MainStreet Libertyville honors volunteers at annual meeting

MainStreet Libertyville recently recognized a few of its outstanding volunteers at its annual meeting on May 9.

Honorees included Claire Lowell, Margaret Fields, Mike Main (Ardens Furniture), Anne Scott, David and Sandra Whitmore, Sonja Velins, Bob and Helene Killackey, George and Christina Karahalios (Townee Square Restaurant), Debi Ward and Brooke Bechtold.

Volunteer of the Year (also known as the Mike Godwin Award named in memory of a past dedicated board of director), was bestowed on Dave Verbeten, ActionCOACH, who has been one of the leading moderators for the past year in the Growth Club, an educational business enhancement roundtable series for MainStreet business members.

Dave stated upon receiving the award, “I am deeply honored to have been recognized by MainStreet Libertyville, particularly being associated with so many other people that have contributed to the MainStreet mission. My objective has simply been to make a significant positive impact on the local business community. I thank MainStreet for allowing me the opportunity to pursue that objective.”

This year also marked the introduction of the Dom Lentini award, in memoriam of a longtime downtown business owner who was an avid supporter of the MainStreet Libertyville program. This award is given to a downtown business owner for their exceptional leadership and dedication in the promotion and benefit of the downtown community following the principles of the MainStreet Libertyville organization.

The first recipient, Brian Grano, owner of Mickey Finn's Brewery and Pub said, “I loved Dom, knew him way before I got involved with Mickey Finn's. He epitomized everything a good and responsible shop owner should be … hardworking consistent, brutally honest and caring for his customers and his town. I'm very honored.”

MainStreet Libertyville is a downtown volunteer based non-profit organization who hosts over 55 days of events during the year. Its mission is to enhance the community identity and heritage, to foster a center of activity and to ensure economic stability in the heart of Libertyville through concentrated efforts of design, promotion, organization and economic revitalization.