franchise is expected to open next year at 335 S. Milwaukee Ave.

Lang's last day in Wheeling is today. He announced earlier this month he is taking a job in the private section. He did not disclose where because he said the final details are being worked out.

"I've been in government my entire life, but the opportunity presented itself," he said. "It was a good fit for me."

The Texas native moved to Illinois 10 years ago and has been working for Wheeling for more than five years. He started out in the public relations post and added the responsibilities of economic development two years ago when the department was eradicated.

At the time, the duties were spread to him and a couple others. He was promoted to director of the newly functioning department late in 2006.

Besides bringing in Superdawg, Lang said he's also proud of work on Restaurant Row, especially the soon-to-be-added Tilted Kilt and Cooper's Hawk restaurants.

"It's kind of cool to be the guy who brings the first of something to the entire state," he said, referring to Tilted Kilt, a sports pub and eatery.

The Wheeling Web site has a job listing for the economic development post, which Village Manager Mark Rooney said he hopes to fill by the Fourth of July.

Rooney said the village will consider internal candidates for the position, too. The public relations job may be filtered to an outside firm.

He said the town has many projects to keep a new director busy, such as the Kmart and Wickes properties, as well as other smaller projects throughout town.

"Wheeling's changed so much in my tenure here," Lang said. "There are tangible changes that the common person driving down the road can see. Wheeling's doing a lot and I'm just really proud of that."